Decisions

The Panel granted consent to Section 4.56 Application Number D/2015/661/D subject to the amendment of the following conditions, with modifications shown in bold italics (additions) and strikethrough (deletions) as follows:

(2)       APPROVED STAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT

(a)       Development consent is limited to a Stage 1 Concept Plan building envelope and land uses within this envelope, in accordance with Development Application No. D/2015/661, dated 19 May 2015 and the following drawings:

 

Drawing Number	Architect	Date
AD-DA100	Scott Carver	15 December 2015
AD-DA101	Scott Carver	15 December 2015
AD-DA110	Scott Carver	15 December 2015
AD-DA111	Scott Carver	15 December 2015
AD-DA112	Scott Carver	15 December 2015

 

         and as amended by the following plans prepared by Durbach Block Jaggers:

Drawing Number	Title	Date
DA100 S455 100 Rev 3 4 5	Building Envelope – Lower Level	30.06.21 7.08.23 17.12.24
DA101 S455 101 Rev 3 5 6	Building Envelope – Upper Level	30.06.21 7.08.23 17.12.24
DA110 S455 110 Rev 3 5 6	Building Envelope – Pitt Street Elevation	30.06.21 7.08.23 17.12.24
DA111 S455 111 Rev 3 4 5	Building Envelope – Section East West	30.06.21 7.08.23 17.12.24
DA112 S455 112 Rev 3 4 5	Building Envelope – Section North South	30.06.21 7.08.23 17.12.24

and as amended by the conditions of this consent.

(b)       In the event of any inconsistency between the approved plans and supplementary documentation, the plans will prevail.

 

(6)     BUILDING HEIGHT

The maximum height of any future building on the site must not exceed RL 115.460 (AHD) with the lift overrun and motor room not to exceed RL 121.110 (AHD) 123.100 (AHD).

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The site is located within a locality that provides a broad mix of commercial and residential land uses. The development is consistent with the objectives of the SP5 Metropolitan Centre Zone in that it provides for the pre-eminent role of business, office, retail, entertainment and tourist premises, promotes the efficient and orderly development of land in a compact urban centre.

(B)      The development to which the proposed modification relates is substantially the same as that originally granted, and as amended with consent by subsequent modification applications.

(C)      The proposal generally satisfies the objectives and provisions of the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 including Clause 6.21C Design excellence and Clause 6.17   Sun access planes.

(D)      The proposed amendments will not significantly increase environmental impacts resulting from the development for neighbouring residential properties.

Carried unanimously.

D/2015/661/D

The Panel granted consent to Development Application Number D/2024/868 subject to the conditions set out in Attachment A to the subject report.

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The proposal satisfies the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in that, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions as recommended, it achieves the objectives of the planning controls for the site for the reasons outlined in the report to the Local Planning Panel.

(B)      The proposal generally satisfies the objectives and provisions of the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 and Sydney Development Control Plan 2012.

(C)      The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the SP5 Metropolitan Centre, SP2 Infrastructure (Classified Road) and RE1 Public Recreation zones.

(D)      The proposed development has acceptable impacts on the heritage significance of heritage items within the development site. The development is in accordance with the aims and objectives for heritage conservation provided in Clause 5.10 of the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012.

(E)      The proposal maintains appropriate access and use of the road network and improves opportunities for walking and cycling around the site and is consistent with the aims of the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 relating to maintaining the road network and improving the pedestrian and cyclist network.

(F)      The proposed development is unlikely to result in any significant adverse environmental or amenity impacts on surrounding properties, the public domain, and the broader Central Sydney locality, subject to conditions.

(G)      The public interest is served by the approval of the proposal, as amendments to the development application have addressed the matters raised by the City and the community, subject to recommended conditions imposed relating to heritage conservation, acoustic amenity, road design and access and event management.

Carried unanimously.

D/2024/868

The Panel granted consent to Development Application Number D/2025/386 subject to the conditions set out in Attachment A to the subject report.

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The proposal has been assessed against the aims and objectives of the relevant planning controls including the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP), the Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 (DCP), and the applicable Environmental Planning Instruments, and complies.

(B)      The development is permissible with consent in the R1 General Residential Zone and SP2 Classified Zone. The proposal is consistent with previous uses of the site for markets, events and public exhibitions.

(C)      The proposal will not detrimentally impact on the heritage significance of the heritage items known as 'Former Electrical substation (No.6) including interior' (I400) and 'Underground lavatory including interior' (I401).

(D)      The development is considered consistent with the character of the Taylor Square and Darlinghurst Civic Precinct locality, and the East Sydney and Oxford Street heritage conservation areas.

(E)      Suitable conditions of consent are recommended to address any impacts.

Carried unanimously.

D/2025/386

The Panel granted consent to Development Application Number D/2025/399 subject to the conditions set out in Attachment A to the subject report.

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The development, subject to conditions, is consistent with the objectives of the SP5 Metropolitan Centre Zone.

(B)      The development is consistent with the objectives of the Sydney Local Environmental Plans 2012 and Sydney Development Control Plan 2012, in particular the Late Night Management area objectives.

(C)      Subject to conditions, the development will not unreasonably compromise the amenity of nearby properties.

Carried unanimously.

D/2025/399

The Panel granted consent to Section 4.55(2) Application Number D/2020/1387/C  subject to the amendment of the following conditions, with modifications shown in bold italics (additions) and strikethrough (deletions) as follows:

(1)      APPROVED DEVELOPMENT

(a)     Development must be in accordance with Development Application No. D/2020/993 D/2020/1387 dated 21 December 2020 and the following drawings prepared by Durbach Block Jaggers: 

Drawing Number	Drawing Name	Date
A-DA-110-001 Rev 1 2	GA Plans Basement 1	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-002 Rev 1 2	GA Plans Ground Level	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-003 Rev 1 3	GA Plans Level 1	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-004 Rev 1 2	GA Plans Level 2	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-005 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Typical Levels 3-4	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-110-006 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Typical Levels 5	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-110-007 Rev 2 3	GA Plans Level 6	29.08.23 11.04.25
A-DA-110-008 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Typical Levels 7-29	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-110-009 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Level 16	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-110-010 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Level 30	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-110-011 Rev 2 3	GA Plans Level 31	29.08.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-012 Rev 2 3	GA Plans 32	29.08.23 8.04.25
A-DA-110-013 Rev 2 4	GA Plans Roof Plan	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-210-001 Rev 3 5	GA Elevation North Elevation	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-210-002 Rev 1 2	GA Elevation East Elevation	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-210-003 Rev 2 4	GA Elevation South Elevation	29.08.23 11.07.25
A-DA-210-004 Rev 1 3	GA Elevation West Elevation	24.04.23 11.07.25
A-DA-310-003 002 Rev 1 3	GA Sections Section CC	24.04.23 11.07.25
A-DA-310-004 Rev 1 3	GA Sections Section DD	24.04.23 11.07.25
A-DA-730-001 Rev 1 2	Diagrams Materials & Finishes Schedule	24.04.23 8.04.25
A-DA-730-002 Rev 1	Detail Section Suite Glazing	11.07.25

and as amended by the conditions of this consent.

(b)     In the event of any inconsistency between the approved plans and supplementary documentation, the drawings will prevail.

(3A)   DESIGN MODIFICATIONS

The design of the building must be modified as follows:

(a)       The note describing ‘acoustic wall’ on the north elevation numbered A-SA-210-001 must be deleted noting there is no approval for any acoustic walling.

(b)       All exhaust louvres added to the northern side boundary wall marked as change "30" on the north elevation numbered A-DA-210-001 must be deleted.

(c)       Operable windows are to be provided to the east elevation consistent with the previously approved plans for D/2020/1387/A. These are to be noted on amended plan and elevation drawings.

(d)       Details of privacy treatments to the east facing rooms are to be provided.  These are to be noted on amended plan and elevation drawings.

(e)       Material RFS:01 Concrete roof with waterproof membrane is not approved on the Materials & Finishes Schedule A-DA-730-001. RFS:01 is to be amended to be a Zinc Roof consistent with the previously approved Materials and Finishes Schedule for D/2020/1387/A. This amendment is to be captured in an amended Materials & Finishes Schedule, in plan and elevations.

(f)        Material GL:02 Obscure Glass is to be provided to all corridor windows facing north and level 31 T-05 Duplex north facing window. These are to be noted in both plan and elevation.

Amended architectural drawings must be submitted to and approved by Council’s Area Planning Manager prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate for above ground works.

(5)     BUILDING HEIGHT

(a)     The height of the building must not exceed RL 121.110 123.100 (AHD) to the top of the building lift overrun and RL 115.46 (AHD) to the parapet of the building.

(b)     Prior to an Occupation Certificate being issued, a Registered Surveyor must provide certification that the height of the building accords with (a) above, to the satisfaction of the Principal Certifier.

(6)     FLOOR SPACE RATIO - CENTRAL SYDNEY

The following applies to Floor Space Ratio:

(a)       The Floor Space Ratio of the proposal must not exceed 12.73:1 12.5:1 calculated in accordance with the Sydney Local Environmental Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012. For the purpose of the calculation of FSR, the Gross Floor Area of the approved development is 4,392 4,313 sqm.

(b)       Prior to an Occupation Certificate being issued, a Registered Surveyor must provide certification of the total and component Gross Floor Areas (by use) in the development, utilising the definition under Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 applicable at the time of development consent, to the satisfaction of the Principal Certifier.

(c)       Prior to a Construction Certificate being issued, Council’s written verification must be obtained, confirming that 403sqm of heritage floor space was allocated (purchased and transferred) to the development.

(d)       The developer may enter into a planning agreement with Council to purchase heritage floor space in accordance with Council’s ‘Alternative Heritage Floor Space Allocation Scheme’ policy in the event that the requirement in (c) is not able to be satisfied.

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The proposal satisfies the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in that, subject to conditions of consent, it achieves the objectives of the planning controls for the site for the reasons outlined in the report to the Local Planning Panel.

(B)      The development to which the proposed modification relates is substantially the same as that originally granted, and as amended with consent by subsequent modification applications.

(C)      The development, as proposed to be amended, satisfies the aims and objectives of the relevant planning controls including the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Sydney Development Control Plan 2012. 

(D)      The development, as proposed to be amended, exhibits design excellence in accordance with the relevant provisions and matters for consideration in Clause 6.21C of the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012.

(E)      The proposed development has a bulk, form and massing that is suitable for the site and its context within Central Sydney. The intended future use of the site for tourist and visitor accommodation is consistent with the objectives of the SP5 - Metropolitan Centre zone.

(F)      The amended modification application has addressed matters raised by Council staff. Subject to the recommended conditions of consent, the proposed development achieves good amenity for the existing and future occupants of the subject and adjoining sites.

(G)      For the reasons above the proposed development is in the public interest.

Carried unanimously.

D/2020/1387/C

In accordance with section 4.9 of the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panel Members, all panel members have signed a declaration of interest in relation to each matter on the agenda.

No members disclosed any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any matter on the agenda for this meeting of the Local Planning Panel.

 

The Panel granted consent to Development Application Number D/2025/342 subject to the conditions set out in Attachment A to the subject report.

Reasons for Decision

The application was approved for the following reasons:

(A)      The proposed alterations and additions and conservation works are consistent with the objective of the SP5 Metropolitan Centre zone as it conserves the heritage significance of a key commercial building within the CBD.

(B)      Having considered the matters in Clause 6.21C of the Sydney LEP 2012, the building displays design excellence.

(C)      The proposal is consistent with the sun access plane requirements under Clause 6.17 of Sydney LEP 2012.

(D)      The proposal satisfies the design principles and built form provisions for the Martin Place Special Character Area.

(E)      The heritage conservation works are consistent with the requirements under Subdivision 3 of Sydney LEP 2012.

(F)      Subject to the imposition of conditions, the potential impacts of the proposed alterations and additional are appropriately managed and the significant heritage elements are maintained for future longevity.

Carried unanimously.

D/2025/342

Procedural Motion

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

That Item 13.11 be deferred to the next meeting of Council.

Carried unanimously.

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

Selwyn Street Boarding House Appeal

In July 2025, in a landmark decision, the City of Sydney was successful in defending the Local Planning Panel’s refusal of the developer's plan to convert the longstanding boarding house at 58-60 and 62-64 Selwyn Street, Paddington into luxury homes in the Land and Environment Court of NSW (‘the Court’).

The Commissioner concluded that the loss of 32 rooms in an older style traditional boarding house was unacceptable given the shortage and decline of this form of accommodation, and would contribute to the cumulative loss of affordable housing options for low income earners in the inner city.

The Court’s decision is bittersweet news and has come too late for many in our community, given the last of the residents have already moved out of the boarding house. The successful outcome of this appeal is the result of the tireless commitment and expertise of the City’s legal team and planning staff.

I commend the many community members who supported the boarding house residents throughout the court case and continue to do so as the residents settle into their new homes. I also thank those community members and boarding house residents who met with me during the court case and those who welcomed me into their home.

I want to particularly highlight the efforts of Paddington resident, Mike Mannix, and Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, who went above and beyond to not only support the boarding house residents but also advocate to the NSW Government and the City of Sydney. The community campaign united the residents of Paddington, and it is devastating that the boarding house residents have now been moved away from that strong sense of community.

Unfortunately, on 13 August 2025, the City was notified that the developer, LFD Homes, is appealing the Court’s decision. As a result, a Judge will hear the appeal on a date yet to be determined, where community members can attend, but not participate. The Judge could uphold the Commissioner’s decision or request the matter be redetermined by the original Commissioner or another Commissioner.

The future of the boarding house remains uncertain. The original Commissioner’s decision means the applicant can continue to operate the property as a boarding house; however, they are not required to. The site could remain empty, be sold or a new Development Application (DA) could be lodged for a similar or an alternative proposal. Following the Commissioner’s decision, I updated the Paddington community and will continue to do so as the matter progresses.

Both the City and the NSW Government committed to contributing to purchase the property, if the owner is willing to sell and a Community Housing Provider (CHP) is interested in purchasing and operating the boarding house. At this stage, no CHP has indicated a willingness to purchase the boarding house, and the property is still not for sale. However, our commitment still stands.

City of Sydney Action

For many years the City has advocated for the protection of boarding houses as well as the creation of new diverse housing.

In 2021, the City’s advocacy led to changes by the former NSW Government to ensure planning incentives such as extra height and floor space are only made available to genuinely ‘affordable’ boarding houses which must be managed by a CHP in perpetuity and rented to eligible households at affordable rents. We can now be confident that all new boarding houses are genuinely ‘affordable’.

In July 2024, following my Lord Mayoral Minute, the City wrote to CHPs encouraging them to apply to our Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund to deliver more housing, including boarding houses. The City is currently reviewing the Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund grants guidelines to ensure grants awarded continue delivering affordable and diverse housing projects as construction costs soar.

Council also resolved to waive inspection and fire safety fees to help boarding house operators with the financial upkeep of their properties. The City has informed all boarding house owners in our area about this opportunity, and we have received 9 waiver requests so far.

Outdated NSW legislation and planning policies

Currently, Councils cannot refuse to accept the lodgement of DAs that propose the conversion of boarding houses to another use. Councils are obligated to assess such DAs under the outdated NSW Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy and the Guidelines for the Retention of Existing Affordable Rental Housing 2009.

The Guidelines note that the reduction in affordable housing is the most fundamental of the criteria in DA assessments of this kind. The Commissioner in the Selwyn Street case noted the boarding house conversion was an obvious example of this.

However, the Guidelines also give priority to the financial viability of maintaining a boarding house above other planning considerations and often just require a levy be paid to compensate for the loss of low-cost rental accommodation. This contribution is paid to the Department of Communities and Justice. The City has commissioned research into increasing the levy on development that results in the loss of existing low-cost rental housing. Staff will report the findings to Council.

The Guidelines are outdated; they do not prevent the loss of low-cost rental housing and do not consider the current housing affordability crisis. They set out limited criteria that planners must consider when assessing DAs such as the impact of supply of affordable housing in the area, arrangements for residents being displaced, building safety and the viability of maintaining its use as a boarding house.

While the criteria must be considered, the Guidelines prioritise the viability of maintaining the boarding use, identifying it as “a crucial part of the assessment”, and that it is “unfair and counterproductive to seek the continued operation of a boarding house where that operation could not provide a reasonable return on investment”.

If an applicant can prove it is not viable to maintain and operate the boarding house, Councils have little grounds to defend a refusal, even if the application fails on the other criteria. If DAs are refused, they can be challenged in the Land and Environment Court of NSW like what has occurred at Selwyn Street in Paddington.

Advocacy

Currently, boarding house tenants do not have the same rights as tenants covered under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, such as security of tenure.

The purpose of the Boarding Houses Act 2012 is to outline the rights and responsibilities of boarding house residents.

The former NSW Government’s 2020 statutory review of the Boarding Houses Act 2012 made 21 recommendations aimed at strengthening the rights of residents of shared accommodation. As at August 2025, the current NSW Government has not yet implemented any of these recommendations.

I have repeatedly asked the NSW Government to:

·                urgently implement the recommendations of the 2020 statutory review of the Boarding Houses Act 2012;

·                update the outdated NSW Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy and the Guidelines for the Retention of Existing Affordable Rental Housing 2009 so priority is not given to the viability of a boarding house above all other planning issues;

·                significantly increase the levy when a boarding house is converted;

·                incentivise boarding house owners to keep and maintain stock with appropriate funding; and 

·                work with Council to encourage CHPs to use government funding for boarding house opportunities including our Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund.

The NSW Government must urgently make these critical changes to ensure the devastating situation at Selwyn Street does not happen in future.

THE RT. HON. CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor of Sydney

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

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the City of Sydney successfully defended an appeal against the refusal of the boarding house conversion at 58-60 and 62-64 Selwyn Street, Paddington, when the Commissioner refused the Development Application in the Land and Environment Court of NSW on 10 July 2025;

(ii)        the developer lodged an appeal against the Commissioner’s decision on 13 August 2025. The hearing date for this appeal has been set for 4 December 2025;

(iii)       the Lord Mayor will continue to update the local community about the outcome of the appeal; and

(iv)       the City has commissioned research into increasing the levy on development that results in the loss of existing low-cost rental housing. The findings will be reported to council;

(B)      Council commend:

(i)         the City’s legal team and planning staff on the successful court case; and

(ii)        the Selwyn Street community campaign, led by Mike Mannix with other residents, that strongly advocated on behalf of the Selwyn Street boarding house residents and continue to provide support and friendship to the men who have moved into new homes; and

(C)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to relevant NSW Government Ministers to call on them to:

(i)         urgently implement the recommendations of the 2020 statutory review of the Boarding Houses Act 2012;

(ii)        update the NSW Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy and the Guidelines for the Retention of Existing Affordable Rental Housing 2009 so it is clear that priority is not given to the financial viability of a boarding house above all other planning issues;

(iii)      work with Councils, housing advocacy groups and tenants with experience living in boarding houses to identify further reforms which would protect against the loss of traditional boarding houses, and to increase protection and support for low income boarding house residents at risk of eviction; and

(iv)       review and update the relevant legislation to extend the same rights of tenants in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 to boarding house tenants.

Carried unanimously.

S051491

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

There is no place for homelessness in a prosperous, global city like Sydney. Homelessness is a complex problem with complex causes. It reflects poverty, inequality and an escalating housing affordability crisis.

I welcome the Government’s new NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035 (‘the Strategy’) which promises significant reform on how homelessness services are provided. The Strategy builds on their 2024-2025 $6.6 billion budget commitment to build more social and affordable housing. The Strategy however notes that the extent of reform is dependent on the level of investment in future state budgets.

It is critical that there is investment not only in the bricks and mortar, but also the human services that respond to the underlying causes of homelessness. We are also in a mental health crisis. Without urgent investment in mental health and homelessness services, many people lucky enough to secure housing will not be in a position to keep their tenancies and safely participate in their communities.

Action on homelessness

The City of Sydney was the first council in Australia to establish a dedicated Homelessness Unit, connecting people sleeping rough with essential services. These services are needed now more than ever.

The annual Street Count in February 2025 found a staggering 24% increase (346 people) in people sleeping rough in our area compared to the same time last year (280 people). There were also 380 people staying in temporary and crisis accommodation on the night of the count, an occupancy rate of 97.5%.

The City invests over $2.4 million every year to reduce homelessness and its impact in Sydney. This includes $1.4 million in direct funding to specialist homelessness services such as Neami Way2Home, Aboriginal Corporation for Homelessness and Rehabilitation Community Services and Launchpad for outreach and case coordination services, post crisis support services, and youth homelessness prevention.

NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035

The new Strategy proposes significant reform as the current system is expensive, inefficient, crisis driven and unable to meet demand. It suggests an integrated whole of government response that will prioritise prevention and use Housing First principles to ensure people are housed in the longest-term form of accommodation available, with the supports they need.

The reforms aim to better coordinate services at a local level and provide more flexible funding models so services can respond to local needs. The NSW Government will also establish a street sleeping registry so people sleeping rough don’t have to keep retelling their story to every agency they engage with.

While this sounds promising, the Strategy has not committed any new or long-term funding for projects and initiatives, and we know that existing services are already under pressure with so many people in need of support. Instead, each agency is responsible for directing existing resources and allocating new funding in their area. With every agency being responsible, there is a risk no single minister is accountable.

Complex causes

While cost of living pressures and the housing affordability crisis are contributing to more people sleeping rough, we know that more than half those sleeping rough in our area don’t meet social housing eligibility criteria because of their residency status, a former failed tenancy, or complex mental health issues.

The Strategy explains that where structural factors like lack of affordable housing, low incomes and discrimination exist, many people are one challenging life event or climate crisis away from homelessness. Homelessness can be triggered by poor mental and/or physical health, drug and alcohol use and critical life events, such as domestic and family violence, divorce, job loss and trauma.

The homelessness crisis is compounded by the mental health crisis

We cannot solve homelessness without housing, but we also need to provide support to keep people in their homes and fix our mental health system.

As the City’s submission to the Strategy explained, overwhelmingly our housing, homelessness and mental health systems are crisis-driven and poorly integrated. People with complex needs are cycling through services without receiving adequate support.

People with complex needs and behaviours often lose social housing tenancies and are excluded from crisis accommodation and other necessary services, leaving them in inadequate housing that either hinders their recovery or worsens their mental health. This leads to some people refusing help or choosing to remain on the streets.

The tragic deaths of Collin Burling at the Waterloo Estate in July this year, and Jesse Deacon in Glebe in 2023, show that even when someone is lucky enough to have secured public housing, that without a properly funded mental health system, Police will increasingly be relied upon as first responders to mental health episodes.

A Law Enforcement Conduct Commission report found almost half of the people involved in critical incidents with NSW Police over the past 5 years were experiencing a mental health crisis. Critical incidents were defined as those resulting in serious injury or death.

In Jesse’s case, if he lived in a different part of the city, he may have had a different response. At that time, the NSW Government were trialling the Police, Ambulance, Clinical Early Response (PACER) program in 10 Police Area Commands including, Kings Cross, Surry Hills and South Sydney, but not in the Leichhardt Police Area Command where Jesse lived.

Under the program, experienced mental health clinicians employed by NSW Health respond with Police to people experiencing a mental health crisis in the community, providing on-site mental health assessments and interventions, and reducing the need for use of force and restraint by police officers. It is critical that this program continues and expands.

The mental health system in NSW is also in crisis. In the South East Sydney Local Health District, there are only 27 beds for people in a mental health crisis. Beds are always at capacity, and people in crisis are routinely stuck in emergency department beds. Earlier this year more than 200 senior NSW Heath psychiatrists resigned, sounding the alarm bell on patient safety concerns.

We need greater investment in homelessness services, wrap around supports and mental health services to support the urgently needed reform in homelessness and mental health in NSW and support people to obtain and retain housing tenancies.

Common Ground

The pathway out of homelessness is long-term housing with high support, such as Common Ground on Pyrmont Bridge Road in Camperdown.

The $33.8 million Common Ground project was jointly funded by State and Federal Governments and made possible by the City amending its planning controls to enable this type of development, and architects Hassell and developer Grocon providing preliminary designs on a pro bono basis, before providing full design services at cost to Housing NSW. It provides 104 homes including 52 for people experiencing long-term homelessness with wrap around support and 52 social and affordable homes. On-site support services include a 24/7 concierge service, health, mental health, psychiatric, counselling and chiropractic services, computer training, podiatry, gym, cooking classes and art and movie sessions.

In our area, around 40% of people sleeping rough currently need high-support accommodation like Common Ground.  Without more investment in models like Common Ground, homelessness services will have to place people into insecure and unsafe housing. If people are lucky enough to be offered social housing, services will try to piece together supports for those with complex needs, but this takes time, often fails and can lead people back to sleeping rough.

We need another Common Ground in the City of Sydney as soon as possible.

THE RT. HON. CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor of Sydney

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

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the 2025 City of Sydney Street Count found a 24% increase in people sleeping rough in our area and on the same night, crisis and temporary accommodation beds were at 97.5% occupancy;

(ii)        the NSW Government's new NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035 which promises significant reform is welcome, but the extent of reform is dependent on the level of investment in future state budgets; and

(iii)      there is an urgent need for more supported crisis accommodation in the City of Sydney area, and long-term secure housing with wrap around supports like Common Ground on Pyrmont Bridge Road in Camperdown, supported by all levels of government; and

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

(i)         the Hon. Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Homelessness and NSW Minister for Mental Health, and the Hon. Clare O'Neil, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to:

(a)       work with Community Housing Providers and Specialist Homelessness Services and the City of Sydney to investigate a second Common Ground in the City of Sydney; and

(b)       increase and maintain adequate investment in homelessness and mental health services in NSW to support the reforms outlined in the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035; and

(ii)        Allegra Spender, Member for Wentworth and the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, Member for Sydney to also advocate for a second Common Ground in the City of Sydney and for increased and sustained investment in mental health services in NSW.

Carried unanimously.

S051491

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

Australia’s screen community is in mourning following the death of David James Stratton AM, cinephile and screen arts champion, on 14 August 2025.

Most Australians know David from his co-presenting (with Margaret Pomeranz) The Movie Show on SBS (1986-2004) and At the Movies on ABC-TV (2004-2014) and benefitting from his knowledge and insights. Many will also celebrate his impact on Australia’s film culture as the Sydney Film Festival’s longest serving Director and his subsequent work as critic, author and international film festival jurist.

Born in Wiltshire, England on 10 September 1939, David was introduced to cinema at an early age by the regular filmgoing grandmother he lived with while his father served during World War II. It was then that he began a lifelong practice of recording his impressions of every film he saw. After leaving school he became involved in local film societies while working in the family grocery business.

In 1963, he travelled to Australia intending to stay for only 2 years. Once in Sydney, he became involved in the Sydney Film Festival, initially as a volunteer usher. He soon joined its Film Subcommittee and later its Board.

By 1965, he was preparing to return to England to follow 5 generations of Strattons into the family business. Except David’s passion was cinema rather than small goods. The Sydney Film Festival’s first full-time paid director, Ian Klava, resigned. David successfully applied to fill the vacancy. He was then just 26.

He was the first festival director to travel overseas to source films to screen and build relationships with film producers, distributors and other film festivals. (When he attended the Moscow International Film Festival, ASIO created a file on him!) Leading filmmakers accepted his invitations to the Sydney Film Festival, among them Josef von Sternberg, Satyajit Ray, Michelangelo Antonioni, Rouben Mamoulian, and actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Warren Beatty. 

David fought to ensure that film festival audiences would see the films as they were made. With the backing of the Festival’s Board, he campaigned against censorship and for censors’ decisions to be transparent. When the Festival screened Hugs and Kisses in 1967 the word “censored” appeared wherever it was cut. This campaign, joined by others, led to improvements in film classification, including the introduction of the “R” or restricted certificate, and relaxed rules for film festivals.

He also championed Australian films and filmmakers. In 1969, the Festival screened Tim Burstall’s 2000 Weeks, one of the first films of the Australian New Wave. Peter Weir’s The Cars that Ate Paris had its Australian Premiere at the 1972 Festival and the 1974 Festival opened with Ken Hannam’s Sunday Too Far Away.

David and the Board had already introduced a short film competition in 1970 to encourage Australian filmmaking. Several filmmakers who premiered their work in this competition subsequently had significant careers, among them Phil Noyce, Gillian Armstrong, Paul Cox, Jane Campion and Rolf de Heer.

In 1972, David included George Miller’s and Byron Kennedy’s Violence in the Cinema Part 1 in the main Festival rather than the short film competition. A commercial cinema release followed which in turn led to Kennedy and Miller making the first Mad Max film.

In its early years, the Sydney Film Festival was based at Sydney University. In 1973, David secured the State Theatre as the Festival’s principal venue, bringing it to the centre of the city. The following year David and Festival president Ross Tzannes began the Travelling Film Festival, taking the best films to regional centres. It now tours to 17 locations in the Northern Territory, Queensland and NSW.

David’s commitment to film continued after he resigned as the Sydney Film Festival director in 1983. He wrote extensively on films for Australian and overseas publications and published several books, including significant works on Australian cinema. He served on the juries of several international film festivals and was president of the International Critics Juries in Cannes and Venice. His lectures on world film history at Sydney University were popular.

During his last years as Festival Director he also programmed films for the fledgling SBS, then began introducing them. His producer was Margaret Pomeranz. This led to David and Margaret co-hosting SBS’s The Movie Show in 1986, and the beginning of an onscreen partnership that continued for the next 28 years. The Movie Show and later, At the Movies at the ABC became another platform to champion Australian films and filmmaking.

France recognised his contribution to cinema by making him a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2001, joining Salman Rushdie, Vaclev Havel, Dirk Bogarde and Meryl Streep and others. In the same year, he received the Longford Lyall Lifetime Achievement Award and 6 years later, the Chauvel Award at the Brisbane International Film Festival. In 2015, he became a Member of the Order of Australia. The documentary, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life followed in 2017 in which many leading figures, including Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Jackie Weaver, Judy Davis and George Miller spoke about his significant influence.

David‘s death was announced by his family in a statement which read in part:

“David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives ... [We] invite everyone to celebrate David's remarkable life and legacy by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie of all time – Singin' in the Rain.”

THE RT. HON. CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor of Sydney

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) –

It is resolved that:

(A)      all persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute's silence to commemorate the life of David James Stratton AM and his significant contribution to Australian and international cinema and Sydney's and Australia's cultural life;

(B)      Council express its condolences to David's widow Susie Craig and family; and

(C)      the Lord Mayor be requested to convey Council's condolences to David's family.

Carried unanimously.

S051491

Note – All Councillors, staff and members of the public present stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to David James Stratton AM.

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

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           the annual NAIDOC Awards recognise the outstanding contributions that First Nations Australians make within their communities and beyond;

(ii)         at this years awards, Redfern local and Elder Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden was recognised as a finalist for Male Elder of the Year;

(iii)        Uncle Chicka has committed his life to the service of the local community and has contributed significantly to the cultural life of Sydney;

(iv)        Uncle Chicka was raised on Gadigal Land and went to Redfern Public School;

(v)         Uncle Chicka met his wife Lily at the old Palms milk bar on Regent Street. They have 4 children, 11 grandchildren and a great grandchild;

(vi)        to support his family, Uncle Chicka worked for the NSW Railway. When he started, it was one of the only places where Aboriginal workers could get employment. He continued as a track worker for nearly 4 decades;

(vii)      meanwhile, Uncle Chicka contributed to the work of many community organisations. He is a lifetime member of the Redfern All Blacks and served as a longstanding Board member of the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council;

(viii)     a talented artist, Uncle Chicka’s ceramic pottery is held in national collections and the Royal Collection Trust; and

(ix)        Uncle Chicka continues to be a passionate ambassador and advocate for his culture, community and Country. His wisdom, strength, and lifelong dedication are an inspiration to all;

(B)        the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Uncle Chicka, congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his contributions to the local community; and

(C)        Council congratulates all those recognised at the 2025 NAIDOC Awards, particularly Male Elder of the Year Uncle Harry Phillip Hall and Female Elder of the Year Aunty Rosalie Kickett. Uncle Harry was recognised for his enduring cultural leadership and Aunty Rosalie for her work in mental health and domestic violence support.

Carried unanimously.

X113759

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

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the recent passing of Wiradjuri Elder, lawyer and activist Paul Coe;

(ii)        Uncle Paul devoted his life to the fight for justice. A visionary and leading voice in both the Aboriginal Rights and Land Rights movements, he was instrumental in establishing Redfern's groundbreaking Aboriginal organisations;

(iii)       born in 1949, Uncle Paul grew up on the Erambie Mission at Cowra. The eldest of 5 siblings, he spent time with his grandparents and other Elders, learning about Country, culture, and lore. His grandfather, who he was named after, and his dad and uncles drove livestock and he spent much of his early days travelling stock routes;

(iv)       life on the mission, known as ’32 Acres’, was harsh. Food was rationed, and authorities held absolute power, making sustained efforts to suppress Aboriginal culture. Child removal was prevalent, and Uncle Paul’s parents fought tirelessly to protect their children, ensuring they received an education and held onto their cultural heritage;

(v)        Uncle Paul’s parents ensured that he received an education and challenged both the Mission Managers and the school authorities. He became the first Aboriginal student at Cowra High School to be elected a prefect and to complete the Higher School Certificate. A gifted athlete and artist, he moved to Sydney after school, initially to pursue football and enrolling in an arts course at TAFE;

(vi)       he landed in Redfern just after the 1967 referendum. Despite the positive result, racism persisted and many in the community saw little immediate change. An influx of migration led to overcrowding, exacerbating existing problems like poverty and unemployment, and police discrimination and brutality were widespread;

(vii)      Uncle Paul found friends among those who envisioned social and political change. He was part of a core group of activists who started monitoring and recording police actions to deter harassment and unlawful arrests of Aboriginal people. This critical work led to the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in 1970;

(viii)    the ALS provided free legal advice and representation to the local Aboriginal community, handling over 550 cases in its first year alone. Uncle Paul was elected to the inaugural governing council and later became its president. Aboriginal founded, governed, and staffed, the ALS became a powerful symbol for self-determination. Uncle Paul later reflected that it was "more than a legal office, it was and is the embodiment of a generation of Aboriginal people's desire to control their own destiny." The ALS also preceded the establishment of government-funded Legal Aid and provided a model for community legal centres across the country;

(ix)       Uncle Paul was also founding member and the inaugural chairperson of the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), which was established in 1971 in response to systemic racism, neglect, and poor health outcomes faced by Aboriginal people in the mainstream healthcare system. Inspired by the ALS, the AMS provided a culturally safe space for care and spurred a nationwide network of similar services;

(x)        in 1972, Uncle Paul helped establish a breakfast program for local Aboriginal children. This initiative, which started with a mobile caravan, evolved into the Murawina Aboriginal Corporation, which expanded to include a childcare centre and other vital services. Uncle Paul was also a founding member of Redfern’s Black Theatre in 1972, an Aboriginal-run company that laid the foundation for a wellspring of creative expression within Sydney’s Aboriginal community;

(xi)       Uncle Paul’s activism extended far beyond Redfern. He played a key role in the ascendant Aboriginal Rights movements, helping to organise the George Street march against the Vestey Company (now known as the Wave Hill Walk-Off) and a broader campaign for Land Rights. Speaking at rallies against apartheid in South Africa and the Vietnam War, he challenged those who were ready to protest racism overseas but were less concerned about racism at home;

(xii)      in 1972, following a Prime Minister's address that refused to acknowledge Land Rights, Uncle Paul joined the group who established the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. While the opposition leader, Gough Whitlam, visited and met with the group, the government of the day did not support them, and police tried to shut it down in a violent attack. Uncle Paul was beaten and hospitalised with broken ribs;

(xiii)    this brutal response was fuelled by excessive fear of an Aboriginal uprising which also led to intense government surveillance, with ASIO monitoring the activities of Uncle Paul and other prominent activists;

(xiv)    in 1976, Paul travelled to the United Kingdom where he rowed across the harbour of Dover Beach to plant the Aboriginal Flag, claiming the land for all Aboriginal people. With an audience of supporters and onlookers, the peaceful invasion demonstrated the absurdity of the terra nullius lie. The site is now marked with a permanent plaque;

(xv)     encouraged by his peers at the ALS, Uncle Paul had enrolled to study law at UNSW. He was the first Aboriginal person to do so and later was admitted as one of Australia’s first Aboriginal barristers. Practicing law allowed Uncle Paul to be an advocate within the colonial structures he sought to change. He became a leading campaigner for Land Rights, organising rallies and meeting with lawmakers to propose inclusions into what became the NSW Land Rights Act;

(xvi)    in 1979, Uncle Paul launched legal action against the Commonwealth in the High Court, arguing for the recognition of the sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Though unsuccessful, the case was the first direct challenge of the doctrine of terra nullius and laid the foundation for the landmark 1992 Mabo judgement;

(xvii)   Uncle Paul was the founding Treasurer of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, which was established under the Land Rights Act. He later contributed to the work of the Local Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council;

(xviii)  in 1987, Uncle Paul spoke at the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, contributing to efforts to develop a framework for the rights of Indigenous people. He also used this platform to raise awareness about the ongoing disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians;

(xix)    in his later years, Uncle Paul continued his advocacy through teaching at EORA TAFE and at Sydney University. He gave his time willingly to all and inspired many students to engage with their culture, to think critically and to be proud of their Aboriginal heritage; and

(xx)     Uncle Paul balanced his activism with an unwavering love and responsibility for his family and community. He was a warm and supportive father, grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle. He’s remembered for his generosity, his wise words, and the lessons he shared, as well as his humour, love, and the courage and determination he showed throughout his life. Culture and honour were at his core. He lived by these values and demonstrated what it is to be a Wiradjuri man. His passing leaves a void that our family and the Aboriginal community feel profoundly. He stoked a fire that continues to burn;

(B)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Uncle Paul’s family expressing Council’s condolences; and

(C)       all persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute’s silence to commemorate Uncle Paul’s life.

Carried unanimously.

X113759

Note – All Councillors, staff and members of the public present stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to Uncle Paul Coe.

 

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         in 2023, the NSW Labor Government was elected on a platform which opposed privatisation and endorsed the expansion of public housing in NSW as a central mechanism to address the housing crisis;

(ii)        the NSW Government has repeatedly announced that that it does not support the previous Liberal Government’s policy of funding public housing maintenance and renewal through the mass selling off of public housing properties and the sustained underfunding of maintenance of social housing;

(iii)       between 2017 and 2021, while 2,247 new social housing units were delivered, 3,269 properties were sold off under the former NSW Government, worsening the housing crisis;

(iv)       the current NSW Government has taken significant steps to reverse this trend through the Building Homes for NSW program, which as delivered the largest net increase in public housing in a decade. This includes approval for 70,000 new homes, a $1billion investment in maintenance, and bringing maintenance services back in-house;

(v)        the Program also includes delivery of dedicated key worker housing to support frontline workers with secure, affordable homes;

(vi)       there has been a significant increase in Homes NSW staffing levels to address the large backlog of maintenance work required to social housing properties in our area following years of inaction by the former NSW Government;

(vii)      there are currently close to 10,000 applications for the priority social housing list in addition to the over 45,000 applications already approved for social housing that are waiting;

(viii)    despite these positive initiatives, demand for public housing remains high in the inner city, with the expected waitlist for a 2-bedroom property over 10 years;

(ix)       the inner city is in particular need of family housing, with the expected waitlist for a 2-bedroom property over 10 years;

(x)        the percentage of public housing in the City of Sydney continues to decrease; and

(xi)       Homes NSW has recently put public housing homes up for private sale in Newtown;

(B)       Council also note in relation to public land and properties owned by the NSW Government:

(i)         in May 2023, the NSW Labor Government announced it was directing all state government agencies to immediately pause the sale of government properties to allow an audit to be undertaken to identify which, if any, properties could be “used to address the housing supply shortage”;

(ii)        the audit was to be undertaken by Property and Development NSW, with the assistance of the NSW Cabinet Office; and

(iii)       at the most recent NSW Budget Estimates in March this year, it was revealed that of the 9,089 sites assessed by the government (as at 28 January 2025,) only 56 have been identified as “suitable for housing development. This included some houses; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to urgently write to the NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson:

(i)         commending the NSW Government’s significant investment in the maintenance of existing social housing to improve living conditions for residents;

(ii)        requesting an urgent briefing on any other public housing sales proposed for the City of Sydney area; and

(iii)       requesting that the NSW Government further prioritises new developments and maintenance of social housing in our area to address growing demand.

Amended motion carried unanimously.

X113765

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           under Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050: Continuing the Vision, the City has established targets for the Local Government Area, for 11,700 social (including public) housing dwellings and 11,700 affordable housing dwellings (delivered through affordable housing levies on development) by 2036;

(ii)          the City of Sydney has a substantial track record in supporting the development of new affordable, rent-controlled housing including through development contributions, discounted land sales, grants and planning agreements. This work has led to thousands of affordable homes, achieved through over $400 million in development levies, $31.6 million in discounted land sales, and $13 million in cash grants from Council’s Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund;

(iii)        however, other forms of public, social and affordable housing across the City of Sydney have been declining, including as a result of the closure or sale of housing owned by charities and not-for-profit groups, and the sale or privatisation of public housing;

(iv)        recently announced public housing projects from the NSW Labor Government will not deliver enough new public homes to address the decline in public housing, from past sales and privatisations, including at Millers Point and the Glebe Estate. As a result, social (including public) housing in the City of Sydney is projected to decline further from its current level of 7.8% to 7.5% by 2030; and

(v)         the expected waiting time for general applicants to be housed by the NSW Housing Register in Glebe is 10+ years;

(B)        Council further note:

(i)           the RJ Williams building is a large building owned by Wesley Mission, at 274-276 Glebe Point Road, Glebe;

(ii)          the building previously provided affordable and seniors housing. However, it was closed 15 years ago due to safety concerns. Urgent renovations to update the housing were identified. Wesley Mission submitted a development application, which was approved following community consultation. The proposed redevelopment would have provided up to 39 upgraded, rent-controlled homes; 

(iii)        following a Council resolution on 14 December 2020, Council resolved to support the renovation through a $3 million cash grant from Council’s Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund;

(iv)        however, Wesley Mission was unsuccessful in its application to the Federal Labor Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund. Wesley Mission has since advised Council that it was unable to secure sufficient funding to proceed with the proposed development, and would not be accepting the Council grant offered to them; and

(v)         instead, the RJ William’s building has been placed on the market, with its real estate listing suggesting the sites’ potential to be redeveloped as luxury residential apartments; and

(C)        the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson to:

(i)           request the NSW Government purchase and support the redevelopment of the RJ Williams building at 274-276 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, as ongoing public housing;

(ii)          note the City has previously committed funding to a project of this nature on this site; and

(iii)        note the projected decline in social (including public) housing in the City of Sydney if stronger action is not taken to increase the delivery of social and public housing.

Carried unanimously.

X113765

Memorandum by the Chief Executive Officer

To Council:

On 23 June 2025, Council approved grant funding as part of the Dixon Street Improvement Grant program.

This grant program supports capital works that improve shop and building frontages on Dixon Street south with matched funding that contributes to:

·                the visible renewal of Dixon Street (south) shopfronts and facades, making the street more active and attractive

·                the creation of a ‘chef’s gallery’ bringing the theatre of food preparation to Dixon Street – the distinct character and identity of Dixon Street as the historic heart of Chinatown.

The program is open for 3 years from 2024/25 or until the budget is exhausted.

City staff have been made aware of the need to amend a grant that was approved by Council in June 2025 to account for a requested change of recipient.

Elegant Dixon Property Pty Ltd (ABN 36 635 215 708) was awarded a $60,000 grant for a project at 82-84 Dixon Street. The recipient has requested a change of grant recipient to Elegant Dixon Property Pty Ltd as the trustee for Elegant Dixon Trust (ABN 32 195 205 659).

The project, grant funding amount, and criteria for the recommendation for funding remain the same.

In accordance with the resolution of Council of 23 June 2025 that approved this grant funding, Council is required to approve any change to the identity of a grant recipient.

MONICA BARONE PSM

Chief Executive Officer

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconed by Councillor Gannon.

It is resolved that Council approve the change of grant recipient for the project at 82-84 Dixon Street, as part of the Dixon Street Improvement Grant program, from Elegant Dixon Property Pty Ltd (ABN 36 635 215 708) to Elegant Dixon Property Pty Ltd as the trustee for Elegant Dixon Trust (ABN 32 195 205 659).

Carried unanimously.

S117676

Moved by Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Worling –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         Council collects more than 100,000 residential bins every week, with an outstanding on-time collection rate of 99.6%;

(ii)        Clean Up waste collection service volumes (covering both booked residential clean-ups and illegal dumping) have nearly doubled since 2019, with the number of logged jobs now exceeding 80,000 annually, compared with the 40,560 jobs originally specified by the City for the current contract;

(iii)       recent data on Clean Up waste services highlights a sharp increase in demand. 2025 is estimated to be the highest volumes on record at an estimated volume of bulky and illegal dumping being ~112,980m³, or a ~13% increase from 2024;

(iv)       industrial action in 2023 also shows how fragile the system is to disruption;

(v)        the City of Sydney has a very transient population due to our higher levels of renters, students, and apartments resulting in higher turnover of furniture, white goods, and bulky items as people move, contributing to our higher use and growth in Clean Up services;

(vi)       with population growth, greater density, and changing patterns of waste, the City’s Clean Up contract no longer reflects the scale of demand;

(vii)      this creates budgetary pressures, service risks, and lost opportunities to expand circular economy initiatives such as reuse and recycling;

(viii)    this misalignment between the number of jobs specified for the current contract and the reality on the ground is causing strain on the current system, leading to non-optimal service delivery and outcomes; and

(ix)       the commendable work by City of Sydney staff in maintaining weekly residential collections and the bulky waste services under growing pressure; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to compile a report that:

(i)         analyses trends and identifies potential improvements to Clean Up (booked residential clean-ups and illegal dumping) service delivery; and

(ii)        provides recommendations for how future services, tenders and budgets should be structured to reflect realistic service demand and ensure reliability.

The motion, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously.

X113762

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         in the interests of safety and security, the City implements, wherever possible, best practice design principles when considering the location, orientation, design and operation of public toilet facilities, in accordance with the City’s Public Toilet Strategy (2014);

(ii)        the need for increased toilet access, also outlined in the City’s Public Toilet Strategy (2014);

(iii)       public toilets provide important amenity for people experiencing homelessness, and particularly those people sleeping rough. It is important that public toilets are accessible to people sleeping rough at all hours, and at multiple locations across the City; 

(iv)       some public toilets are open 24 hours where they are well located for passive surveillance and security of users;

(v)        the work of the City thus far in planning an extra 16 Automated Public Toilets (APTs), which are self-maintained through timed cleaning and unlocking mechanisms;

(vi)       that current opening hour descriptions for both existing and planned APTs, such as “sunrise” and “shortly after sunset”, do not provide clarity on when APTs are actually available;

(vii)      that inconsistent APT opening hours across the LGA disincentivises use, by adding an unnecessary layer of complexity to the process of finding a toilet; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         investigate the implementation of a 24-hour opening time for all APTs; and

(ii)        report back to Council as soon as possible.

The motion, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously.

X113758

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

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           the significant success of the City’s outdoor dining program, which has activated our streets, supported local businesses, and created vibrant spaces for the community to come together;

(ii)         the extension of outdoor dining across the city has been warmly embraced by residents and visitors, strengthening Sydney’s reputation as a global dining destination;

(iii)        feedback from diners and businesses highlights that while outdoor dining has been a success, the experience can be diminished by the intensity and cool whiteness of the City’s LED street lights directly above outdoor dining areas;

(iv)        warmer-toned, dimmed lighting is generally recognised as more pleasant and welcoming for social dining, enhancing amenity and street life; and

(v)         in 2024, the City started a major upgrade to replace its ageing streets lights with a new generation of energy-saving LEDs featuring smart controls. These new lights can be dimmed, brightened or switched on and off and fault monitored remotely, and they’re expected to cut energy use by a further 30%;

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate whether there are any City-controlled street lights above approved outdoor dining locations that could be dimmed and/or adjusted to a warmer tone during evening hours; and

(C)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to write to the Chief Executive Officer of Ausgrid seeking collaboration with the City’s Chief Executive Officer to identify the street lights above approved outdoor dining locations, to be dimmed and/or adjusted to a warmer tone during permitted operating hours.

Carried unanimously.

X113758

Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Worling –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note, on 17 February 2025, Council unanimously resolved to raise our concerns about the impacts of short-term rental accommodation in the City of Sydney with the NSW Government; and

(B)        Council submit the endorsed motion for consideration at the upcoming 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference:

Houses for Homes (Short-Term Rental)

That Local Government NSW advocate to the NSW Government to:

(a)         finalise its review of the (STRA) framework and give Councils tools to better manage the impacts of STRA platforms on the availability of long-term rental housing;

(b)         incentivise homes for long-term over short-term accommodation leasing by agents geared toward maximising profits for "absentee landlords";

(c)         improve the registration and identification processes at the State and Federal level for STRA registrations to enable enforcement;

(d)         close existing loopholes and weaknesses in the registration and enforcement process through strengthening and consolidating data collection across the STRA Registry, Service NSW, and other relevant agencies;

(e)         consider how the NSW Rental Commissioner might take responsibility for the coordination and sharing of accurate data with councils to enable effective real-time short and long term rental information to better inform strategic planning decisions, and information to better inform strategic planning decisions; and

(f)          empower and properly assign resources to the Office of Fair Trading to undertake greater monitoring and enforcement of cap breaches based on better data and registration processes, and that fines for breaches be issued with the intent to unlock the commercial short-term rental market for long-term leases.

Carried unanimously.

X113761

Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         as of 19 May 2025, landlords wanting to evict a tenant for significant repairs or renovations were required to provide both a written statement and a choice of one of 5 pieces of evidence, such as a quote from a licensed builder or tradesperson, or development consent, or receipts from the purchase of building materials. This was intended to ensure that landlords seeking to recover a property for significant renovation or repairs were genuine and not simply using a tactic to remove tenants;

(ii)        termination grounds for renovations or repairs are only meant to be used where the work is so significant a person can’t live there while they happen. In such a scenario, the evidence requirement was made up of documents that would be created if the work was really happening, with minor alterations on some to provide necessary detail and clarity;

(iii)       on 20 June 2025, the NSW government removed the additional evidence requirement with the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Termination Notice for Significant Renovations or Repairs) Regulation 2025 only one month after implementing the reform;

(iv)       this was done without further consultation, less than 5 weeks after implementing the important reforms to evictions. These reforms followed a long and rigorous consultation process, including the input of tens of thousands of people and organisations, including the signatories to this statement. In the short time frame, there could not have been sufficient evidence gathered to support a need for these changes to occur;

(v)        in debate on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2024, which enabled the ban on no grounds evictions, on 22 October 2024, the Greens Member for Newtown Jenny Leong MP moved amendments that sought to embed evidence requirements into the legislation, rather than the regulations;

(vi)       on 25 June 2025, the Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich asked questions of the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading about the proposed changes including why the changes were made, who was consulted and who asked for the changes to be made, but the answers don’t explain why the regulations have been changed so soon after they were implemented;

(vii)      on 6 August 2025, the Member for Willoughby, Tim James, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building, moved a disallowance motion against the changed regulation, it didn’t pass. Residential Tenancies Amendment (Termination Notice For Significant Renovations Or Repairs) Regulation 2025;

(viii)    landlords will now only be required to provide a written statement as evidence of undertaking significant renovation or repairs that would prevent a tenant from continuing to live at the property while the works were undertaken;

(ix)       without the full evidence requirements for this prescribed ground for termination there is a real risk that the NSW Government's commitment to end no grounds evictions and ensure renters have the rights and security they need will be undermined; (ix) the Tenants Union of NSW explain that prior to this recent change there had been a concern that the prescribed ground to end a tenancy due to significant repairs and renovations could be easily exploited, given the international experience in Canada, where such weak provisions are commonly referred to as “renovictions”. The re-letting exclusion period had already been reduced from covering 4 weeks of work needed on a property, to only 4 weeks from the renter moving out - regardless of how long the work would actually take. The Tenants’ Union of NSW called for strong evidence requirements to ensure that landlords would need to support their claim with evidence to show legitimacy to the grounds. Weakening the evidence requirements increases the risk of exploitation;

(x)        appropriate evidence requirements, bans on reletting for a period and significant penalties are all required to work in tandem to ensure only genuine termination grounds are being used in NSW. The NSW Government must also commit to monitoring complaints and thoroughly investigating any potential misuse of these termination grounds; and

(xi)       these types of changes made behind closed doors only undermine renters' trust and confidence that the NSW Government is committed to improving the fairness of the rental system. The NSW Government needs to show that it is listening to renters’ voices when developing and amending rental laws;

(B)       the City of Sydney join organisations opposing these changes by signing the Joint statement: Reinstate evidence requirements for evictions due to repairs or renovations; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the NSW Minister for Fair Trading, calling on the NSW Government to:

(i)         amend the Residential Tenancies Regulation to reinstate all the evidence requirements for landlords seeking to issue a notice of termination due to significant repairs or renovations;

(ii)        monitor complaints and investigate any misuse of the significant repair or renovations termination grounds; and

(iii)       commit to following a transparent consultative process for any future changes to rental laws in NSW.

Carried unanimously.

X113761

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

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note the outcome of the Expression of Interest, including the process, submissions received and confidential assessment against the objectives and criteria as contained in Attachment B;

(B)       Council endorse the transfer of part 49 Cope Street, Redfern (being Lot 41 DP 1099220, Lot 42 DP 1099220, Lot 7 DP 84898, Lot 8 DP 84898, Lot 9 DP 84898, Lot 39 DP 84898, Lot 10 DP 1128780) to an entity to be established by Uniting (NSW. ACT) ABN 78 722 539 923 partnering with Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care Program Inc  INC 3437869 ABN 98 732 869 630 (Uniting & Wyanga) for $1 with the terms of the transfer including the following: 

(i)         the placement of a restriction on title to the land to ensure that the property is used for affordable residential aged care in perpetuity;

(ii)        the transfer to The Council of the City of Sydney of a future stratum comprising a 55 space public carpark for $1 at the completion of the works; and

(iii)       at an appropriate time, the transfer of ownership and operational management to Wyanga with the intention of self-determination;

(C)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to enter into negotiations and progress documentation and contracts necessary for the transfer of the land, the development of the aged care facility and carpark, the transfer of a future stratum containing the public car park and the ongoing operational management as noted in Confidential Attachment B;

(D)       Council endorse publicly notifying a proposed resolution 'to classify the future stratum lot comprising the 55-space carpark as operational land in accordance with section 31 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)', be publicly notified for a period of 28 days prior to or following the completion of the acquisition;

(E)       Council note that a further report to inform the outcomes of public notification and recommendation on land classification, will follow any notification period;

(F)        Council note that the City's financial records will recognise the discount on disposal from full market value less the value of the stratum carpark at completion as a grant from the Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund; and

(G)       Council to be updated on the progress of negotiations, documentation and transfers through CEO Updates.

Carried unanimously.

X110057

 

Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         World Owl Day was observed on the 4 August 2025;

(ii)        the Sydney Basin is home to a variety of native owls, including Australia’s largest species, the Powerful Owl;

(iii)       the Powerful Owl is an obligate carnivore, meaning it exclusively relies on meat for its diet, primarily consuming medium-to-large tree-dwelling mammals. In addition, the Powerful Owl have been observed to prey on rats and mice in urban areas;

(iv)       advocacy groups, such as Animal Liberation and BirdLife Australia, have long campaigned for the conservation of threatened animal species in Australia, including the Powerful Owl;

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         due to the urban adaptation of the Powerful Owls diet, populations in cities are exposed to lethal secondary poisoning of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) which are commonly applied across public and private land;

(ii)        an Australian study by Deakin University and the University of Melbourne conducted in 2023 found that SGARs were detected in 92% of nocturnal avian predators, such as the Powerful Owl, in major Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney;

(iii)       SGARs work by causing prolonged internal bleeding in animals which consume them, with the poison accumulating in animal tissue and inadvertently endangering other animals throughout the food chain;

(iv)       SGARs have been heavily regulated, and in many instances banned, by the European Union, recognising the threat they pose to wildlife and ecosystem health;

(v)        SGARs are being phased out by Albury City Council and Port Macquarie Hastings and have been eliminated by Camden Council; and

(vi)       the City advises the types of poisons its contractors can use to control rodent populations, and currently permit the following SGAR products:

(a)        Ditrac Rodenticide;

(b)        Generation First Strike;

(c)        Maki Block;

(d)        Storm Secure; and

(e)        Talon Rodenticide Wax Blocks; and

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate ways and report back to Council as soon as practicable as to how the City can restrict or limit its use of SGARs to protect the Powerful Owl and other vulnerable species, including but not limited to:

(i)         improving communication between the City’s waste management services and those employed by the City who are responsible for managing rodent populations;

(ii)        exploring Council’s contractor arrangements and options, including contract agreement, policies, and tender language, to develop environmentally friendly rodent controls that restrict or limit the use of SGARs wherever possible; and

(iii)       trialling alternative rodenticides that pose less risks to the City’s wildlife wherever possible.

Carried unanimously.

X113760

Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           the Federal Government has introduced a grant program enabling employers of Early Childhood Education Workers, who are among the lowest-paid essential workers in our community, to deliver a 15% pay increase over 2 years, for which the City of Sydney is eligible but has not yet applied. The deadline for this grant is 30 September 2025;

(ii)         on 23 June 2025, Council requested the Chief Executive Officer urgently investigate applying for the Federal funding to increase the pay of City of Sydney early childhood educators by 15% over the next two years, and report back to Council on any financial and operational implications of doing so; and

(iii)        the Lord Mayor wrote to the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education on 5 August 2025, in accordance with the resolution of Council, calling on the Federal Government to commit to permanent, government-funded wage increases and improved working conditions for early childhood educators, in line with sector-wide calls for targeted initiatives to attract and retain staff without increasing costs for families; and

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to provide Council with an update on the progress of (ii) above.

Carried unanimously.

X113760

Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           in June 2019, the City of Sydney declared a climate emergency and committed to accelerate achieving net-zero emissions target by 2035;

(ii)         in July 2025, Council endorsed the City of Sydney’s Environmental Strategy 2025-2030 and committed to:

(a)         resilient and efficient operations;

(b)         efficient and climate resilient buildings;

(c)         a regenerative and inclusive city; and

(d)         strong foundations for delivery;

(iii)        specifically, Strategy Priority 9 - support renters’ access to energy efficient and climate resilient homes, and that within the City of Sydney 65% of households rent and rental properties are less energy efficient than owner-occupied homes;

(iv)        in December 2024, Council endorsed the City of Sydney’s Economic Development Strategy 2025-2035, that includes a commitment to explore community wealth building approaches that create more opportunities for diverse, inclusive, and local-ownership business models;

(v)         the Committee for Sydney’s 2025 Sydney as a Renewable Energy Zone report highlights the opportunity for Urban Renewable Energy Zones in metropolitan areas, noting that renters, apartment dwellers, and low-income households are disproportionately excluded from solar benefits, and that equitable access models, such as community batteries, are essential for a just transition;

(vi)        evidence from NSW community battery trials indicates potential household bill savings of $268–$400 per year, alongside broader system benefits including deferred network upgrades, improved power quality, increased rooftop solar hosting capacity, and annual CO₂-e abatement of ~0.56 tonnes per additional MWh of local solar self-consumption per household;

(vii)      it is estimated that at least 30% of local energy demand can be met by local energy generation and storage in the City of Sydney southern Employment Lands Zone (or the E3 Productivity support Zone in the City’s Local Environmental Plan); and

(viii)     that Ausgrid are planning a Community Power Network in nearby Botany and Mascot which will test the viability local energy generation; storage and distribution at the suburb scale. It’s hoped the trail will identify opportunities to refine the model and the regulatory framework to better cater for distributed energy resources;

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to provide a report that outlines the methodology and resources required to deliver a site-specific community battery in the City of Sydney area using the Southern Enterprise Area including Ngamuru Avenue as a case study; and  

(C)        when developing the concept design for the open space at 22 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, the Chief Executive Officer allows for the potential installation of community battery infrastructure.

Carried unanimously.

X113761

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

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           the City’s Greening Sydney Strategy aims to deliver “greenery at every doorstep” with more 1.2 million new shrubs and grasses and 17,500 new trees planted in City parks and streets since 2004; and

(ii)         footpath gardens are part of our grassroots response to climate change, they help to cool our urban environment and reduce heat effects. They beautify our streets and create a pleasant and attractive environment;

(B)        Council note however:

(i)           our footpath gardens are being damaged and trampled by pedestrians seeking out a quick short cut or simply not paying attention to where they are walking;

(ii)         every time a footpath garden is knowingly or unknowingly damaged by a resident in our community the impact is far-reaching. From the City maintenance workers who must engage in the process of repair and replanting, to the neighbourhood who must endure a barren garden and the overall lack of sustainability that comes with having to re-plant;

(iii)        in some cases, we have seen corners of footpath gardens that have become completely barren due to pedestrian access onto these areas;

(iv)        it makes sense to protect our footpath gardens, in doing so we will ease the burden of resident complaints to City for repairs and replanting of damaged gardens and reduce the frequency of plants dying and needing to be replaced; and

(v)         constant damage to our footpath gardens undermines the City’s work and commitment to the upkeep and maintenance of our footpath gardens across the 78,219 square metres of landscaping throughout the City’s streets;

(C)        Council further note that:

(i)           currently, protective fencing is used in some high-pedestrian traffic locations, and where new gardens are establishing:

(a)         the rejuvenation of Crown Street in Surry Hills saw several protective fences being installed to assist the regrowth of damaged kerbside gardens, which can now be enjoyed by all; and

(b)         in areas of high pedestrian traffic, Councillor Worling has advocated for low fencing to be installed around garden beds. These have been installed on Macleay Street in Potts Point allowing the community to enjoy the gardens and preventing further damage;

(ii)         more interventions are needed:

(a)         where protective fencing is used, gardens flourish and thrive. They are more sustainable and do not require the attention associated with replanting;

(b)         the protection of existing footpath gardens will play a role in helping the City achieve 40% green cover by 2050. It will help our streets look their best and will also avoid the timely and costly of replanting; and

(c)         consider the “desire line” (a path created by both humans and animals to reach the most easily navigated route from origin to destination) in the future design of all footpath gardens;

(iii)        protecting our gardens in high traffic areas will become even more important as more people live and work in our city:

(a)         every day 1.3 million people are in the City of Sydney local area. From residents, workers and visitors to people studying, doing business, and shopping and dining. On top of that, there are over 32,820 dogs registered and living in the City. All those feet and paws pose a risk to our footpath gardens; and

(b)         our residential population is currently 232,438 and expected to increase to over 304,000 by 2046.  With increased pedestrian traffic damage to our footpath garden beds can be expected to intensify; and

(D)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate and report back via the CEO Update on the resources and time needed to:

(i)           install protective fencing around footpath gardens in high pedestrian traffic areas;

(ii)         rejuvenate damaged and neglected corners of footpath garden beds; and

(iii)        consider how the “desire line” can be integrated into the design of new and future footpath garden beds.

Carried unanimously.

X113756

It is resolved that the Investment Report as at 31 July 2025 be received and noted.

Carried unanimously.

X020701

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve an exemption from tender in accordance with section 55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993 for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation for Major Events and Festival for a period up to two-years until 30 June 2027;

(B)      Council note that a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders for this work because:

(i)         a public tender process has already been conducted and the City was unable to enter into a contract with the recommended tenderer, for reasons outlined in confidential Attachment A;

(ii)        there is insufficient time to review the scope of services and re-tender prior to the upcoming 2025/26 event season; and

(iii)      it is considered that inviting fresh tenders would not attract additional suitable suppliers to deliver the services;

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer the contracts relating to Hostile Vehicle Mitigation for Major Events and Festivals; and

(D)      Council be informed of the successful vendor(s) via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

X100806.003

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the draft Generic Plan of Management for Parks, Sportsgrounds and General Community Use Land (the Plan), as shown in Attachments A to F of the subject report, for public exhibition of 42 days;

(B)      Council note that an independently facilitated public hearing on the proposed categorisation and re-categorisation of the community land contained with the Plan will be held during the public exhibition period;

(C)      Council note the intention to revoke the site-specific Plans of Management for:

(i)         Blackwattle Bay Park;

(ii)        Harmony Park;

(iii)      Lillian Fowler Reserve; and

(iv)      Turruwul Park;

as they are proposed to be incorporated into the draft Generic Plan of Management;

(D)      Council note that the outcomes of the public exhibition period and public hearing of the Plan will be the subject of a further report to Council; and

(E)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to undertake minor editorial corrections prior to the exhibition of the draft Generic Plan of Management for Parks, Sportsgrounds and General Community Use Land.

Carried unanimously.

X095705

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council write off the debt of $2,390,102 (inclusive of GST) owed by former tenant Evolution-Systems for Training & Development Pty Ltd (ACN 114 531 636) of part of 546-552 George Street, Sydney, on the basis that the full amount of the debt is not lawfully recoverable;

(B)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to reclaim the GST component of the debt, from the Australian Taxation Office for the amount $217,282;

(C)      Council note that this amount has previously been provided for in full in prior accounting periods.  No further adverse impact on the City’s financial position is expected;

(D)      Council note that the building is opposite Sydney Town Hall and due to be demolished in 2028 as part of the works to create the new Town Hall Square; and

(E)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to provide further advice to Councillors about potential opportunities, restrictions and costs to make use the vacant floors for pop up or temporary uses until 2027. This could include artist work spaces, exhibitions, temporary offices, or storage use by local not for profits or creatives. 

Amended motion 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.

Amended motion carried.

X103787

 

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 G 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 234 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 352 Sussex Street, Sydney at this time;

(E)       note the contents of Attachment D and exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 199 Clarence Street, Sydney;

(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 171 Gloucester Street, The Rocks 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 4 Gillespie Avenue, Alexandria at this time; and

(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 3-19 Missenden Road, Camperdown at this time.

Carried unanimously.

S105001.002

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council endorse Councillor Robert Kok and Councillor Lyndon Gannon in representing the Lord Mayor and the City of Sydney at the Nagoya Festival from 17 to 19 October 2025 to mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Sister City relationship between the City of Sydney and the City of Nagoya;

(B)      Council note that Councillor Robert Kok and Councillor Lyndon Gannon will provide a report to Council after the travel;

(C)      Council endorse Councillor Jess Miller in representing the Lord Mayor and the City of Sydney at the C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 from 3 to 5 November 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;

(D)      Council note that Councillor Jess Miller will provide a report to Council after the travel; and

(E)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to authorise minor variations to travel plans including dates and costs as required (increases of up to $1,000 including GST per person). 

Carried unanimously.

X014468

 

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

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note that Bridge Housing Limited is no longer proceeding to purchase the property proposed to Council at its meeting on 17 March 2025;

(B)       Council approve a cash grant to Bridge Housing Limited for the amount stated in Confidential Attachment B  to the subject report to support the purchase of the property described  in Confidential Attachment B for the use by Haymarket Foundation Limited for providing subsidised accommodation and supporting facilities including crisis and transitional housing and services as further outlined in Attachment A subject to the following conditions:

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

(a)        if the project substantially changes from the current proposal for subsidised accommodation and supporting facilities including crisis and transitional housing and services consistent with the proposal outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report; or

(b)        if Bridge Housing Limited is not able to demonstrate that funding is available to the agreed value of the project by 31 December 2025;

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

(a)        Bridge Housing Limited 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;

(b)        Bridge Housing Limited has provided Council with sufficient information to demonstrate that the property can be used for the intended purpose of subsidised accommodation and supporting facilities including crisis and transitional housing and services; and

(c)        Bridge Housing Limited has provided Council with sufficient information to confirm that Haymarket Foundation Limited will have rights to occupy and use the property for three terms, each of five years, at the discretion of Haymarket Foundation Limited;

(iii)       a covenant benefitting the City must be registered on the title to the property outlined at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report immediately following transfer of the property to Bridge Housing Limited to protect the land use remaining as subsidised accommodation and supporting facilities including crisis and transitional housing and services, as outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report;

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

(a)        Bridge Housing Limited does not complete its purchase of the property outlined at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report by 31 December 2025; or

(b)        the project materially changes from the current proposal as outlined in clause (B);

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

(i)         finalise negotiations, execute and administer the grant agreement with Bridge Housing Limited relating to the project described and on the terms described in clause (B); and

(ii)        otherwise make decisions and administer the other conditions relating to this grant.

Carried unanimously.

S118738

 

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note the submission received on the exhibited draft Local Approvals Policy for Hoisting and Construction Activities On and Above Roads and Proposed Code of Practice, as shown in Attachment C to the subject report;

(B)       Council adopt the Local Approvals Policy for Hoisting and Construction Activities On and Above Roads, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report;

(C)       Council note the supporting Code of Practice: Hoisting and Construction Activities On and Above Roads, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report; and

(D)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the Local Approvals Policy for Hoisting and Construction Activities On and Above Roads and Code of Practice: Hoisting and Construction Activities On and Above Roads, to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication. 

Carried unanimously.

S129097

 

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note the submissions received on the exhibited draft Local Approvals Policy for Construction-Related Temporary Structures On and Above Roads and Proposed Code of Practice, as shown in Attachments C and D to the subject report;

(B)       Council adopt the Local Approvals Policy for Construction-Related Temporary Structures On and Above Roads, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report;

(C)       Council note the supporting Code of Practice: Construction-Related Temporary Structures On and Above Roads, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report; and

(D)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the Local Approvals Policy for Construction-Related Temporary Structures On and Above Roads and Code of Practice: Construction-Related Temporary Structures On and Above Roads, to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication. 

Carried unanimously.

X102443

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the grant of a new lease to Woolworths Group Limited (ACN  000 014 675) for part 437-441 Bourke Street, Surry Hills (being Lot 2 in DP1063190) in accordance with the essential lease terms and conditions contained within Confidential Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)      Council approve the granting of an initial term of 10 years plus 4 further options of 5 years (4 x 5) as per the terms outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report; and

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

Carried unanimously.

X104524

 

It is resolved that the Investment Report as at 30 June 2025 be received and noted.

Carried unanimously.

X020701

 

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note the matters raised in submissions to the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal - Conservation Areas Review and Draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 Amendment - Conservation Areas Review as shown at Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)       Council approve the Planning Proposal - Conservation Areas Review shown at
Attachment B 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 Amendment - Conservation Areas Review shown at Attachment C to the subject report, noting the Development Control Plan will come into effect on the date of publication of the subject Local Environmental Plan; and

(D)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor variations to the Planning Proposal - Conservation Areas Review and Draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 Amendment - Conservation Areas Review to correct any minor errors prior to finalisation.

Carried unanimously.

X031159

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the adoption of the name "Heckle Lane" for the road identified in Attachment A to the subject report; and

(B)      an application be made to the Geographical Names Board for the naming of the place as approved in (A), in accordance with the Geographical Names Act 1996.

Carried unanimously.

X101378

 

It is resolved that Council note:

(A)      the Parks Maintenance Cost Benefit Analysis and Service Delivery Report prepared by Morrison-Low Advisory dated July 2025 as shown at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report;

(B)      that retaining the split provider service model using the inhouse parks operations team and a contract service provider (as outlined in Scenario 2) is significantly lower in cost and provides better value for money than bringing the parks maintenance service fully inhouse (Scenario 3);

(C)      the costs for the different options for a new depot within the Local Government Area are significant;

(D)      the implementation of Scenario 3 to bring the parks maintenance service fully inhouse would require a significant review of the Long Term Financial Plan to allocate the operational and capital funding required; and

(E)      the re-tendering of the parks maintenance service for the north service area in September 2025 with the results of the tender evaluation to be reported to Council in early 2026.

The substantive motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (6)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Gannon, Kok, Maxwell, Miller and Worling

Noes (4)          Councillor Arkins, Ellsmore, Thompson and Weldon.

Substantive motion carried.

X116117

 

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      note the interim financial performance of Council for the 2024/25 year, including a Operating Result (before depreciation, interest income, capital related costs and capital grants and contributions) of $116.1M and Net Operating Result of $137.9M as outlined in the subject report and summarised in Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)      note the full year Capital Works expenditure of $213.3M, approve the proposed revote of $27.0M and adjustments to future years forward estimates, to increase the adopted  2025/26 budget to $309.9M including $8.0M of contingency to progress the planned capital works, as shown in Attachment B to the subject report;

(C)      note the Technology and Digital Services Capital Works expenditure of $17.3M, and approve the proposed revote of $4.0M and other adjustments to increase the adopted 2025/26 adopted budget to $25.9M as shown in Attachment B to the subject report;

(D)      note the full year Plant and Equipment expenditure of $21.2M, net of disposals, and approve the proposed revote of $9.0M, to increase the adopted 2025/26 net budget to $32.3M as shown in Attachment B in the subject report;

(E)      note the full year net Property Acquisitions of $67.9M;

(F)      note the operational performance indicators and quarter and full year achievements against the Delivery Program 2022-2026 objectives, as detailed in Attachment C to the subject report;

(G)      note the supplementary reports, which detail fee-waived and discounted community facility hire for 2024/25, and quick response, street banner and venue hire support grants and sponsorships, major legal issues, international travel, and contracts over $50,000 within the quarter, as detailed in Attachment D to the subject report; and

(H)      note the information in Attachment E, which outlines the Notices of Motion, Lord Mayoral Minutes and Councillor Amendments Cost summary. 

Carried unanimously.

X101909

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note the submissions received from the community on the exhibited draft Managing Waste in Public Places Local Approvals Policy, as shown in Attachment B to the subject report;

(B)      Council adopt the Managing Waste in Public Places Local Approvals Policy as shown at Attachment A to the subject report; and

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the Managing Waste in Public Places Local Approvals Policy, to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication.

Carried unanimously.

X116416.002

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council decline to accept the tender offer/s for Dangerous Goods Processing Service for the reasons set out in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)      Council does not invite fresh tenders, as it is considered that inviting fresh tenders would not attract additional suitable vendors over and above those that have responded to this tender;

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to enter into negotiations with any person with a view to entering into a contract on terms that are appropriate in relation to the subject matter of the tender;

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer the contracts relating to the tender; and

(E)      Council be informed of the successful supplier via CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

X112121

 

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note the submissions received on the exhibited draft Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Local Approvals Policy, as shown in Attachment B to the subject report;

(B)       Council adopt the Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Local Approvals Policy, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report; and

(C)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Local Approvals Policy in order to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication.

Carried unanimously.

X118675

 

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council approve the Planning Proposal - Heritage Floor Space Amendment, shown at Attachment A to the subject report, for submission to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces with a request for a Gateway Determination;

(B)       Council approve the Planning Proposal - Heritage Floor Space Amendment for public authority consultation and public exhibition in accordance with any conditions imposed under the Gateway Determination;

(C)       Council seek confirmation from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces that it has the authority to exercise the plan-making functions of the Minister under section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;

(D)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor variations to the Planning Proposal - Heritage Floor Space Amendment following receipt of the Gateway Determination; and

(E)       Council approve the draft amendments to the Alternative Heritage Floor Space Allocation Scheme, shown at Attachment B to the subject report, for public exhibition to be undertaken currently with the Planning Proposal - Heritage Floor Space Amendment.

Carried unanimously.

X122035

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve an exemption from tender in accordance with section 55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993 to purchase aerial photos from Aerometrex Pty Limited for the amounts set out in Confidential Attachment A, to the subject report as a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders at this time;

(B)      Council note that a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders for aerial photos because:

(i)         market scanning reveals that Aerometrex Pty Limited is the only supplier that meets the City's essential requirements that the photographs be:

(a)       high resolution;

(b)       true orthographic (overhead aerial orientation);

(c)       off the shelf and taken at regular time intervals; and

(d)       downloadable at full resolution and able to be stored within the City's GIS; and

(ii)        the very specific and niche nature and location of the services means that the number of suppliers who provide a service that meets the City's essential requirements is very limited and static;

(C)      Council note that there are sufficient funds allocated for this service within the current year's operating budget and future years' forward estimates; and

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer the contract/s for a term expiring on 30 June 2028.

Carried unanimously.

X121701

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve for public exhibition the draft Register of Significant Trees as shown at Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)      Council note that the draft Register of Significant Trees, including any recommended changes, will be reported to Council for adoption following the exhibition period; and

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to undertake minor editorial amendments for clarity or correction of drafting errors prior to the exhibition of the draft Register of Significant Trees.

Carried unanimously.

X117628.003

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the grant of a new lease to AVC Operations Pty Limited (ACN607 832 299)for part Ground Floor Suites, Custom House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay in accordance with the essential lease terms and conditions contained within Confidential Attachment B to the subject report;

(B)      Council approve the granting of a 15-year licence over the area of Crown Land that forms part of the lease area, in accordance with the licence terms outlined in Confidential Attachment B to the subject report, and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (NSW); and

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

Carried unanimously.

X119037.001

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council decline to accept the tender offers for Services - Annette Kellerman Murals Conservation and Restoration Project for the reasons set out in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report;

(B)      Council does not invite fresh tenders, as it is considered that inviting fresh tenders would not attract additional suitable vendors over and above those that have responded to this tender;

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to enter into negotiations with any person with a view to entering into a contract on terms that are appropriate in relation to the subject matter of the tender;

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer the contracts relating to the tender; and

(E)      Council be informed of the successful vendor via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

S065512.001

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note that under the Local Government Act 1993 and delegations to the Chief Executive Officer decisions to award tenders relating to work currently undertaken by Council staff and relating to new services cannot be made under delegation;

(B)      Council note the lessons learnt from the recent Parks Maintenance review reported to Council at its August 2025 meeting;

(C)      Council note the time and costs associated with internal and consultant resources associated with the reviews;

(D)      Council note the practices already in place supporting the objectives of the Sourcing Framework Principles;

(E)      Council endorse that staff will incorporate the Sourcing Framework Principles as shown at Attachment A to the subject report into the procurement decision-making cycle; and

(F)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to make the Sourcing Framework Principles available on the City of Sydney website with other policies, protocols and procedures and advise Council via the CEO Update of where this is listed once published.

The substantive 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*.

Substantive motion carried.

S095194.009

*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.

 

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note the submissions received on the exhibited draft Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Local Approvals Policy, as shown in Attachment C to the subject report;

(B)      Council adopt the Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Local Approvals Policy (the Policy), as shown at Attachment A to the subject report;

(C)      Council note the amended Sydney Busking Code, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, to be published as a guidance document to accompany the Policy; and

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Local Approvals Policy and Sydney Busking Code, to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication.

Carried unanimously.

X112445.004

 

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

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           share bikes are important to the transport system, helping to reduce congestion and emissions while increasing access to City destinations;

(ii)         in 2022 share bike companies significantly increased their presence in the City of Sydney. Since then, the number of share bikes in the City of Sydney has increased by 1,580%; and

(iii)        in 2024 there were almost 2 million bike share trips in the City of Sydney - an 84% increase from the previous year;

(B)        Council further note that:

(i)           the City has responded to the increased presence of share bikes on our streets by working with share bike operators to provide designated bike parking areas either on-street or out-of-the-way on footpaths and other walkways;

(ii)         on footpaths, the City has implemented 130 designated bike parking areas. These are virtually demarcated in share bike apps, and the City has physically demarcated about half of them;

(iii)        on-street designated bike parking is a scalable solution to bike parking that frees up more space on footpaths. So far, the City has installed nine on-street designated bike parking areas and there are more in the pipeline;

(iv)        the City is collaborating with share bike companies to develop functionality in their apps that shows share bike users where to park on a virtual map even when there is no physical demarcation. This is to encourage users to park in an orderly manner, in designated bike parking areas, where the option is available. However, due to technical limitations there is not a high degree of accuracy for digital demarcation and share bike users can get confused and park bikes outside the designated area;

(v)         this can lead to confusion for people parking share bikes and an increase in community impact and complaints due to clutter caused by share bikes that are parked carelessly; and

(vi)        on 18 July 2025, the Lord Mayor wrote to the Minister for Transport about regulation of e-mobility devices in NSW including a request for the NSW Government to simplify the approval pathway and provide more support for designated on-street bike parking proposals in appropriate locations, so we can free up more space on our footpaths;  

(C)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate and report back to Council via the CEO Update on the resources and time needed to:

(i)           ensure all existing and planned designated bike parking areas (footpaths and on-street) are demarcated to help riders understand where to park; and

(ii)         in collaboration with share bike companies, develop a communications and education campaign to promote correct use of designated bike parking areas and responsible rider behaviour; and

(D)        the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the NSW Minister for Transport to request that as part of the e-mobility regulations currently being developed by the NSW Government, share e-mobility companies are required to contribute towards Councils’ costs with managing designated bike parking areas including footpath and on- street demarcation and an ongoing communications campaign to educate people about responsible riding.

Carried unanimously.

X113756