Agenda of Ordinary Meeting - Monday, 10 February 2025

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

HELD REMOTELY USING AUDIO VISUAL LINKS, AUDIO STREAMED ON THE COUNCIL WEBSITE AND IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

ON MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024 AT 7:00PM

NATIONAL ANTHEM

The meeting opened with the National Anthem.

WEBCASTING STATEMENT

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney read a statement advising that Council Meetings are recorded and webcast.

STATEMENT OF RECOGNITION

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney read a statement of recognition of Penrith City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage.

PRAYER

The Council Prayer was read by Rev Christine Bayliss-Kelly.

PRESENT – IN PERSON

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM and Councillors Kirstie Boerst, Robin Cook, Sue Day, Glenn Gardiner, Sabbie Kaur, Hollie McLean, Edwin Mifsud, Reece Nuttall, Vanessa Pollak, Faithe Skinner, Garion Thain and John Thain.

PRESENT – ATTENDED REMOTELY

Councillor Libby Austin.

APOLOGIES

There were no apologies.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Ordinary Meeting - 11 November 2024

291 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garion Thain seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM that the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 11 November 2024 be confirmed, subject to correction on the Declarations of Interest – Councillor Garion Thain declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less than Significant, in COW Item 3 – Land Acquisition – Construction of the Factory Road Shared Path Project, as he has a professional relationship with the landowner, be amended to read as he has a professional relationship with the person across the road from the landowner in question.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Mayoral Minutes

1 Recognition of Service - Kevin Crameri OAM

Councillors Ross Fowler OAM, John Thain, Sue Day, Glenn Gardiner and Garion Thain spoke in support of the Mayoral Minute.

292 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Todd Carney seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM that the Mayoral Minute on Recognition of Service - Kevin Crameri OAM be received.

2 Recognising Penrith’s inspirational sporting superstar Nathan Pentecost

Councillors Ross Fowler OAM, John Thain, Vanessa Pollak and Hollie McLean spoke in support of the Mayoral Minute.

293 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Todd Carney seconded Councillor Sue Day that the Mayoral Minute on Recognising Penrith’s inspirational sporting superstar Nathan Pentecost be received.

Reports of Committees

1 Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 2 December 2024

294 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Sue Day that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 2 December, 2024 be adopted.

2 Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee Meeting held on 2 December 2024

295 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Sue Day that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee meeting held on 2 December, 2024 be adopted.

DELIVERY PROGRAM REPORTS

Procedural Motion

296 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Robin Cook that Item 6 - Proposed Rezoning of Land in Orchard Hills South - State-Led Rezoning, now be brought forward for consideration.

6 Proposed Rezoning of Land in Orchard Hills South - State-Led Rezoning

297 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Hollie McLean

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Proposed Rezoning of Land in Orchard Hills South - State-Led Rezoning be received

2. Council writes to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces outlining the issues identified in this report ahead of the formal submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

3. Council strongly requests the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure that they increase their direct engagement with the Community and landowners prior to the conclusion of the exhibition period and if necessary that exhibition period be extended to ensure that the consultation is done properly and fully.

Outcome 1 - We protect and enhance an ecologically sustainable environment

1 Hawkesbury-Nepean River Flood Study 2024

298 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Faithe Skinner

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Hawkesbury-Nepean River Flood Study 2024 be received.

2. The Hawkesbury Nepean River Flood Study, May 2024 prepared by the NSW Government through NSW Reconstruction Authority be adopted.

3. The Hawkesbury Nepean River Flood Study, May 2024 be made available to the public through Council’s website.

4. Council apply flood planning notations to 93 new properties discussed in the body of the report and write to the owners advising the application of the planning notation.

5. Council amend the flood planning notation to 19 properties discussed in the body of the report and write to the owners advising the application of the amended flood planning notation.

6. Council write to all property owners within the Probable Maximum Flood extent as defined by the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Flood Study, May 2024 advising of the release of the flood study by the NSW Government.

Outcome 2 - We are welcoming, healthy, happy and connected

2 Event Sponsorship Outcomes January - June 2024

299 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Faithe Skinner seconded Councillor Hollie McLean that the information contained in the report on Event Sponsorship Outcomes January - June 2024 be received.

Outcome 3 - We plan and shape our growing City

3 Proposed amendment to Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy

300 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garion Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on the Proposed amendment to Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy be received

2. The proposed amendments to the Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy and supporting amendments to the VPA template be endorsed for adoption by Council.

3. Should the amendments to the Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreement Policy be adopted by Council, a review is to be undertaken in 12 months to assess the effectiveness of the revised policy.

4. Any Letter of Offers to enter into a voluntary agreement which seek to utilise the alternate security clause are to be reported to Council for endorsement.

4 Australian Government Black Spot Program and Get NSW Active 2025/26 Funding Nominations and Funding Acceptance

301 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garion Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Australian Government Black Spot Program and Get NSW Active 2025/26 Funding Nominations and Funding Acceptance be received.

2. Council note the six (6) projects listed in Table 1 of this report for funding application to Transport for NSW under the Australian Government Black Spot Program and NSW Safer Roads Program 2025/26.

3. Council note the three (3) projects listed in Table 2 of this report for funding application to Transport for NSW under the Get NSW Active Program 2025/26.

4. Council acknowledge acceptance of grant funding of $1,453,320 under the 2024/25-2025/26 Road Safety Program for the project listed in Table 3 of this report.

5. Council write to the Local Federal and State Members thanking them for their ongoing support and continued funding of road safety initiatives.

5 Submission to the NSW Parliament Joint Select Committee Inquiry on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022

302 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garion Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Submission to the NSW Parliament Joint Select Committee Inquiry on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 be received

2. Council endorses the submission on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 provided at Attachment 1 and forward a copy to the NSW Parliament Joint Select Committee.

Outcome 4 - We manage and improve our built environment

7 Acceptance of Grant Funding - NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation

303 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor John Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Acceptance of Grant Funding - NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation be received.

2. Approval be given to accept seven grants awarded under the LSCA grant program as detailed in the report, these being:

$120,000 - Glenmore Park Child and Family Precinct, Glenmore Park – Playspace renewal

$80,000 - Sales Park, Luddenham – Installation of outdoor health and fitness equipment

$72,000 - Mulgoa Rise Sportsground, Glenmore Park –Sports field surfaces renovation

$400,000 - Allsopp and Patterson Reserve, Cambridge Gardens – Playspace and park improvements

$100,000 - Londonderry Park, Londonderry – Playspace and sports court upgrade.

$100,000 - Myrtle Road Reserve, Claremont Meadows - Playspace renewal

$100,000 - Margaret Porter Reserve, St Marys – Playspace renewal

3. The financial contributions from existing budget programs be allocated to the delivery of the projects as detailed in the report and included in the LSCA grant submissions, these being;

Glenmore Park Child and Family Precinct, Glenmore Park

- $120,000 Parks Asset Renewal Program

Mulgoa Rise Sportsground, Glenmore Park

- $250,000 Parks Asset Renewal Program

Londonderry Park, Londonderry

- $180,000 Parks Asset Renewal Program

- $300,000 Telecommunications Access Fund

- $38,000 Neighbourhood Renewal

- $58,000 Sustainability Revolving Fund

- $15,000 Disability Access Improvement Fund

Myrtle Road Reserve, Claremont Meadows

- $80,000 Parks Asset Renewal Program

Margaret Porter Reserve, St Marys

- $100,000 Parks Asset Renewal Program

4. The General Manager be delegated authority to sign all necessary legal documents in relation to this matter.

5. Letters of appreciation be issued to the NSW Government and local State Members.

8 RFT22/23-023 Hire of Trucks, Plant and Equipment

304 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor John Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on RFT22/23-023 Hire of Trucks, Plant and Equipment be received

2. A three (3) year contract with an option to extend for a further two (2) x one (1) year periods, subject to satisfactory performance with provision for rise and fall in accordance with the terms and conditions, be awarded to the following companies for the specified categories, listed below:

Item No.	Category		Preferred Ranking
1	Tipper Trucks		Wet Hire 1. A&C Plant Hire Pty Ltd 2. Raygal Pty Ltd 3. Allards Plant Hire Pty Ltd Dry Hire 1. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 2. Coates Hire Operations
2	Excavators		Wet Hire 1. A&C Plant Hire Pty Ltd 2. Allards Plant Hire Pty Ltd 3. Azbuild Pty Ltd Dry Hire 1. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 2. Sherrin Rentals Pty Ltd 3. Camden Hire Pty Ltd
3	Skidsteer Loaders		Wet Hire 1. A&C Plant Hire Pty Ltd 2. Raygal Pty Ltd 3. Allards Plant Hire Pty Ltd Dry Hire 1. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 2. Camden Hire Pty Ltd 3. Tutt Bryant Hire Pty Ltd
4	Mini Loader (DINGO) with Trailer		Dry Hire 1. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 2. Camden Hire Pty Ltd 3. Coates Hire Operations
5	Graders		Wet Hire 1. Allards Plant Hire Pty Ltd
6	Rollers		Dry Hire 1. Conplant Pty Ltd 2. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 3. Tutt Bryant Hire Pty Ltd
7	Compactor Plate		Dry Hire 1. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd 2. Coates Hire Operations 3. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd
8	Water Carts		Wet Hire 1. Raygal Pty Ltd 2. A&C Plant Hire Pty Ltd
11	a	AC Patching Unit (Flocon or similar type)	Wet Hire 1. A&C Plant Hire Pty Ltd 2. Avijohn Contracting Pty Ltd
11	b	Road Patching Plant (excavator or similar type)	Wet Hire 1. Roadworx Surfacing 2. Raygal Pty Ltd
12	Vacuum & Jetting (Combination) Truck		Wet Hire 1. Total Drain Cleaning services Pty Ltd 2. Sydneywide Environmental Services Pty Ltd 3. Raygal Pty Ltd
13	CCTV – Pipeline Inspection		Wet Hire 1. Total Drain Cleaning services Pty Ltd 2. Sydneywide Environmental Services Pty Ltd
14	Pipe Rehabilitation Unit (root cutting, robotic work and patches)		Wet Hire 1. Total Drain Cleaning services Pty Ltd 2. Sydneywide Environmental Services Pty Ltd 3. Pipe Management Australia Pty Ltd
16	Lawn Mower (out-front)		Dry Hire 1. Camden Hire Pty Ltd 2. Azbuild Pty Ltd
18	Electronic Service Locator		Wet Hire 1. Online Pipe and Cable Locating Pty Ltd 2. Aqua Assets Pty Ltd
19	a	Barriers	Dry Hire 1. RSEA Hire 2. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 3. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd
19	b	Temporary Fencing	Dry Hire 1. Shore Hire Pty Ltd 2. Camden Hire Pty Ltd 3. TFH Hire Services Pty Ltd
20	a	Road Plates	Dry Hire 1. Shore Hire Pty Ltd 2. Coates Hire Operations 3. Camden Hire Pty Ltd
20	b	Shoring Boxes	Dry Hire 1. Shore Hire Pty Ltd
21	Scissor Lifts		Dry Hire 1. Up Hire Pty Ltd 2. Coates Hire Operations 3. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd
22	Variable Message Boards		Dry Hire 1. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd 2. RSEA Hire 3. Liteman Australia Pty Ltd
23	Lighting Tower		Dry Hire 1. Liteman Australia Pty Ltd 2. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd 3. RSEA Hire
24	Portable Traffic Lights		Dry Hire 1. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd 2. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd
25	Portable Toilets		Dry Hire 1. Allcott Hire Pty Ltd 2. Coates Hire Operations 3. Kennards Hire Pty Ltd

3. Variations and amendments that do not materially alter the original scope of the contract be managed under the existing Penrith City Council financial delegations within the approved budgets.

4. The General Manager be authorised to sign all necessary legal documents in relation to this matter.

Outcome 5 - We have open and collaborative leadership

9 Adoption of the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024-28

305 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garion Thain seconded Councillor Reece Nuttall

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Adoption of the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024-28 be received

2. That the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024–28 be adopted by Council

10 Code of Conduct - Report on Complaints Statistics

306 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garion Thain seconded Councillor Reece Nuttall

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Code of Conduct - Report on Complaints Statistics be received.

2. A copy of this report along with complaints statistics provided in accordance with 11.2 of the Model Code Procedures be forwarded to the Office of Local Government.

11 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

307 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garion Thain seconded Councillor Reece Nuttall that the information contained in the report on Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee be received.

12 Summary of Investments and Banking for the period 1 November 2024 - 30 November 2024

308 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garion Thain seconded Councillor Reece Nuttall

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Summary of Investments and Banking for the period 1 November 2024 - 30 November 2024 be received.

2. The Council’s Cash Book and Bank Statements have been reconciled as at 24 November 2024.

URGENT BUSINESS

UB 1 Luddenham Show 2025

Councillor Hollie McLean requested that an amount of $2,000 from each Ward’s voted works be donated to the Luddenham Show to be held in 2025.

309 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Hollie McLean seconded Councillor John Thain that the matter be brought forward and dealt with as a matter of urgency.

His Workship the Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

310 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Hollie McLean seconded Councillor John Thain that the amount of $2,000 from each Ward’s voted works be donated to the 119th Luddenham Show 2025.

Committee of the Whole

311 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Sue Day seconded Vanessa Pollak that the meeting adjourn to the Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters, the time being 7:56pm.

1 Presence of the Public

CW1 RESOLVED on the motion of Councillor Sue Day seconded Councillor Vanessa Pollak that the press and public be excluded from Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters:

Outcome 5

2 Council Property - New Lease Amendment - Suite 2, 54 Henry Street Penrith

This item has been referred to Committee of the Whole as the report refers to commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret and discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest.

3 Outcome of Negotiations with TechnologyOne Limited

The meeting resumed at 7:57pm and the General Manager reported that the Committee of the Whole met at 7:56pm on Monday, 9 December 2024, the following being present

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Todd Carney, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM and Councillors Libby Austin, Kirstie Boerst, Robin Cook, Sue Day, Glenn Gardiner, Sabbie Kaur, Hollie McLean, Edwin Mifsud, Reece Nuttall, Vanessa Pollak, Faithe Skinner, Garion Thain and John Thain.

and the Committee of the Whole excluded the press and public from the meeting for the reasons set out in CW1 and that the Committee of the Whole submitted the following recommendations to Council.

CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS

2 Council Property - New Lease Amendment - Suite 2, 54 Henry Street Penrith

312 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Reece Nuttall seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

CW2 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Council Property - New Lease Amendment - Suite 2, 54 Henry Street Penrith be received.

2. Council enters into a lease with Avira Dental Pty Ltd over Suite 2, 54 Henry Street Penrith.

3. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be affixed to all documents as required, and the General Manager (or his delegate) be authorised to sign all necessary legal documents in relation to this matter.

3 Outcome of Negotiations with TechnologyOne Limited

313 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Reece Nuttall seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

CW3 That the information contained in the report on Outcome of Negotiations with TechnologyOne Limited be received.

ADOPTION OF Committee of the Whole

314 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Hollie McLean seconded Sabbie Kaur that the recommendation contained in the Committee of the Whole and shown as CW1, CW2 and CW3 be adopted.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 7:58pm.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Access Committee MEETING

HELD ON 27 November, 2024

PRESENT

Marcella Kelshaw (Chair) (Head of City Activation, Community and Place), Councillor Hollie McLean, Councillor Garion Thain, Councillor Faithe Skinner, Dianne Brooks, Anthony Mulholland, Farah Madon, Alan Windley, Matt Roger, Marcela Hart (Community Capacity Lead), Erin Davidson (Community Safety Projects Officer).

PRESENTERS

Carlie Ryan (Head of City Strategy) Rebekah Elliott (St Marys Place Manager), Fiona McDermott (City Strategy Lead), Olivia Simpson (Project Officer – Social Strategy).

APOLOGIES

Josephine Dambudzo (Community Capacity Officer), Heather Chaffey (Community Resilience Manager) Carole Grayson, Karen McIntyre.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Access Committee Meeting - 24 July 2024

That the minutes of the Access Committee Meeting of 24 July 2024 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Nil.

Matthew Roger: Action from previous minutes – Access and Inclusion considerations across Greenfield Developments has not been provided to the Access Committee members as yet. Can this be distributed for review and comments.

DELIVERY PROGRAM REPORTS

Outcome 2 - We are welcoming, healthy, happy and connected

1 Progress Update DIAP 2022 – 2026 and Broader Council Programs

Community Funding Program

Olivia Simpson presented on the new Community Funding Program and its structure.

Council has a long history of providing grants that support social and cultural outcomes for the community. After the review of how Council grants are administered and managed, this new Community Funding program aims to improve fairness, equitability and transparency. Align with best practice regarding governance, accountability, and probity. Increase minimum funding amounts and increase flexibility to meet changing community needs.

The new Community Funding Program will provide five (5) grant opportunities:

· Thriving Communities - Activities that enhance the health, social capital and safety of the community.

Applications opened on Monday 25 November 2024 and close on Friday 24 January 2025.

Sole applications can apply for up to $2,500 per project and partnership applications can apply for up to $5,000 per project.

· Safe Communities Domestic & Family Violence Grant - Primary prevention projects that target the underlying drivers of domestic & family violence.

The Safe Communities Domestic and Family Violence Grant, is a new grant and is a pilot program proposed to run for a three (3) year period up to June 2027.

Two (2) funding rounds are offered per year. If the total funding is expended in the first round, round two (2) will not occur.

Sole applications can apply for up to $2,500 per project and partnership applications can apply for up to $5,000 per project.

· Magnetic Places – Creative arts projects that magnify resident stories, provide opportunity for creative expression and activate locations across key neighbourhoods.

Funding is capped to $15,000 per project.

· Local Creativity – Activities that provide the Penrith community opportunities participate in local arts, creative and cultural experiences.

· Local Events – Events that support social cohesion and community wellbeing.

Two (2) funding rounds are offered per year.

Matthew and Dianne requested further information and the funding guidelines for the Thriving Communities Grant be provided. Olivia advised that she will provide further information via email to Marcela to be distributed to the group.

RECOMMENDED

That the information contained in the report on Progress Update DIAP 2022 – 2026 and Broader Council Programs be received.

Outcome 3 - We plan and shape our growing City

2 St Marys Central Park Project 50% Concept Design and Draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan Public Exhibition

Draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan

Carlie Ryan presented on the Draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan which maps out what Council needs to do to achieve each of the goals that were identified in the Structure Plan.

The draft Master Plan has been developed with input from the St Marys community and stakeholders, and has involved extensive research, collaboration and evidence-based planning and design. The St Marys Town Centre Master Plan follows on from the Structure Plan.

The St Marys Town Centre Master Plan has also been informed by a series of supporting technical studies that investigated matters including transport, sustainability, urban ecology, heritage and First Nations culture, water management, infrastructure and feasibility.

The Draft St Marys Town Centre Management Plan was on public exhibition in November, inviting the community to share their feedback on key documents.

Carlie spoke to the vison of St Marys including the desired building heights and densities, land acquisitions, new infrastructure and facilities, the changing landscape and amenity and accessibility.

The next step for the draft Master Plan is to draft the Development Control Plan and Contributions Plan and have them finalised and endorsed by mid-2025.

Matthew Roger asked what the height of buildings are as there may be a potential wind tunnel effect down Queen Street, similar to concerns raised around Lord Sheffield Circuit in Thornton.

Anthony Mulholland noted that lighting at night time needs to be improved in St Marys and pedestrian crossing are not currently in safe locations.

Farah Madon questioned if Queen Street will be one way only as the artists impressions presented this view. She has concerns if there is an increase in units there will be traffic congestion as car enter and leave basement parking areas. Carly confirmed that basement access will be from East and West Lanes, and Queen Street will have one lane in each direction.

St Marys Central Park Project

Rebekah Elliott presented on the St Marys Central Park Project which is derived from the St Marys Town Centre Structure Plan as the core Civic heart of St Marys.

The project is currently undergoing community consultation and engagement on the 50% concept design and park naming. Rebekah shared with the Committee a series of artists impressions and talked through the proposed names, Including:

• Baya Park

• Betty Cobb Park

• Coachmans Park

• Echoes Park

• Gommerigal Park

• Kokoda Park

• Winima Park

Through the current consultation, residents have been asked to identify their top 3 preferred named from the proposed list. Renaming the park will create a sense of identity and inclusion.

Matthew Roger noted that accessibility needs to be considered in this project. Marcella confirmed that accessibility will be looked at for consultation. Matthew suggested providing feedback directly to Marcella for consideration.

RECOMMENDED

That the information contained in the report on St Marys Central Park Project 50% Concept Design and Draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan Public Exhibition be received.

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB1 Proposed Meeting Schedule

Marcella Kelshaw put forward a proposal to hold 4 meetings throughout 2025. These would be held quarterly.

Concerns were raised regarding the review of referred development applications (DA’s). With the increased development that is anticipated across St Marys, the Committee is concerned that if meetings are to be held quarterly, DA’s cannot wait 3 months to be reviewed.

Marcella advised that DA’s have eased, and Council would like to be considerate of everyone’s time. It is also not anticipated that there will be an influx of DA’s for St Marys in the next 12 months. The St Marys Town Centre Master Plan is a long-term plan and major development is a few years off.

The committee agreed to a meeting schedule being drafted. Matters referred to the committee for review and assessment will be monitored, with additional correspondence or meetings considered if needed.

Marcella and Marcela to contact Committee members for feedback on this approach and agreement on four 2025 meetings.

GB2 Review of Terms of Reference

Councillor Hollie McLean proposed that the Committee also look to review the Terms of Reference. She noted at present it is unclear who is required to chair the meetings.

GB3 International Day of People with Disability (2 December 2024)

Matthew Roger noted that the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Disability Consumer Council are hosting the 2024 event at The Log Cabin on Tuesday 3 December.

Matthew spoke with Toby Chapman from the Lewers Gallery on a proposal for a display of No Boundaries Art Group art at Nepean but Toby couldn’t commit to a display for 2024. Would like to reconsider for 2025.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 7:20pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Access Committee meeting held on 27 November, 2024 be adopted.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan

Compiled by: Habib Rehman, Senior Engineer - Stormwater

Mylvaganam Senthilvasan, Floodplain Engineering Coordinator

Authorised by: Joshua Hull, Head of Engineering Services

Andrew Jackson, Director Planning and Regulatory Services

Outcome	We protect and enhance an ecologically sustainable environment
Strategy	Strengthen sustainability and climate resilience
Principal Activity	Manage the risk to and impact on life and property from the existing and potential future use of the floodplain

Executive Summary

In accordance with the NSW Government’s Flood Risk Management Manual, June 2023 Council has undertaken a Floodplain Risk Management Study and developed a Floodplain Risk Management Plan for the Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment. The study area is shown in Attachment 1.

The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creeks study area is approximately 1,250 hectares and extends across the suburbs of South Penrith, Jamisontown and parts of Penrith. The study area drains into Nepean River.

Community consultation has been undertaken at the preliminary stages of the study to seek input from the local community. After a detailed investigation of the flooding issues, the Floodplain Risk Management Plan recommends several flood risk management options for the study area. Key recommendations of the draft Plan include:

· A review of development controls including a review of DCP and LEP.

· Bazooka Culverts upgrade.

· RC10/11 Basin (Evan Street) upgrade.

· Penrith South basins upgrade.

· Stormwater upgrade between Penrose Crescent and Taloma Street.

· Surveyors Creek Trash Rack near Mulgoa Road.

· Develop a community education strategy, and

· Upgrade to Local Flood Plan.

Currently, there is no funding commitment for implementing the above management options and, if endorsed, funding opportunities will be pursued, primarily through NSW Government.

The purpose of this report is to inform Council that the draft Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan are now complete and ready to go to public exhibition. The public exhibition of the Study and Plan is proposed to be held from 27 February 2025 to 27 March 2025.

Background

The NSW Government’s Flood Policy is directed at providing solutions to existing flooding issues in developed areas and ensuring that new developments are compatible with the relevant flood hazard and do not create flooding problems in other areas. Under the policy, the management of flood prone land remains the responsibility of councils.

The policy and floodplain management practices are defined in the NSW Government’s Flood Risk Management Manual, June 2023. The policy sets out a staged process Council must follow, which includes data collection, a flood study, a floodplain risk management study and plan, and implementation of the plan as shown in Figure 1 below.

The State Government provides technical advice and, in some instances, financial support to councils to manage their floodplains. The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan is jointly funded by Council and grant funding from the NSW Government through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Figure 1 – Floodplain Management Process

The Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan was undertaken by engineering consultancy firm, Catchment Simulation Solutions, on behalf of Council, with the technical guidance from DCCEEW. The Study and Plan have been overseen by the Council’s Floodplain Risk Management Committee and supported by Technical Working Group comprising members from Council, the consultant, DCCEEW and the NSW State Emergency Services (SES).

The primary objective of the Study and Plan is to develop a floodplain risk management plan for the study area that addresses the existing, future and continuing flood problems, taking into account the potential impacts of climate change.

Study Area

Penrith Local Government Area is approximately 408 square kilometres and has forty (40) creek systems and associated catchment areas all draining into either Nepean River or South Creek. All these catchment areas have been identified as requiring comprehensive floodplain risk management studies and floodplain risk management plans. For the purpose of preparing floodplain risk management studies and plans, the LGA is divided into twenty-five (25) separate study areas. Once all the work has been completed, there will be 25 separate floodplain risk management plans.

The study areas have been prioritised according to their severity of flooding based on Council’s 2006 Overland Flow Overview Flood Study. Council has been undertaking detailed flood studies and floodplain risk management studies for various study areas according to their priorities.

The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment was identified as one of the priority catchments requiring a detailed flood study and a floodplain risk management plan to effectively manage the flooding.

The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creeks study area extends across parts of the suburbs of Penrith, South Penrith and Jamisontown and drains into Nepean River. The Study area (Separate Enclosure 1) is bounded by Nepean River to the west, M4 Motorway to the south and The Northern Road to the east. The Study area is approximately 1,250 hectares (12.5 sq.km) and has a contributing catchment of approximately 2,450 hectares (24.5 sq.km). The contributing catchments include Upper Surveyors Creek, Showground Channel and The Corporation Drain catchments.

The study area is highly urbanised and includes a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas with scattered areas of open space. Most of the highly urbanised portion of the Study area is drained by a sub-surface stormwater system (pits and pipes). During periods of heavy rainfall there is potential for the capacity of the stormwater system to be exceeded, leading to local overland flooding. There is also potential for “mainstream” flooding because of water overtopping the banks of the major watercourses in the study area. During major flooding, the lower parts of the Study Area are also inundated by backwater from Nepean River via Peach Tree Creek.

The Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan have been prepared in accordance with the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual, June 2023. The Study and Plan provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing and the future flood risks; investigates possible flood risk management measures to manage the flood risk; and recommends feasible flood risk management solutions.

Endorsement by the Floodplain Risk Management Committee

On 2 December 2024, the draft Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan was presented to the Floodplain Risk Management Committee. The Committee endorsed the draft reports for the purpose of public exhibition.

Key recommendations of the draft Plan include:

· A review of development controls including a review of DCP and LEP.

· Bazooka Culverts upgrade.

· RC10/11 Basin (Evan Street) upgrade.

· Penrith South basins upgrade.

· Stormwater upgrade between Penrose Crescent and Taloma Street.

· Surveyors Creek Trash Rack near Mulgoa Road.

· Develop a community education strategy, and

· Upgrade to Local Flood Plan.

The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan are now complete, and ready to go to public exhibition. The draft study reports include the following four (4) volumes:

1. Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management – Study, August 2024, Volume 1 (Text)

2. Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management – Study, August 2024, Volume 2 (Maps)

3. Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management – Plan, August 2024 (Text), and

4. Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Summary Report, August 2024.

Public exhibition draft reports are separately provided to Councillors in the Councillor portal and will be made available to the public on Council’s website.

Public Exhibition

The public exhibition process will include direct exhibition through the catchment and public notification of that exhibition period. It is proposed that the following will be undertaken as part of the public exhibition process.

· Advertisements will be placed in the local newspaper inviting residents, ratepayers and business owners to review the draft study reports and make submissions.

· Letters to property owners (approximately 8,000 letters) within the study area informing them about the public exhibition and inviting them to review the public exhibition draft reports and make submissions.

· Council’s website will be used to access the study documents and arrangements will be made for making submissions electronically.

· Printed study documents will be placed as appropriate at Council offices and libraries for viewing by the public.

· A Community Factsheet detailing the flood management process and the steps involved in developing the floodplain risk management plan will be prepared and distributed. This will also be made available through Council’s website, and

· A community meeting is proposed during the public exhibition so that the public can ask questions on the relevant documents and discuss as required. Details regarding the community meeting will be provided in the Factsheet to register interest.

The public exhibition will be for a minimum of four (4) weeks, and it is proposed to be held from 27 February 2025 to 27 March 2025.

Financial Implications

This report recommends that the Study and Plan be placed on exhibition for public comment. The costs associated with the public exhibition have been included in the project budget. Recommendations contained in the final study may serve as a guide for future funding allocations and grant applications.

Risk Implications

Council is required to publicly exhibit the draft Study and Plan, and to seek comment before adoption. This is to meet the requirements detailed in the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual, June 2023 and to meet the grant funding requirements.

Conclusion

The Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan is now complete and the draft reports are ready to go to public exhibition. It is recommended that the draft reports be publicly exhibited, and a subsequent report be brought back to Council detailing the results of the exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan be received.

2. The draft Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, August 2024 be endorsed for public exhibition for a period of no less than 28 days.

3. A further report be presented to Council on the results of the public exhibition of the draft Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, August 2024 addressing any submissions received during the exhibition period.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. ⇩

Peachtree and Lower Surveyors Creek Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Study Area

1 Page

Appendix

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Request for Major Event Sponsorship - Marathi Association Sydney Inc

Compiled by: Beau Reid, Place and Activations Program Manager

Shelley Lee, Activation and Event Development Officer

Nikki Akbar, Events Lead

Authorised by: Patricia Gonzalez, Acting Head of City Activation, Community and Place

Sandy Davies, Director Community Connection

Outcome	We are welcoming, healthy, happy, creative and connected
Strategy	Support and provide opportunities to participate in activities and events that celebrate our diversity, culture and creativity
Principal Activity	Conduct and support events that include all members of our community

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to present to Council an event sponsorship proposal received from the Marathi Association Sydney Incorporated (‘MAS’) seeking sponsorship of the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan event.

This report provides Council with details of the sponsorship proposal received, including the proposed sponsorship benefits and an assessment of the sponsorship proposal.

MAS has submitted a proposal for sponsorship from Council for the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan to be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) from 25 to 27 April 2025.

MAS is an established not for profit community organisation bringing together people who speak the Marathi language in the Sydney region.

Marathi Association Sydney has sought a total sponsorship investment from Council of $10,000 (exc. GST) in the form of sponsorship. Council officers have estimated the event could deliver approximately $1,400,000 in local economic benefit.

This report recommends that Council provides sponsorship of $2,000 (exc. GST) for the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan event.

Background

Council endorsed the Events Sponsorship Policy (‘the Policy’) in June 2020. The Policy includes criteria for Major Event Sponsorship.

Council endorsed the Think Penrith, Think Events – Penrith Events Strategy 2020-2024 on 22 June 2020. The Events Strategy provides for up to $200,000 annually to support the attraction and retention of major events in the Penrith Local Government Area via the Penrith Events Partnership Program.

Council was approached on 18 December 2024 by the Marathi Association Sydney Incorporated to consider sponsorship of the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan to be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) from 25 to 27 April 2025.

Current Situation

The sponsorship proposal received from MAS for the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan event requests Council funds of $10,000 (exc. GST) to assist with operational costs to host the event.

Further details on the event are provided below:

2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan

MAS was formed by people having an interest in the Marathi language, culture and customs. Marathi speaking people are part of the Indian diaspora with a significant and growing presence in Sydney, including the Penrith Local Government Area. The rich culture and arts of the community is celebrated and enjoyed in an all Australia Marathi convention every three years.

The three-day event will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural programs, including drama, music, and dance performances by talented artists of all ages. Attendees can also participate in breakout sessions, interviews, traditional games, and cultural activities designed to engage and entertain everyone.

The Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan has been held every three years for over 30 years, with hosting duties alternating between Victoria and New South Wales. The event was last hosted in Victoria in 2022, following its previous Sydney iteration in 2019.

The organisers of the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan are anticipating that they will attract 800 participants over 3 days and expect that the average length of stay in Penrith will be 2 nights, outlined further below:

· 50 Local

· 100 Interstate

· 600 Other NSW

· 50 Overseas

Based on the projected event visitation figures provided by the event organiser, Council has estimated the economic benefit of the scheduled event to the local economy is approximately $1,400,000.

Previous sponsorship to Marathi Association Sydney Inc

Marathi Association Sydney Inc has not previously been sponsored by Council.

Proposed Sponsorship Benefits

The sponsorship opportunities presented by Marathi Association Sydney Inc for the 2025 event would provide Council and the community of Penrith with promotional benefits including:

· Mayor (or delegate) welcome and/or presentation at the event

· 1 x signage opportunity through event site (signage provided by Council)

Assessment of sponsorship proposal

The sponsorship proposal has been assessed against Council’s Events Sponsorship Policy criteria for Major Event Sponsorship.

The event encourages local community involvement however is targeted to the Marathi community specifically and will be marketed via specific channels to achieve this, however the event promotes overnight visitation to the Penrith Local Government Area and has positive economic benefits to the local Penrith economy that exceed the total cost of running the event.

Strategic alignment

The 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan event aligns to outcomes of Council’s Multicultural Action Plan (2024-2027), specifically by providing capacity to cultural community groups to develop and deliver events of significance within their culture. The event will provide the Marathi community with the ability to connect and celebrate their culture and heritage with community members locally, nationally and internationally. The event speaks directly to the first focus area of the Multicultural Action Plan by providing the ability to enable strong social bonds and a sense of belonging within our cultural and faith communities.

In addition, the event will speak to goals listed in Council’s Cultural Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2028) – specifically Action 3, by building capacity in small and emerging communities to share their culture.

Estimated economic benefit

Council officers have estimated that the event could deliver approximately $1,400,000 in local economic benefit. This is calculated using data provided by the applicant including participant numbers and type of participation expected during the event (e.g. overnight or day stay). The Tourism Research Australia tool is then used to input the data provided by the applicants. This tool is used by Destination NSW to set the standard rates of economic impact per visitor per event. This information is then inputted into the Profile ID Event Impact Calculator to determine the return on investment for each event.

The sponsorship proposal seeks Council investment of $10,000 (exc. GST). Council officers recommend sponsorship of $2,000 (exc. GST), which offers support to the event with achieving the best value for Council and the community, noting the very targeted marketing approach being undertaken to reach the audience for this event.

Financial Implications

The Penrith Events Partnership Program provides up to $200,000 annually to fund major and community events in the Penrith Local Government Area. This funding is available within the existing City Activation, Community and Place budget included in Council’s 2024-25 Operational Plan.

To date for this financial year, Council has endorsed a total of $27,250 (excl GST) worth of major and community event sponsorships. In addition, $64,700 of sponsorships were adopted by Council in the 2023-24 financial year which will be paid in 2024-25 financial year after the events have occurred and conditions of the Sponsorship funding have been met. As a result, there is currently $108,050 remaining in the 2024-25 Event Sponsorship Program budget.

A total of three Major Event Sponsorship requests totalling $22,000 (excl GST) are tabled for consideration by Council in tonight's meeting. Should all proposals progress as recommended, the resulting funds available in the sponsorship budget would be $86,050.

Risk Implications

If the sponsorship is endorsed, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with the Marathi Association Sydney Inc to detail the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council and the community in exchange for Council’s investment.

Conclusion

A request for major event sponsorship has been received from the Marathi Association Sydney Inc. This request seeks a total of $10,000 (exc. GST) to support the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan to be held at the PVRSC from 25 to 27 April 2025.

It is estimated that the return to the community of Penrith from the event could be in the order of $1,400,000 in economic benefit.

Council officers have assessed the proposal for sponsorship of the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan against the Events Sponsorship Policy recommends that Council provide a total sponsorship of $2,000 (exc. GST) in support of the event. This level of funding reflects the nature of the proposed sponsorship benefits to Council and the estimated economic benefits

Should Council resolve to endorse the sponsorship proposal, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with the Marathi Association Sydney Inc detailing the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council in exchange for its investment.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Request for Major Event Sponsorship - Marathi Association Sydney Inc be received.

2. Council endorse sponsorship of $2,000 (exc. GST) to the Marathi Association Sydney Inc in support of the 2025 Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan event.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Request For Major Event Sponsorship - Macquarie University (t/a FIRST Australia @ MQ)

Compiled by: Shelley Lee, Activation and Event Development Officer

Nikki Akbar, Events Lead

Beau Reid, Place and Activations Program Manager

Authorised by: Patricia Gonzalez, Acting Head of City Activation, Community and Place

Sandy Davies, Director Community Connection

Outcome	We are welcoming, healthy, happy, creative and connected
Strategy	Support and provide opportunities to participate in activities and events that celebrate our diversity, culture and creativity
Principal Activity	Conduct and support events that include all members of our community

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to present to Council an event sponsorship proposal received from Macquarie University (trading as ‘t/a’ FIRST Australia @ MQ) seeking sponsorship of the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional event.

This report provides Council with details of the sponsorship proposal received, including the proposed sponsorship benefits and an assessment of the sponsorship proposal.

FIRST Australia @ MQ (‘FIRST Australia’) has submitted a proposal for sponsorship from Council for the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional to be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) from 7 to 9 March 2025.

FIRST Australia is an international not-for-profit organisation based at and administered by Macquarie University that works with young people to tackle the challenges and opportunities that robotics presents, through a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based programs.

FIRST Australia has sought a total sponsorship investment from Council of $17,500 (exc. GST) in the form of sponsorship. Council officers have estimated the event could deliver approximately $2,200,000 in local economic benefit.

This report recommends that Council provides sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) for the 2025 FIRST Australia Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional to be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC).

Background

Council endorsed the Events Sponsorship Policy (‘the Policy’) in June 2020. The Policy includes criteria for Major Event Sponsorship.

Council was approached on 18 December 2024 by FIRST Australia to consider sponsorship of the 2025 FIRST Australia Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional to be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) from 7 to 9 March 2025.

Current Situation

The sponsorship proposal received from FIRST Australia for the 2025 FIRST Australia Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional event requests Council funds of $17,500 (plus. GST) to assist with operational costs associated with hosting the event.

Further details on the event are provided below:

2025 FIRST Australia Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional

The 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional is a 3-day robotics competition, planned to be held at the Penrith Valley Sports Stadium from 7 to 9 March 2025.

The FIRST Robotics Competition has been delivered in Australia since 2009.

The Southern Cross Regional includes participants from across Australia and internationally and will feature teams of 48 high schools with students from Years 9 to 12, that will design and build 55kg+ robots to compete on a basketball-court-sized arena in a game titled "REEFSCAPE", focused on strengthening ocean habitats.

The organisers of the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional are anticipating that they will attract approximately 2,000 participants over 3 days and expect that the average length of stay in Penrith will be 2 nights, outlined further below:

· 200 Local (10% of attendees)

· 800 Other NSW (40% of attendees)

· 800 Interstate (40% of attendees)

· 200 International (10% of attendees)

Based on the projected event visitation provided by the applicant, Council has estimated the economic benefit of the scheduled event to the local economy is approximately $2,200,000.

Previous Sponsorship of FIRST Australia

Macquarie University has not previously received funding or sponsorship from Council.

Proposed Sponsorship Benefits

The sponsorship opportunities presented by FIRST Australia for the 2025 event would provide Council and the community of Penrith with several benefits including:

· Opportunity for a joint media release acknowledging Council as a sponsor

· Mayor (or delegate) welcome and/or presentation at the event

· Council logo inclusions on all marketing channels including but not limited to all event artwork, digital channels, video end boards, flyers, socials and outboard advertising

· 5 x pre-event social media posts on event specific channels in the lead up to the event and 2 x social media post event (content supplied by Council)

· 3 x Electronic direct mail (EDM) and other digital content advertising Penrith as a destination provided to registered event attendees and on event website (content provided by Council)

· 4 x acknowledgements (2x a day) of Council as a sponsor throughout event via Master of Ceremony (content provided by Council)

· 5 x signage opportunities through event site (signage provided by Council)

· All social posts advertising the event to include the ‘Visit Penrith’ hashtag

· A ‘what to do in Penrith’ page on FIRST Australia website, linking through to the ‘Visit Penrith’ website (content provided by Council)

· Opportunity to provide a full-page advertisement

· 4 x TVC video advertisements played throughout event and livestream per event day (supplied by Council)

Assessment of sponsorship proposal

The sponsorship proposal has been assessed against Council’s Events Sponsorship Policy criteria for Major Event Sponsorship. The proposal is eligible for sponsorship against Council’s policy criteria.

The event encourages community involvement and partnership, overnight visitation to the Penrith Local Government Area and has positive economic benefits to the local Penrith economy that exceed the total cost of running the event. Additionally, pending the success of the event, organisers have indicated a willingness to continue to run the event in the Penrith LGA on an ongoing basis.

Strategic alignment

Council’s Events Strategy 2020-2024 outlines a focus for Council in working to support and attract a diverse range of events to Penrith including arts, culture and lifestyle events, and balance the city’s natural strengths as a sporting events destination. Council’s support of events such as the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional help to promote Penrith as a desirable event destination and support the city’s strategic objectives.

STEM based projects and initiatives are vital in providing much needed education and training for school students, as well as providing opportunities for innovation and continued growth in the business sector and economy by attracting state of the art organisations and companies to invest in Penrith. The outcomes provided by the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional align with strategic priorities outlined in the Penrith Economic Development Strategy 2023-2031, particularly nurturing jobs of the future and inspiring innovation.

Estimated economic benefit

Council officers have estimated that the event could deliver approximately $2,200,000 in local economic benefit. This is calculated using data provided by the applicant including participant numbers and type of participation expected during the event (e.g. overnight or day stay). The Tourism Research Australia tool is then used to input the data provided by the applicants.

This tool is used by Destination NSW to set the standard rates of economic impact per visitor per event. This information is then inputted into the Profile ID Event Impact Calculator to determine the return on investment for each event.

The sponsorship proposal seeks Council investment of $17,500 (exc. GST). Council officers recommend sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST), which seeks to balance the acquisition of a new event to Penrith and offers economic benefits to the city, while achieving the best value for Council and the community. An investment of $10,000 (exc. GST) is consistent with previously endorsed sponsorship applications of Council for events with a similar local economic impact.

Financial Implications

Risk Implications

If the sponsorship is endorsed, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with FIRST Australia to detail the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council and the community in exchange for Council’s investment.

Conclusion

A request for major event sponsorship has been received from FIRST Australia. This request seeks a total of $17,500 (exc. GST) to support the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional to be held at the PVRSC from 7 to 9 March 2025.

It is estimated that the return to the community of Penrith from the event could be in the order of $2,200,000 in economic benefit.

Council officers have assessed the proposal for sponsorship of the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional against the Events Sponsorship Policy and recommends that Council provide a total sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) in support of the event. This level of funding reflects the nature of the proposed sponsorship benefits to Council and the estimated economic benefits.

Should Council resolve to endorse the sponsorship proposal, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with FIRST Australia detailing the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council in exchange for its investment.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Request For Major Event Sponsorship - Macquarie University (t/a FIRST Australia @ MQ) be received.

2. Council provide sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) in support of the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional to Macquarie University (t/a FIRST Australia @ MQ).

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Request for Major Event Sponsorship - Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited

Compiled by: Shelley Lee, Activation and Event Development Officer

Nikki Akbar, Events Lead

Beau Reid, Place and Activations Program Manager

Authorised by: Patricia Gonzalez, Acting Head of City Activation, Community and Place

Sandy Davies, Director Community Connection

Outcome	We are welcoming, healthy, happy, creative and connected
Strategy	Support and provide opportunities to participate in activities and events that celebrate our diversity, culture and creativity
Principal Activity	Conduct and support events that include all members of our community

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to present to Council an event sponsorship proposal received from the Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited (‘ADBF’) seeking sponsorship of the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships.

This report provides Council with details of the sponsorship proposal received, including the proposed sponsorship benefits and an assessment of the sponsorship proposal.

ADBF has submitted a proposal for sponsorship from Council for the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships to be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) from 26 April to 1 May 2025.

ADBF is the governing body for dragon boat racing in Australia. ADBF has sought a total sponsorship investment from Council of $30,000 (exc. GST) in the form of sponsorship. Council officers have estimated the event could deliver approximately $10,000,000 in local economic benefit.

This report recommends that Council provides sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) for the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships to be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) from the 26 April – 7 May 2025.

Background

Council endorsed the Events Sponsorship Policy (‘the Policy’) in June 2020. The Policy includes criteria for Major Event Sponsorship.

Council was approached on 14 November 2024 by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF) to consider sponsorship of the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships to be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) from 26 April to 1 May 2025.

Current Situation

The sponsorship proposal received from ADBF requests Council funds of $30,000 (exc. GST) to assist with operational costs, including venue hire to host the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships.

Further details on the event are provided below:

2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships

The 2025 Australian Dragon Boat Federation Championships (‘the Championships’) will be held across a six-day program between 26 April and 1 May 2025.

The Championships are an annual event where clubs from across Australia compete for the title of National Champion. The event attracts competitors from dragon boating clubs across the country. The 2025 Championships will be the first time the event has been held in Sydney since 2013.

The organisers of the 2025 Championships are anticipating that they will attract 3,000 participants over the six-day program and expect that the average length of stay in Penrith will be 2 nights, outlined further below:

· 100 Local (3.33% of attendees)

· 1,400 Other NSW (46.66% of attendees)

· 1,500 Interstate (50% of attendees)

Based on the projected event visitation figures provided by the applicant, Council has estimated the economic benefit of the scheduled event to the local economy of Penrith is approximately $10,000,000.

Previous sponsorship of Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited

Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited has received sponsorship from Council of $5,000 (exc. GST) in support of the Australian National Dragon Boat Championships in 2013.

Proposed sponsorship benefits

The sponsorship opportunities presented by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation for the 2025 event would provide Council and the community of Penrith with several benefits including:

· Opportunity for a joint media release acknowledging Council as a sponsor

· Opportunity for the Mayor (or Councillor delegate) to provide a welcome and/or presentation at the event

· Council logo inclusions on all marketing channels including but not limited to all event artwork, digital channels, video end boards, flyers, socials and outboard advertising

· 5 x pre-event social media posts on event specific channels in the lead up to the event and 2 x social media post event (content prepared and supplied by Council)

· 3 x Electronic direct mail (EDM) and other digital content advertising Penrith as a destination provided to registered event attendees and on event website (content prepared and provided by Council)

· 4 x acknowledgements (2 x a day) of Council as a sponsor throughout event via Master of Ceremony (content prepared and provided by Council)

· 5 x signage opportunities through event site (signage provided by Council)

· All social posts advertising the event to include the ‘Visit Penrith’ hashtag

· Development of a ‘What to do in Penrith’ page on the ADBF website, linking through to the ‘Visit Penrith’ website (content provided by Council)

· Opportunity to provide a full-page advertisement in event program booklet (content prepared and provided by Council)

· 4 x television commercial (TVC) video advertisements played throughout event and livestream per event day (content prepared and provided by Council)

Assessment of sponsorship proposal

The sponsorship proposal has been assessed against Council’s Events Sponsorship Policy criteria for Major Event Sponsorship.

Strategic Alignment

Sponsorship of the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships supports Council’s strategic objectives within Council’s Events Strategy 2020-2024, namely the attraction and retention of key sporting events of national significance and promoting greater utilisation of venues within Penrith such as the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Penrith boasts unique offerings in this space and attracting large national and international sporting events of scale celebrates the importance of sporting events to the community in our region.

Additionally, dragon boating is an accessible sport, allowing members of all ages and abilities to participate, supporting the delivery of outcomes within Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026, namely increasing access and participating in recreational and sporting opportunities.

Estimated economic benefit

Council officers have estimated that the event could deliver approximately $10,000,000 in local economic benefit. This is calculated using data provided by the applicant including participant numbers and type of participation expected during the event (e.g. overnight or day stay). The Tourism Research Australia tool is then used to input the data provided by the applicants. This tool is used by Destination NSW to set the standard rates of economic impact per visitor per event. This information is then inputted into the Profile ID Event Impact Calculator to determine the return on investment for each event.

Recommended sponsorship value

The sponsorship proposal seeks Council investment of $30,000 (exc. GST). Council officers recommend sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST), to balance supporting the event and delivering economic benefits to the city while ensuring the best value for both Council and the community.

The recommended sponsorship value of $10,000 (exc. GST) takes into account that the event will not be a recurring event in Penrith due to the travelling host model that the ADBF uses for the event each year. Additionally, the investment value of $10,000 is comparable to previously endorsed sponsorships by Council for events of similar size, scale and local economic impact.

Financial Implications

Risk Implications

If the sponsorship is endorsed, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited to detail the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council and the community in exchange for Council’s investment.

Conclusion

A request for major event sponsorship has been received from the Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited (ADBF). This request seeks a total of $30,000 (exc. GST) to support the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships to be held at SIRC from 26 April to 1 May 2025.

It is estimated that the return to the community of Penrith from the event could be in the order of $10,000,000 in economic benefit.

Council officers have assessed the proposal for sponsorship of the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships against the Events Sponsorship Policy and recommends that Council provide a total sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) in support of the event. This level of funding seeks to represent a balance between providing sponsorship support to the event and achieving value for money for our community, considering the strategic value of the event and opportunities to promote a positive image of Council and Penrith as a destination for national sporting events of this kind.

Should Council resolve to endorse the sponsorship proposal, Council will enter into a sponsorship agreement with the Australian Dragon Boat Federation detailing the expected sponsorship benefits to be delivered to Council in exchange for its investment.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Request for Major Event Sponsorship - Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited be received.

2. Council provide sponsorship of $10,000 (exc. GST) in support of the 2025 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships to Australian Dragon Boat Federation Limited.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Submission to the Orchard Hills South Public Exhibition Package

Compiled by: Brooke Levingston, Executive Planner

Abdul Cheema, City Planning Coordinator

Authorised by: Christine Gough, Head of City Planning

Andrew Jackson, Director Planning and Regulatory Services

Outcome	We plan and shape our growing City
Strategy	Undertake strategic planning that will ensure balanced growth and liveability
Principal Activity	Influence state planning policies and legislation to ensure it responds to our land use vision and the needs of our community

Previous Items: 1- Update on Orchard Hills South Rezoning - State-led Rezoning – Councillor Briefing 4 November 2024 7:00PM

1- Orchard Hills South - State Led Planning Proposal- Councillor Briefing- 05 Aug 2024 7:00PM

2- Orchard Hills Precinct Project Update- Councillor Briefing- 27 Nov 2023 7:00PM

3- Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Growth Area - Precinct Planning for Orchard Hills- Councillor Briefing- 07 Nov 2022 7:00PM

1- Submissions on the Draft GPEC Strategic Framework and Orchard Hills Discussion Paper- Councillor Briefing- 20 Feb 2023 7:00PM

4- Endorsement of the submissions on the draft GPEC Strategic Framework and Orchard Hills Discussion Paper- Ordinary Meeting- 27 Feb 2023 7:00PM

Executive Summary

This report seeks Council’s endorsement of a submission in relation to the exhibition of the proposed rezoning of land in Orchard Hills South.

The NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (the Department) is seeking to rezone land in Orchard Hills South as a State-led precinct to provide housing, open spaces, employment lands, transport infrastructure, and other supporting infrastructure and services. The first stage of the rezoning is focused around the future Orchard Hills Metro Station and proposes to rezone land to facilitate around 11,600 dwellings in three separate stages, with a projected population of 30,000 at completion.

A draft submission has been prepared which provides comprehensive feedback on the draft Planning Package. Key concerns generally include the proposed density and scale, availability of utilities, zoning of land in The Vines, exclusion of CPCP avoided land, traffic and road network, stormwater and flooding, land capability and topography, interface with NSW Government Projects, infrastructure delivery and development contributions.

The Department advised that an extension would be granted until 14 February 2025, but a draft submission would be required by the submission close date. Accordingly, Council officers prepared a draft submission which was submitted to the Department on 6 February 2025. A copy of the draft submission is provided at Attachment 1.

An interim position on key issues was reported to Council at its Ordinary meeting of 9 December 2024. At this meeting, Council resolved to write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to outline key concerns and Council’s interim position, and to request the Department increase its direct engagement with the community and landowners. Accordingly, a letter was sent to the Minister from Mayor Clr Todd Carney on 23 December 2024, a copy of which is provided as Attachment 2 to this report.

Background

Orchard Hills is identified as a priority urban release area in the NSW Government’s Greater

Penrith to Eastern Creek (GPEC) strategic framework which was finalised on 28 June 2023.

The investigation area primarily includes land south of the M4 Western Motorway, plus a

smaller area north of the M4 Western Motorway adjoining the Northern Road.

The Department is leading the investigation and planning for the rezoning of Orchard Hills. In

November 2022, the Department released a Discussion Paper that identified the broad

investigation area, along with some initial site analysis and principles for further

development. The Department engaged with over 200 residents and landowners as part of

this process. Feedback received on the discussion paper has been used to inform the

rezoning process.

The Vines was not identified in the Discussion Paper as land to be rezoned. It is understood that during the consultation process the Department received submissions if favour of rezoning The Vines and as such, partially included The Vines in the rezoning package.

At the time of the release of the Discussion Paper, the Department was proposing to rezone

the entire precinct in one process. However, due to servicing constraints and the scale of the

project, a decision was made to undertake the zoning in stages, with the first stage focused around the future Orchard Hills metro station.

Current Situation

The Department is exhibiting a draft Planning Package for the proposed rezoning of land in

Orchard Hills South. The draft Planning Package includes the following documents:

1. A rezoning proposal for Stage 1 of the Precinct’s development, including:

· Proposed amendments to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP), including changes to land zones, building heights, minimum lot sizes and floorspace ratio controls.

· A draft Development Control Plan (DCP) chapter which includes planning controls to guide development in the precinct.

· A Preliminary Contributions Background Report (draft Contributions Report) which identifies the road, open space and stormwater infrastructure needed to support the rezoning.

· Supporting technical studies.

2. A draft Structure Plan which establishes the vision for the broader Orchard Hills Investigation Area, to be rezoned at a later date.

The draft Planning Package was on exhibition from 31 October 2024 until 6 February 2025. A request was made to the Department seeking an extension to the submission deadline to enable Council officers to achieve reporting timeframes for Councillor feedback. The Department advised that an extension would be granted until 14 February 2025, but a draft submission would be required by the submission close date.

Accordingly, Council officers prepared a draft submission which was submitted to the Department on 6 February 2025 (refer Attachment 1).

It is noted that a summary of key issues was reported to Council at its Ordinary meeting of 9 December 2024. At this meeting, Council resolved to write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to outline key concerns and Council’s interim position, and to request the Department increase its direct engagement with the community and landowners. Accordingly, a letter was sent to the Minister from Mayor Clr Todd Carney on 23 December 2024, a copy of which is attached to this report.

Draft Submission

Council officers have reviewed the draft Planning Package to determine potential implications for Council and the community. Whilst the intent of the proposed rezoning to facilitate the delivery of housing close to major transport infrastructure is supported, several concerns have been identified which need to be resolved before the rezoning is finalised.

A draft officer submission is provided at Attachment 1, which provides comprehensive feedback on the proposed rezoning proposal, supporting planning controls and technical studies.

A summary of the key issues is provided below.

1. Zoning Boundary for Stage 1

a) Population Density and Employment Targets

The proposed population density (11,600 dwellings and 30,000 population) is significantly higher than what was envisaged in Council’s Local Housing Strategy (6,000 dwellings), the nearby Orchard Hills North release area (1,700 dwellings) and other Sydney Metro centres.

Suggested Council Position: The proposed residential density targets are considered too high and inadequate justification has been provided to demonstrate their suitability, particularly having regard to the topography and constraints of the land, as well as the financial burden to Council. Additional analysis is needed to determine the appropriate scale and mix of housing needs of the community in this location.

b) Employment Targets

It is understood the rezoning will facilitate up to 4,000 new jobs, however the exhibited Planning Package does not provide information on how job targets have been derived and the anticipated industry breakdown.

Suggested Council Position: Further evidence is needed to demonstrate that adequate employment opportunities will be available.

c) The Vines

Rezoning of land within The Vines estate is not supported and should be removed from the proposal. This type of housing reflects ‘lifestyle’ or ‘executive’ housing, as described in Council’s adopted Local Housing Strategy and the GPEC Strategy and should be retained. The disruption of an existing community has not been justified in the documentation. Given that there is limited availability of this style of housing, the loss of this housing is concerning as it will result in the need for existing residents to relocated out of the LGA.

As per Council’s LSPS, lifestyle/executive housing should be provided on the periphery of master planned urban areas to provide an appropriate transition between urban, industrial and rural uses. Furthermore, the Department should consider expanding executive style housing to the north and east of the estate to continue the rural-urban transition.

Suggested Council Position: Council opposes rezoning of land within The Vines estate and recommends that it be removed from the Stage 1 rezoning proposal and broader Structure Plan.

The Department should consider expanding lifestyle/executive housing to the north and east of the estate to continue the rural-urban transition.

d) CPCP Avoided Land

The draft proposes that CPCP Avoided Lands be deferred from the proposed rezoning. Whilst this land is required to be preserved for biodiversity conservation purposes under State policy, there may be an opportunity for this land to perform a recreation function or create connected green corridors through the precinct.

Suggested Council Position: Further consultation with Council should be undertaken to identify opportunities for CPCP Avoided Land to perform a recreational function. It is preferential for this land to be included in the rezoning proposal to provide more certainty for landowners and to secure better environmental outcomes. This would be subject to Council understanding the maintenance obligations and having mechanism in place to fund the preservation of CPCP avoided land.

2. Availability of Public Utilities

The rezoning proposal is not supported by a clear servicing strategy which is concerning as, whilst there is limited servicing available, it is not yet confirmed when additional services will become available for the remainder of the zoned land. It is understood that the utility networks currently have capacity to service around 2,500 dwellings with electricity and 3,750 dwellings with water and wastewater. This could be a negative outcome if land is rezoned but cannot be used for its intended purpose. Clear timeframes must be communicated to provide certainty to landowners and investors about when servicing will come online.

Suggested Council Position: The rezoning should be limited to sites with existing and planned servicing capacity and servicing plans be prepared for Stage 1 and the broader Structure Plan area with clear timeframes for when enabling services and infrastructure will be available.

3. Infrastructure Delivery and Development Contributions

a) Extent and Cost of Infrastructure

There is approximately $1 billion worth of land acquisition and works identified in the draft Contributions Plan Report for Council to deliver. The extent and cost of infrastructure is significantly higher than nearby release areas. Furthermore, Council officers are not satisfied that all the proposed infrastructure items are reasonable in terms of nexus or apportionment and, therefore, should not be funded through local contributions. (Refer to the financial risk section of this paper for further analysis of this issue).

Suggested Council Position: Council will only support infrastructure works if the costs can be recovered through a future Contributions Plan. Appropriate staging needs to be in place to ensure that there is not a significant burden relating to the need to supply lead in infrastructure (roads) to facilitate development and fund hardship claims. Prior to inclusion of any item in a future Contributions Plan, Council must be satisfied that the infrastructure is appropriate for the future population and the costs are fair and reasonable. The extent of land acquisition and suitability of proposed infrastructure needs to be interrogated further in close consultation with Council staff and is not currently supported.

b) Fragmentation of Land

Several infrastructure items are located across multiple properties with different landowners. It is challenging to deliver infrastructure in this scenario as it requires acquisition of multiple lots, which can be costly and difficult to coordinate. There are also significant parcels of land where >40% of the site is affected by a proposed acquisition layer and/or the positioning of infrastructure creates small, impractical or inaccessible pockets of residual land. In Council’s experience, this increases the likelihood of hardship claims, which can result in additional and earlier costs to Council that are not covered by the Contributions Plan.

Suggested Council Position: The current alignment and layout of infrastructure is not supported due to concerns about land fragmentation and potential financial impacts on Council and the community. Wherever possible, infrastructure items should be rationalised within property boundaries to enable more efficient and cost-effective infrastructure delivery.

c) State Significant Infrastructure

Several infrastructure items, whilst identified as ‘local infrastructure’, perform a regional or State level role and should be funded and delivered by the State Government, not Council. This includes the proposed major distributor road, infrastructure within the Sydney Metro corridor, a future east-west link to Mamre Road, and a proposed landscape buffer which is located adjacent to the M4 Western Motorway. This infrastructure is estimated to cost at least $335 million. It is also noted that some of the roads (including the proposed distributor road) within the proposed rezoning are required to act as an evacuation route. Any road that forms part of an evacuation route should be part of the regional road network managed by the State Government.

Suggested Council Position: Delivery responsibilities need to be reviewed to ensure that Council is only funding local infrastructure and land acquisition. A funding source for regional/state infrastructure must be secured before the rezoning is undertaken.

d) Feasibility

The cumulation of local development contributions, State development contributions and other levies (such as affordable housing) may have an adverse impact on development feasibility. Development contributions must strike a balance between mitigating financial risk to Council and ensuring feasibility and housing affordability can still be achieved. The total cost of infrastructure (land acquisition and works) is approximately $1 billion, which is five times greater than nearby release areas. Whilst the proposed rate per hectare is similar to other release areas, deliverability of infrastructure relies on the proposed density targets being achieved. If development is not feasible, this could result in low development uptake, which impacts Council’s ability to collect enough money to fund and deliver important local infrastructure to unlock development.

Suggested Council Position: Further analysis must be undertaken to ensure that there is appetite for the proposed density targets and that development is viable and can be realised. The Department should also consider options to reduce upfront costs and ongoing costs to Council and the community.

e) Stormwater Management Infrastructure

The Stage 1 rezoning area has two stormwater catchment areas, each with distinct servicing requirements. The Department is proposing different contribution rates for each catchment area, Further, some stormwater infrastructure is proposed to be located on land below the 1% AEP flood planning level, which is not supported by Council’s technical officers.

Suggested Council Position: Suitability of applying a different contribution rate for each stormwater catchment must be interrogated further to ensure proposed servicing and associated costs are fairly distributed and won’t impact housing affordability.

Stormwater infrastructure should not be located on land below the 1% AEP flood planning level and must be discussed further in consultation with Council’s technical officers.

f) Transport Infrastructure

Significant concerns are raised regarding the proposed transport infrastructure, including nexus and apportionment, the proposed road typologies, design of the street network and overall costs. A key concern for Council is that approximately 36 roads do not have 100% nexus to the precinct (around $36 million) and therefore should not be included in a future contributions plan.

Suggested Council Position: It is recommended that further work be undertaken post-exhibition to determine suitability of the proposed road network and road typologies. Council officers have provided detailed feedback on transport infrastructure within Attachment 1 of this report.

g) Open Space Infrastructure

Overall, the proposed quantity and quality of open space are misaligned with Council’s adopted Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy for greenfield development. Based on the anticipated Net Developable Area, there is a shortfall of approximately 85ha of open space in Stage 1. It is acknowledged that the provision of additional open space would be hard to achieve in the precinct given the extent of land and costs of land take, therefore, it is crucial that the open space provided is of a high quality and function. This is also a function of the scale of the development and the cost to deliver.

Suggested Council Position: The current open space provision, including size and quality is not supported. Council would not be willing to take on care, control and maintenance of public recreation land that does not meet the needs of the future community. Council officers would welcome the opportunity to work with the Department to develop a bespoke solution for open space, including identifying opportunities for CPCP Avoided Land to contribute to amenity and passive open space.

h) Community Facility Infrastructure

A Social Infrastructure and Open Space Needs Analysis (SIOS Needs Analysis) was prepared to support the rezoning. This document indicates that a new multipurpose community hub should be delivered to support the future community. Council officers agree with this recommendation; provision of this facility would be a gateway to connect people in the local community to each other and to services and activities that provide support and fulfilment. Council officers estimate that a new community facility would cost at least $23 million. However, no funding source has been identified. The SIOS Needs Analysis indicates that grant funding could be used to fund this facility, however that does not provide certainty for Council or the community about its deliverability. Further, given the estimated cost of the new community facility, grant funding is unlikely to be sufficient to cover these costs.

Suggested Council Position: A multipurpose community hub should be delivered to support the future community. The State Government should commit funding to support Council for its planning and delivery.

4. Traffic and Road Network

a) Transport Management and Accessibility Plan (TMAP)

No traffic modelling was undertaken to support the TMAP. It is understood the Department may undertake traffic modelling post-exhibition, however, in the absence of this data, Council’s technical staff are unable to provide wholistic and evidence-based feedback on the TMAP and supporting technical studies. This is concerning given the scale of the projected development yield, level of planned infrastructure and proposed transport connections which are fundamental to support the functionality of the Orchard Hills Metro Station. The provision of 17 different road profiles in the precinct is not supported.

Suggested Council Position: The TMAP should be updated once traffic modelling is completed. If changes to the road network are required, the ILP and broader road network will need to be revised and re-exhibited.

b) Future Upgrades

The rezoning should be supported by an infrastructure assessment and upgrade plan for existing rural roads through to the Northern Road as the proposed rezoning will significantly increase urban traffic on the broader rural road network. This should also include asset management and road safety for all users, plus triggers for the timing of upgrades.

Suggested Council Position: An infrastructure assessment and upgrade plan and funding strategy be prepared for existing rural roads through to the Northern Road, given the likely impact on the broader road network.

5. Flooding and Stormwater Management

a) Flood Planning Level

It is proposed that the flood planning level is the 1:100 year, plus 0.5m freeboard plus a 35%

allowance for climate change. The proposed level more closely represents a 1:200 year

flood event. This mainly impacts the riparian corridors and CPCP land, however it does

represent a departure from existing flood planning policy.

Suggested Council Position: It is not clear what the basis for the proposed flood planning level is, nor whether this now sets the basis for flood planning across the Penrith LGA. This should be discussed further with Council prior to finalisation of the rezoning proposal.

b) Onsite Detention

The Department has proposed no on-site detention for the majority of Stage 1. This is not supported. On-site stormwater detention should be provided for the whole precinct and all post-development flows should match pre-development flows. Unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the proposed rezoning will not have an adverse impact on downstream properties, Council raises concern that it will not be able to manage stormwater effectively and therefore discharge its role as the Floodplain Manager.

Suggested Council Position: On-site detention should be provided for the entire precinct unless further justification is provided to Council’s satisfaction as the Floodplain Manager.

6. Land Capability and Topography

Some areas in Stage 1 have potentially severe land constraints, including slope stability, rock depth and strength, uncontrolled fill and waterlogging. It is unclear whether the Department has considered these constraints and whether they should have been excluded from the rezoning due to the likelihood of poor development outcomes or overall unfeasibility. This may also have an impact on the ability of the land to accommodate the proposed density.

Suggested Council Position: Further geotechnical investigation works should be undertaken for all land identified as having severe land constraints prior to finalisation of the rezoning as this may impact the zoning and density permitted, which is fundamental to the rezoning process. Precinct-specific controls should also be developed to address any topography concerns with the site.

7. Interface with NSW Government Projects

a) Sydney Metro

Aspects of the proposed rezoning, including roads and public domain, are misaligned with the Sydney Metro project scope.

Suggested Council Position: The Planning Package must be updated to ensure accuracy and consistency with the future station precinct.

b) Outer Sydney Orbital (OSO)

A portion of the proposed Outer Sydney Orbital (OSO) corridor runs north–south on the

eastern edge of the Orchard Hills Precinct. There are concerns regarding the impact and

integration of the OSO with the open space along the Wianamatta-South Creek precinct and

the proposed east-west connection to Mamre Road. This section of the Outer Sydney Orbital

is protected and is not proposed to be rezoned for urban purposes in this proposal. The

Explanation of Intended Effect states that the OSO corridor is too far away from any planned

new sensitive uses to pose any impact within the precinct. However, there is no detail on

how this will be positively integrated with the surrounding land uses.

Suggested Council Position: Rezoning of the Orchard Hills South precinct represents a further opportunity to carefully consider how the Wianamatta-South Creek corridor can evolve in the urban landscape and it is recommended that a Master Plan be prepared for this corridor so that future uses and outcomes can be properly considered when rezonings along the corridor occur. The impact of the OSO needs to be considered in this context.

8. LEP Maps

Overall, no significant concerns are raised regarding the draft LEP maps. However, should any significant changes be proposed in response to submitter feedback, the LEP maps will need to be re-exhibited and additional consultation with Council and the community required. Notwithstanding, feedback on specific maps is provided below.

a) Land Reserved for Acquisition:

Council is nominated as the acquisition authority for land/infrastructure owned by Sydney Metro, including the north-south rail corridor, the planned east-west pedestrian plaza and a future collector road.

Suggested Council Position: The draft LRA must be updated to remove all land owned by and/or infrastructure being delivered by Sydney Metro. Council will not accept responsible for funding, delivering or maintaining these assets. Council does not support the current extent of land acquisition proposed.

b) Affordable Housing Contribution Map:

The draft Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme is proposed to only apply to private landholdings, which means none of Sydney Metro’s land (including properties earmarked for high density and mixed-use development) would be subject to an affordable housing contribution. It is acknowledged that Sydney Metro, as a State Government entity, would be required to provide affordable housing onsite if it were to redevelop its land. However, if Sydney Metro divests its landholdings to a private developer, an urgent amendment would be required to bring these properties under the Scheme. There is a risk that, if an amendment is not undertaken in a timely manner, land could be developed without provision for affordable housing, noting that the amount of affordable housing that is feasible to deliver has not yet been determined by DPHI.

Suggested Council Position: The Affordable Housing Contribution should apply to all properties in the Stage 1 rezoning area, including properties currently in public ownership, with a proviso that if land is being developed by a public authority and includes affordable housing, the contribution can be ‘switched off’ to prevent a doubling up of a charges.

Financial Implications

Council officers have identified potential financial risks associated with the proposed infrastructure schedule, which are detailed within the draft submission at Attachment 1. Of particular concern is the extent of land acquisition and works (approximately $1.3 billion) that is required to support the development of Orchard Hills South. Of this, Council is currently identified to deliver $1 billion of infrastructure. This is a fundamental constraint for Council and has significant financial implications for Council’s financial stability. Council officers are not satisfied that the proposed infrastructure is fit for purpose for the future community. Concern is also raised about the deliverability of lead-in infrastructure as money will not come into a future contributions plan until development occurs, which is likely to delay redevelopment of land. This is a significant risk to Council, particularly relating to hardship claims.

Council officers believe that in addition to the concerns around the infrastructure that has been identified for Council delivery, around approximately $350 million of additional infrastructure is either unfunded or should be delivered by the State Government, not Council, giving rise to significant financial uncertainty. The State should develop a Strategic Business Case to ensure that the required infrastructure (including services) can be funded and delivered to support the rezoning.

The following table represents a summary (in round figures) of Council’s financial analysis, but does not include essential infrastructure, such as sewer, water and electricity.

Total Infrastructure Cost	$1.3 billion
Total Infrastructure Cost Attributed to Council (but not endorsed)	$1 billion	This amount is not supported by Council.
Amount of Total Infrastructure in the CP that should be State funded	$130 million	Distributor Road and OS31
Amount of State Infrastructure that is not funded	$220 million	Connection to Mamre Road and Metro Infrastructure including pedestrian plaza
Amount of Infrastructure that is not essential and Council has no funding source	$23 million	Community Facility (estimate only)
Amount of infrastructure for Council funding that may not be supported by IPART (non-essential)	$36 million	Includes Local Roads where Nexus has not been established (refer Appendix for details)

In addition to the above, concern is raised regarding the proposed alignment and layout of infrastructure which will fragment properties, create undevelopable parcels of land and increase the possibility of hardship claims, which can have financial implications for Council. Concern is also raised regarding the cumulation of development contributions and other fees and levies which could impact feasibility, thereby impacting development uptake and Council’s ability to collecting funds to deliver important infrastructure. These concerns are detailed within the draft submission at Attachment 1.

It is considered that the State should have prepared a Strategic Business Case to support infrastructure funding and delivery. The proposal has broader benefits in terms of housing supply beyond the LGA and it should not be the responsibility of the existing community and ratepayers to supplement funding gaps, even if Council was in a financial position to do so.

Risk Implications

The draft submission at Attachment 1 outlines potential risks associated with the proposed infrastructure schedule and rezoning proposal. To minimise undue risk to Council, Council officers will continue working collaboratively with the Department to ensure the quantum and quality of infrastructure and associated costs are fair and reasonable. The draft submission also requests that the State Government commit to funding certain infrastructure and further interrogate the proposed local infrastructure to be funded and delivered by Council.

Next Steps

Should Council endorse the draft submission at Attachment 1, it will be submitted to the Department for their consideration.

Conclusion

The Department is seeking to rezone land in Orchard Hills South as a State-led precinct to provide housing, open spaces, employment lands, transport infrastructure, and other supporting infrastructure and services. Stage 1 of the rezoning is focused around the future Orchard Hills Metro Station and will facilitate the delivery of around 11,600 dwellings. It is considered that this scale is too large to be reasonably implemented.

A draft submission has been prepared which provides comprehensive feedback on the draft Planning Package. Key concerns generally include the proposed density and scale, availability of utilities, zoning of land in The Vines, exclusion of CPCP avoided land, traffic and road network, stormwater and flooding, land capability and topography, interface with NSW Government Projects and infrastructure delivery and development contributions.

The draft Planning package was exhibition from 31 October 2024 until 6 February 2025. The Department granted Council an extension to the submission deadline until 14 February 2025 to enable Council officers to report a draft submission to the Ordinary meeting of 10 February 2025 for Council endorsement.

This report recommends that Council endorse the submission at Attachment 1, which will then be submitted to the Department for their consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Submission to the Orchard Hills South Public Exhibition Package be received.

2. The General Manager is granted delegation to make any necessary changes to the submission at Attachment 1, if necessary, before submitting it to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in accordance with Council endorsed policy position.

3. Council endorse the submission at Attachment 1 to this report, and submit it to the Department for their consideration.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. ⇩	Attachment 1 - PCC Submission - Rezoning of Land in Orchard Hills South - State-Led Rezoning	95 Pages	Attachments Included
2. ⇩	Attachment 2 - Letter from Penrith City Council to the Hon Paul Scully MP	3 Pages	Attachments Included

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Advocacy Priorities 2025

Compiled by: Megan Whittaker, Strategic Advocacy Manager

Shravan Guntuka, Coordinator - Research and Policy

Nathan Reynolds, Research and Policy Officer

Authorised by: Carlie Ryan, Head of City Strategy

Kylie Powell, Director Futures and Strategy

Outcome	We plan and shape our growing City
Strategy	Undertake strategic planning that will ensure balanced growth and liveability
Principal Activity	Ensure our strategic framework and vision are contemporary and informs our land use planning and advocacy

Executive Summary

This report seeks approval for updated Advocacy Priorities (Attachment 1) and provides an update on the development of the Advocacy Strategy, which will be presented to the Council in March 2025.

With a newly elected Council and upcoming opportunities to advocate to Government, it is timely to update these priorities. Endorsing these priorities now will ensure that Council is ready to advocate effectively to support growth done well on behalf of the community of Penrith.

The proposed priorities focus on key areas including roads, transport, flooding, housing, St Marys, Orchard Hills, and liveability, aligning with community needs and Council’s existing strategies, such as the draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan. These priorities were discussed with Councillors at a November 2024 workshop and were reviewed on 3 February 2025.

The updated Advocacy Strategy is being developed to guide Council’s efforts, helping to collaborate with partners and influence change. The final strategy will be presented in March 2025, with a focus on creating accessible, visually engaging documents for a broad audience.

Background

Council has a history of successful advocacy, delivering tangible outcomes that are positively shaping Penrith’s future. Council’s strategic advocacy efforts have played a pivotal role securing support and funding for major projects like the Sydney Metro and Western Sydney Airport. These projects highlight Council’s strategic approach to partnerships and our commitment to growth done well and aligned with community aspiration.

Council’s advocacy is based on sound research and uses approaches such as position papers, submissions, meetings with government officials, and targeted campaigns. As major infrastructure projects like the Sydney Metro and Western Sydney International Airport near completion, Council is focused on maximising the opportunities and addressing the challenges they bring.

In the 2024 customer satisfaction survey, 76% of respondents emphasised the importance of Council advocating for the community at all levels of government.

Current Situation

With a newly elected Council and upcoming opportunities to advocate to Government, it is timely to review and update Council’s Advocacy Priorities. This report seeks endorsement for the proposed priorities to ensure Council is well-positioned for advocacy efforts on behalf of our community.

Proposed Advocacy Priorities 2025

The proposed priorities are outlined in Attachment 1 and focus on major transformative projects. These include:

· Roads: Key projects like Castlereagh Connection, Werrington Arterial Stage 2, Mulgoa Road upgrade, Luddenham Road upgrade and more.

· Transport: Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport and Western Sydney Rapid Bus.

· Flooding: Flood policy, evacuation models, and removing the dwelling cap in Penrith City Centre.

· Housing: Localised planning for sustainable growth and equitable infrastructure funding.

· St Marys: Projects from the St Marys Master Plan and other state priorities.

· Orchard Hills: Advocating for greenfield development and supporting infrastructure.

· Liveability: Projects like Penrith Lakes and Fernhill Estate.

These priorities align with the community feedback that is shaping the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) that is currently under development, and addresses concerns raised about roads, traffic, housing, and cost of living. They also reflect Council’s strategic directions in documents like the Local Strategic Planning Statement and the draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan.

The proposed priorities were presented to Councillors in November 2024 and were further reviewed at a Councillor briefing on 3 February 2025.

Financial Implications

The purpose of these priorities and the updated strategy is to guide Council’s advocacy efforts for support from Federal and State Governments for essential projects outside of Council’s capacity or role and have been identified to support effective delivery of growth in line with the aspirations of the community.

Risk Implications

Not having updated priorities could hinder Council’s ability to effectively engage in upcoming advocacy opportunities. Confirming the priorities now will allow Council to engage proactively in advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

The proposed Advocacy Priorities focus on key areas including roads, transport, flooding, housing, St Marys, Orchard Hills, and liveability. They align with Council’s strategies and identified community needs.

This report seeks endorsement for these priorities to ensure Council is ready to advocate effectively to support growth done well on behalf of the community of Penrith.

An updated Advocacy Strategy is being developed to incorporate these priorities and will be presented in March 2025. Together, these documents will guide Council’s efforts to influence positive change, both proactively and opportunistically.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Advocacy Priorities 2025 be received.

2. Council endorse the Advocacy Priorities 2025 as outlined in Advocacy Strategy 2025: Executive Summary at Attachment 1.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. ⇩

Attachment 1 - Advocacy Strategy 2025: Executive Summary

4 Page

Appendix

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

PCC2025-175 Kayak Launch Deck

Compiled by: Mitchell Sammut, Project Lead

James Craig, Project Supervisor

Authorised by: Adam Wilkinson, Director Asset Services

Outcome	We manage and improve our built environment
Strategy	Plan for and maintain accessible, safe and high quality infrastructure
Principal Activity	Design and deliver Council’s major capital projects

Executive Summary

A tender for Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck, Leonay was advertised on Wednesday 21 August 2024 on VendorPanel website and closed on Wednesday 12 September 2024.

This report advises the Council of the outcome of the tender process and recommends that the tender from Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd, for the amount of $268,281.20 (excluding GST) be accepted to undertake the Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck project.

Background

The Our River Master Plan, was adopted in 2013 and has driven an unprecedented level of investment and development within the River Precinct. The next project for implementation in The Plan involves construction of new access points for non-motorised watercraft such as Kayaks. Council engaged a consultant that specialised in the design of marine and aquatic facilities to design a Kayak Launch Deck proposed to be located opposite 150 River Rd, Leonay. This design and documentation were used for the purpose of producing tender and construction documentation.

Funding for the project is through New South Wales Government’s Boating Now Round 3, Council’s Major Projects Reserve and Grant Reserve.

The Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck works include;

• Installation of FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) boardwalk and associated pile works

• Installation of FRP lower and upper platform to access the water and associated pile works

• Access concrete path to connect to FRP boardwalk

A copy of an overview plan for the Kayak Launch Deck is attached to this report.

Several sites along both sides of the river were investigated. Following detailed analysis, and community engagement, the proposed location (opposite 150 River Road, Leonay) was determined as the most suitable location; in particular the ground conditions and accessibility.

Tender Evaluation Panel

The Tender Evaluation Panel consisted of Council Officers - Project Supervisor Olivia Choi, Senior Structural Engineer Sam Banagalage, Landscape Architect Ken Carter, Project Lead Mitchell Sammut and was chaired by Acting Project Lead James Craig. Laura Stott from Council’s Procurement team performed the role of tender administration and probity officer for this tender.

Evaluation Criteria

Contractors for the project were required to submit their tender using the VendorPanel tendering software, which clearly defined the response required against each of the evaluation criteria.

The tenders received were assessed using the advertised evaluation criteria of:

• Company Profile

• Conformance, Acceptance and Declaration

• Business References

• Completion of Forms Tender Price submitted

• Compliance Statement

• Demonstrated Ability

• Works Method and Program

• Local Business Preference

• Quality Assurance Systems

• Environmental Management Systems

• Employment Policies

• Work Health and Safety

• Financials

Summary of Quotes Received

A total of eleven (11) tenders were received by the closing date of the advertised tender and are listed below in price order, excl GST (lowest to highest).

Company	Tendered Price	Company Address	Owners/Directors
Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd	$268,281.20	120 Wilton Rd Wilton, NSW 2571	Steve Lamond
Gpm Marine Constructions Pty Ltd	$399,875.00	175 Lower Gibbes St Chatswood, NSW 2067	Greg Stockley
Wardrope & Carroll Engineering	$401,660.00	82 Oak Rd Kirrawee, NSW 2232	Matthew Alan Carroll
Land & Marine Ocean Engineering Pty Ltd	$411,479.00	8 Cowdroy Ave Cammeray NSW 2062	Adam Fitzhenry
Green Civil Services Pty Ltd	$482,287.84	125/7 Hoyle Avenue, Castle Hill, NSW 2154	Shane Pearce Louisa Pearce
Dk Pty Ltd	$485,968.62	858 Castlereagh Rd Castlereagh, NSW 2749	Danny Ray Kadir Jessica Kadir
Kingsline Pty Ltd	$671,402.38	11 Success Street Greenfield Park, NSW 2176	Thein Trang Thi Tran
Perfect Remediation	$742,584.98	4/8 Lilian Fowler Pl Marrickville, NSW 2204	Mateusz Jedruszek
Glascott Civil	$792,852.30	Unit 1, 7-9 Orion Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066	Matthew Glascott
BHC Civil Groups Pty LTD	Non-conforming	302/160 Rowe Street, Eastwood NSW 2122	Ko Hang li
The Trustee for Polaris Marine Constructions Trust No. 1	Non-conforming	1 James Craig Road Rozelle NSW 2039	David Guillot Damian Berry

Evaluation of the Preferred Tender

BHC Civil Groups and The Trustee for Polaris Marine Constructions Trust No. 1 tenders, were excluded (non-conforming) from assessment as they failed to meet the minimum criteria.

The remaining nine tenders were assessed against the evaluation criteria.

On assessment of the submissions, the panel determined that Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd provided the best overall value to Council based on price and responses to the assessment criteria, clearly demonstrating their suitability to undertake the project.

Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd have completed similar projects including.

• Nepean River Embankment Rectification and Futureproofing stage 1-3- Camden Council – total project cost $756,257.70

• Bong Bong Common Stage 1 & 2 viewing decks, amphitheatre, playground, concrete paths, new amenities building, car parks and softscapes - Wingecarribee Shire Council - total project cost $6,100,000

The recommended company, Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd was selected based on their:

1. Compliance with the tender evaluation criteria,

2. Demonstrated ability to meet Council’s requirements; and

3. Competitive price for the services offered.

The pricing from Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd is in a range consistent with opinion of probable costs and quality surveyor costings when factoring in escalation of market prices in recent tenders.

Financial Implications

Assessment of the tenderers was commissioned; this included reference checks, financial analysis, and performance analysis on Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd. These checks were completed internally by Financial Services and have reviewed the financial information provided by the tenderer, and have not identified any reason why the contract should not be awarded.

The recommended tender cost is within budget and is funded under the New South Wales Government’s Boating Now Round 3, Council’s Major Projects Reserve and Grant Reserve.

The estimated maintenance and operational cost requirements for the project starts at $13,750 per annum. Council’s future asset maintenance budgets and asset renewal programs will be adjusted as per Council’s Budget Guidelines at completion of the project.

Tender Advisory Group Comments

The objective of the Tender Advisory Group (TAG) is to support the Council to achieve fair and equitable tender processes. The TAG, consisting of Adam Wilkinson- Director Asset Services, Adam Beggs – Head of Governance and Neil Farquharson – Chief Financial Officer were briefed by the Design and Projects team about the background and the process followed.

The TAG considered the recommendations in relation to the tender PCC2025-175 Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck noting that the recommended tender was the lowest price, the company has demonstrated their ability to meet Council’s requirements, and their proposal was considered to be the most advantageous to Council for the scale of this project. The TAG reviewed the evaluation process outlined within the report and is satisfied that the selection criteria has been correctly applied in making the recommendations.

Risk Implications

The tender process outlined in this report includes controls regarding probity and ensuring value for Council, overseen by the Tender Advisory Group. The works will be undertaken in accordance with Work Health & Safety systems. This project will create a new Kayak Launch Deck with public safety a key part of the construction methodology and project plan.

Conclusion

Nine tenders were assessed against the evaluation criteria. Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd provided the best price, and also met the tender evaluation criteria to undertake the project. It is recommended that the tender from Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd, for the amount of $268,281.20 (excluding GST) be accepted to undertake the Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck project.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on PCC2025-175 Kayak Launch Deck be received.

2. The tender from Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd, for the amount of $268,281.20 (excluding GST) be accepted to undertake the Nepean River Kayak Launch Deck project.

3. Variations and amendments that do not materially alter the original scope of the contract be managed under the existing Penrith City Council financial delegations within the approved budgets.

4. The General Manager be authorised to sign all necessary legal documents in relation to this matter.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Proposed Partial Permanent Road Closure - Prince Street Werrington County

Compiled by: Laura Gray, Development Manager

Karen Luka, Program Manager

Authorised by: Justin Day, Head of Property Investment

Stephen Britten, Director Business Operations

Outcome	We have open and collaborative leadership
Strategy	Plan for and manage City resources for current and future generations
Principal Activity	Reduce Council’s reliance on rateable income, by delivering property projects to achieve financial returns or significant value to Council and the community

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval to proceed with the permanent road closure of part of Prince Street Werrington County in accordance with the provisions of the Roads Act.

The land is currently an unsealed road reserve adjoining Dunheved Rd. Upon closure, it is proposed the land be classified as Operational land under the provisions of the Local Government Act and vest in Council’s Property Investment portfolio for investigation of future development opportunities in line with the R2 – Low Density Residential zoning. Any future opportunity will be the subject of a future report to Council.

Background

Local Councils have the power to close public roads (or portions thereof) under their delegation as a Road’s Authority under Division 3 of the Roads Act 1993. A council may close a public road under the following circumstances:

· The road is not reasonably required for public use (whether for present or future needs),

· The road is not required to provide continuity for an existing road network, and

· If the road provides a means of vehicular access to particular land, another public road provides lawful and reasonably practicable vehicular access to that land.

As a result of property data investigations, the unused road reserve portion of Prince Street was identified for investigation to determine its role for future road purposes. The road parcel is situated in an existing residential area and remains unimproved and has no distinct purpose outside the initial reservation as road. Further assessments have been undertaken to explore current and future need for this road reserves and to identify any future opportunities.

The permanent road closure process is extensive. Council has developed an internal road closure procedure to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements and key procedural steps outlined in the Roads Act 1993, providing detailed consideration to the protection of legal access, infrastructure and future road network needs.

Current Situation

A preliminary assessment report containing key historical and property data for the section of Prince Street proposed to be closed has been completed and reviewed, including feedback from internal stakeholders: Engineering, Assets, Planning and Traffic. The preliminary assessment report recommendation supports proceeding with the permanent road closure of the parcel. Consequently, the matter was referred to Crown Lands as required under the Roads Act, who provided their concurrence to the closure and support for vesting of the parcel in Council.

The road was created in Deposited Plan 245373 dated 1973. An aerial map and street view of the site is shown as attachment 1.

A surveyor has completed a draft survey plan for the land, which creates a single residential parcel (Attachment 2) as detailed below:

Road Parcel Location

Land Size

Zoning

Dimensions

Intersection of Prince Street and Hume Crescent, Werrington County

766.4 sqm

R2 Low Density Residential

Frontage 20 metres

Depth approx. 36 metres

Community consultation and prescribed statutory authority notification for the proposed permanent road closure was undertaken for a period of twenty-eight (28) days, with a notice of Councils intention placed in the Western Weekender. Details of the proposed closure was available on Council’s website. Direct correspondence was also provided to surrounding residents and the prescribed notifiable authorities (in accordance with the Roads Act).

No objections were received during the consultation period.

Endeavour Energy provided notification that they will require an easement to protect electrical infrastructure located on the eastern boundary of the parcel. The required easement will be registered on the road closure plan.

Financial Implications

All costs associated with the partial road closure will be funded by the Property Reserve.

Risk Implications

The risk to Council is considered low as the proposed closures is being undertaken by Council as the Roads Authority, in accordance with the regulatory requirements under the Roads Act 1993.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the preliminary assessment and internal department feedback is supportive of the closure. Crown Lands concurrence to the closure and vesting of the parcel in Council has been received.

There has been no community objection to the proposed closure and the submission received from Endeavour Energy will be addressed via registration of an easement over the electrical infrastructure on the site.

Following closure, future land use opportunities will be further investigated for the parcel consistent with the current zoning and surrounding development in the area and will be reported back to Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Proposed Partial Permanent Road Closure - Prince Street Werrington County be received.

2. The road reserve parcel identified in the report be permanently closed in accordance with the Roads Act 1993 and classified as operational land when vested in Council.

3. The creation of an electrical easement in favour of Endeavour Energy (or a subsidiary) to be registered over the site for the protection of electrical infrastructure.

4. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be affixed to all documents as required, as the General Manager (or his delegate) be authorised to sign all necessary documents in relation to this matter.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. ⇩	Aerial map and street view of Prince Street road closure	1 Page	Appendix
2. ⇩	Draft Road closure plan	1 Page	Appendix

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Organisational Performance and Financial Review - December 2024

Compiled by: Ben Collins, Strategic Finance Manager

Neil Farquharson, Chief Financial Officer

Craig Shepherd, Corporate Planning and Performance Lead

Vicki Russell, Finance Business Partner

Jeni Pollard, Head of Future Directions and Resilience

Authorised by: Matthew Bullivant, Director Corporate Services

Kylie Powell, Director Futures and Strategy

Outcome	We have open and collaborative leadership
Strategy	Deliver an efficient, transparent and accountable service to the community
Principal Activity	Support financial sustainability through financial planning and budget management and provide accurate reporting to the community

Executive Summary

This report outlines Council’s progress towards implementing its four-year Delivery Program and focuses on the period of 1 July to 31 December 2024. The report should be read in conjunction with the separately enclosed Organisational Report – December 2024, which records significant Variations, Reserve movements, proposed Revotes, Contracts, Consultancies and Legal Expenses, Cash and Investments position, Income and Expenses by Program, and our progress in completing the organisation’s Operating and Capital Projects for 2024-25.

As at 31 December 2024, 91% of Council’s 131 reportable 2024-25 Operational Plan Actions were reported as being on track, 5% were completed, 2% were experiencing some delays or off track, and a further 2% are not starting till later this year. Also, at the end of the December 2024 six-monthly reporting period, 64% of Council’s 14 Tier 1 projects were reported as being “On Track” for completion, whilst 36% were reported as being “At Risk” of being delayed.

Council projected a balanced Budget in the adoption of the original 2024-25 Operational Plan. The September Quarterly Review reported variations to the predicted annual budget with a net Surplus result of $403,562 which was transferred to Reserve resulting in a balanced budget position for 2024-25.

The December quarter presents a net positive result with mostly favourable variations including Regulatory Control Fine Income for offences relating to illegal signage, tree removal and unattended heavy vehicles ($150k), Net Rates Income ($131k) and Salary Savings generated from numerous vacancies across the organisation ($558k). The overall budget variations have resulted in a Surplus of $253,464 for the second quarter of 2024-25.

It is proposed as part of this Review to transfer the second quarter surplus of $253,464 to the Financial Management Reserve. This allocation will provide capacity to respond to any current and emerging priorities, and results in a balanced budget position being predicted for 2024-25.

Details of all proposed major variations are provided in this report and are included in the Organisational Report – December 2024.

This report recommends that the Organisational Report – December 2024 be received and that the revised Budget estimates identified in the report and detailed in the Organisational Report – December 2024 be adopted.

Organisational Performance Summary

The Organisational Report – December 2024 provides information on Council’s progress against its 2024-25 Operational Plan and Projects for the six-month period between 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024. As at 31 December 2023:

· 96% of 131 reportable Operational Plan Actions were ‘On Track’ or ‘Completed’

· 64% of 14 tier one Capital Projects were ‘On Track’ or ‘Completed’

Table 1 provides a performance summary, which overall demonstrates that Council is successfully delivering its services and programs.

Table 1	Completed		On Track		At Risk or Off Schedule		Not Due to Start or Not Proceeding		Total
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%

Actions	6	5%	120	91%	3	2%	2	2%	131
Projects	-	-	9	64%	5	36%	-	-	14

Further detailed information can be found in the Organisational Report – December 2024.

Organisational Highlights

Council’s programs and services delivered a number of significant achievements during the past six months. These include:

· The Regatta Park upgrade was completed in December delivering an outstanding, new focal point for recreation, leisure and nature on the banks of the Nepean River.

· Council completed the 32-hectare Gipps St Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows to deliver our region’s most dynamic sport and recreation precinct.

· We successfully held the Real Festival event in September that attracted 45,000 people over the two-days.

· Council completed the new amenities building at The Kingsway, Werrington, along with the upgrade to Jim Anderson Park, Werrington Downs.

· We exceeded our Customer Experience targets for the six month period.

Financial Position for the December 2024 Quarter

The financial position of Council for the quarter is expressed by providing information in compliance with Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) requirements on:

· Budget position (whether balanced/surplus or deficit)

· Significant variations

· Identified Revotes

· Funding summary

· Reserve movements for the quarter

· Capital and Operating Budget Projects list for the quarter

· Key performance indicators

· Income and expenses

· Capital budget

· Cash and investments

· Contracts and other expenses

· Consultancy and legal expenses.

Budget Position

	$’000s
Original Budget Position	0
September 2024 Quarter Variations Adopted by the Council	0
December 2024 Quarter Variations Adopted by the Council	0
December 2024 Quarter Review Proposed Variations	253
Less: Transfer to Financial Management Reserve Revised Budget Position Surplus/(Deficit) projected to June 2025	(253) 0

The predicted cumulative result for the year as at December 2024 is a balanced Budget after the recommended variations for the quarter, and the proposed allocation to the financial management reserve. Further details including significant proposed variations, variations with no impact on available funds, and reserve movements, are detailed in the separately enclosed Organisational Report – December 2024.

Other variations with no impact on Available Funds

A number of other variations, proposed as part of this review, do not have an impact on the available funds. Details of these adjustments are provided in the Organisational Report – December 2024.

In addition to the aforementioned variations, a total of $125,205 of planned Capital and Operating projects are proposed for revote this quarter. The total value of revotes for the year to date is $125,205 (including the proposed December Quarter revotes), compared to $4.5m revotes for the same period in 2023-24. A full list of Revotes is included in the Organisational Report – December 2024.

New Grants

No new grants have been incorporated into the budget as part of the December 2024 Quarterly Review that have not been the subject of a separate report to Council.

Financial Implications

Adopting the recommendations within this report will mean Council’s 2024-25 Budget continues to predict a balanced budget position for the year.

Further details of the financial implications are contained within the separately enclosed Organisational Report – December 2024.

Risk Implications

Clause 203 of the Local Government Regulation requires that the Budget Review Statements and a revision of estimates must be reported to the Council within two months after the end of each quarter (except the June quarter). This Quarterly Review incorporates a comprehensive analysis of Actuals vs Budgets across all areas of the organisation, and also proposes variations to the annual budget to be approved by the Council.

The Long-Term Financial Plan is updated on a regular basis in line with the reviews to ensure that forward projections reflect the most current assumptions. This review process, and long-term forecasting, minimise financial risk by supporting financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability.

The December 2024 Quarterly Review has been updated with the best available information, however there is every likelihood that more favourable and unfavourable variations will occur throughout the next six months, as is the nature of Local Government operations. Such variations will be managed and reported to the Council for consideration.

Conclusion

This report, and the more detailed Organisational Report – December 2024 indicates that Council’s is performing in the delivery of its 2024-25 Operational Plan actions and projects and is on track to meet Council’s challenging annual program. Prudent financial management combined with the fine tuning and confirmation of budget assumptions have contributed to balanced budget being projected to June 2025.

Once adopted the Organisational Report – December 2024 will be designed and placed on Council’s website.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Organisational Performance and Financial Review - December 2024 be received.

2. The Organisational and Financial Review as at 31 December 2024, including the revised estimates outlined in this report and detailed in the Organisational Report – December 2024, be adopted.

3. Council revote the works as detailed in the Recommended Revoted Works Lists, detailed in the Organisational Report - December 2024 for inclusion in the 2025-26 Operational Plan.

4. The second quarter surplus of $243,464 be transferred to the Financial Management Reserve as detailed in the Organisational Report – December 2024.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

2025 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - National General Assembly (NGA)

Compiled by: Avanthi Fernando, Governance Officer

Authorised by: Adam Beggs, Head of Governance

Outcome	We have open and collaborative leadership
Strategy	Corporate Enablers
Principal Activity	Participate in reviews and forums and make submissions that affect the community in respect to local government governance

Executive Summary

The 2025 Australian Local Government Association, National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in June 2025.

Council must nominate its voting delegate to attend this year’s Assembly and any observers who wish to attend.

The National General Assembly is calling for motions to be submitted. Councillors are invited to put forward any suggested motions at tonight’s meeting. Officers are also currently considering motions to be developed. The suggested motions will be developed by staff and presented to Councillors to be formally resolved and endorsed at the next Ordinary meeting on 3 March 2025. Motions are due to be submitted to ALGA by 31 March 2025.

ALGA has prepared a discussion paper to assist councils when submitting motions, which also covers some of the critical national policy areas that our sector needs to consider now and into the future. When submitting motions, councils are encouraged to consider whether there is a strategic issue of national importance. A copy of the discussion paper is attached to this report.

This report recommends that Council nominate a voting delegate and Councillors to attend as observers and that motions be prepared and reported to the 3 March 2025 Ordinary Meeting (if required).

Background

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national voice of local government, representing 537 councils across the country with a mission to achieve outcomes for local government through advocacy with impact, and maximise the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of councils and communities.

The National General Assembly is an important opportunity for councils to influence the national policy agenda.

Current Situation

The 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in Canberra at the National Convention Centre from 24-27 June 2025.

All motions must be submitted to ALGA no later than Friday 31 March 2025. The theme for this year’s conference is National Priorities Need Local Solutions; and motions can be prepared responding to the issues identified in the discussion paper prepared by ALGA.

Suggested motions will be developed by staff and will be presented to Councillors to be formally resolved and endorsed at the next Ordinary meeting on 3 March 2025.

Delegates

Each council is entitled to have one delegate at each plenary session. In addition to selecting its voting delegate, it is open to Council to send additional Councillors as observers.

Council must nominate its voting delegate to attend this year’s Assembly and any observers who wish to attend. It is appropriate for Council to grant leave of absence to attending Councillors.

Submitting Motions

This year’s call for motions focusses on 12 priority areas:

1. Intergovernmental relations

2. Financial sustainability

3. Roads and infrastructure

4. Emergency management

5. Housing and homelessness

6. Jobs and skills

7. Community services

8. Closing the Gap and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation

9. Data, digital technology and cyber security

10. Climate change and renewable energy

11. Environment, and

12. Circular economy

To be eligible for inclusion in the National General Assembly Business Paper, motions must:

1. Be relevant to the work of local government nationally

2. Not be focused on a specific jurisdiction, location or region – unless the project or issue has national implications

3. Be consistent with the themes of the NGA

4. Complement or build on the policy objectives of ALGA and your state or territory local government association

5. Be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association

6. Propose a clear action and outcome i.e. call on the Australian Government to act on something

7. Not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members, or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government

8. Adress issues that will directly improve the capacity of local government to deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of all Australian communities

9. Not seek to advance an outcome that would result in a benefit to one group of councils to the detriment of another

10. Be supported by sufficient evidence and demonstrate the relevance and significance of the matter to local government nationally.

Financial Implications

A budget has been established for Councillor Conference Costs in the 2024-25 Operational Plan which funds attendance at various conferences throughout the financial year. Participation in the 2024 ALGA Annual General Assembly can be accommodated within this budget.

Risk Implications

There are no unacceptable risk implications associated with this report.

Conclusion

Council should nominate its voting delegate and any observers to the Australian Local Government Association for the 2025 National General Assembly.

Motions will be developed and prepared for Council endorsement at the 3 March 2025 Ordinary Meeting for submitting to ALGA by 31 March 2025.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 2025 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - National General Assembly (NGA) be received.

2. Council nominate its voting delegate for the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government.

3. Council nominate any Councillors who wish to attend as observers at the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government.

4. Leave of absence be granted to all Councillors attending the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government.

5. Any further motions proposed by Council be prepared and submitted to Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 3 March 2025.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. ⇩

Australian Local Government Association, National General Assembly 2025 - Discussion Paper

24 Pages

Attachments Included

Ordinary Meeting 10 February 2025

Pecuniary Interest First Returns - Councillors and Designated Persons

Compiled by: Avanthi Fernando, Governance Officer

Authorised by: Adam Beggs, Head of Governance

Outcome	We have open and collaborative leadership
Strategy	Corporate Enablers
Principal Activity	Promote ethical behaviour through awareness and advice, and manage investigations of alleged corruption, maladministration or breaches of the Code of Conduct

Executive Summary

As prescribed under the Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW 2020 and Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panels 2020 Councillors, designated persons, and Local Planning Panel members are required to lodge any pecuniary interests as listed under the codes within three (3) months of becoming a Councillor, designated person, or a panel member. All returns must also be tabled at a Council meeting and published on Council’s website.

Designated persons include the General Manager, other senior staff, and staff holding a position identified by the Council as a position of a designated person because it involves the exercise of certain functions such as regulatory or contractual.

This report details a list of pecuniary interest first returns lodged by Councillors, designated persons, and Local Planning Panel members.

Background

According to clause 4.21 of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW 2020 “a Councillor or designated person must make and lodge with the General Manager a return in the form set out in schedule 2 of the Code, disclosing interests specified in schedule 1 of the Code within three (3) months after becoming a Councillor or designated person, 30 June each year and the Councillor or designated person becoming aware of an interest they are required to disclose under Schedule 1 that has not been previously disclosed…”.

Part 4 of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils regarding the registration and tabling of returns lodged by Councillors and designated persons prescribes that:

· the General Manager must keep a register of returns required to be lodged with the General Manager under clause 4.21 and

· returns required to be lodged with the General Manager under clause 4.21(a) and (b) must be tabled at the first Meeting of the Council after the last day the return is required to be lodged (clause 4.25).

A register of all returns lodged by Councillors and designated persons, in accordance with clause 4.21 of the Code of Conduct, is currently kept by Council as required by this part of the Code.

Returns lodged under clause 4.21 of the Model and Code are to be made publicly available in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

Schedule 2 of the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panels prescribes that:

· the information collected on the returns form to be kept by the General Manager in a register of returns.

· the General Manager is required to table all returns at a council meeting, and information contained in the returns form will be published on the council’s website

Accordingly, returns will be available on Council’s website subject to redaction, where permitted in accordance with public interest principles and applicable guidelines. Councillors, designated persons and panel members have been informed of their returns being published.

The following Clause 4.21(a) first returns under the Code of Conduct for Local Councils have been lodged by Councillors and Designated persons:

Councillor Name	Start Date	Date Lodged
Cr Edwin Mifsud	09 October 2024	6 January 2025
Cr Faithe Skinner	09 October 2024	6 January 2025
Cr Garion Thain	09 October 2024	18 December 2024
Cr Hollie McLean	09 October 2024	6 January 2025
Cr Kirstie Boerst	09 October 2024	30 December 2024
Cr Libby Austin	09 October 2024	8 January 2025
Cr Reece Nuttall	09 October 2024	16 December 2024
Cr Sabbie Kaur	09 October 2024	28 October 2024
Cr Vanessa Pollak	09 October 2024	18 December 2024

Name	Position Title	Start Date	Date Lodged
Anna Petersen	Public Affairs Manager	17 Sep 2024	17 Dec 2024
Joshua Hull	Head Engineering Services	23 Sep 2024	3 Oct 2024
Belinda Zammit	Head of Communications	21 Oct 2024	17 Dec 2024

The following Clause 4.17(a) first returns under the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panels have been lodged:

Name	Position Title	Start date	Date Lodged
Michael Evesson	Expert Member - Local Planning Panel	11 Dec 2024	17 Dec 2024

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

Councillors and designated persons are required to disclose pecuniary interests listed in Schedule 1 in accordance with clause 4.21 of the Model Code. Local Planning Panel members are required to disclose pecuniary interests in accordance with clause 4.17 of the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panels. The disclosures of pecuniary interests are expected to uphold Councillors’, designated persons’, and Local Planning Panel members’ honest and responsible conduct while executing their duties and to minimise possible breaches of pecuniary interest obligations set out in the relevant Codes. The management of Council’s pecuniary interest returns are one of a series of measures implemented to manage risks associated with decision making throughout the organisation.

Conclusion

All returns were completed and lodged prior to the due date. All returns lodged are kept in a register held by the Governance Department.

Returns will be available on Council’s website subject to redaction, where permitted in accordance with public interest principles and applicable guidelines.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Pecuniary Interest First Returns - Councillors and Designated Persons be received.

2. All Pecuniary Interest First Returns lodged be made publicly available in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 subject to appropriate redactions.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

-	Meeting at which the draft corporate planning documents (Delivery Program and Operational Plan) are endorsed for exhibition
*	Meeting at which the draft corporate planning documents (Delivery Program and Operational Plan) are adopted
#	Meetings at which the Operational Plan quarterly reviews (March and September) are presented
@	Meetings at which the Delivery Program progress reports (including the Operational Plan quarterly reviews for December and June) are presented
^	Election of Mayor and/or Deputy Mayor
ü	Meeting at which the 2024-25 Annual Statements are presented
∞	Meeting at which any comments on the 2024-25 Annual Statements are adopted
+	Meeting at which the Annual Report is presented