During My time as a Councillor many community members have conveyed their frustrations directly to me regarding the challenges they face in getting timely responses from the Council. It's clear that our community's needs are evolving, and so must our approaches to meeting these needs. The insights provided in the report are not just reflections of where we are right now but give us a guide toward where we need to go.
1. Can staff detail the nature of the 1% of requests that remain outstanding across all wards? What steps are being taken to address these lingering concerns?
2.With an average completion time exceeding 20 days for the top Councillor request types, what specific actions are proposed to expedite complex requests involving multiple parties or requiring stakeholder engagement?
3. Given the report indicates a decrease in total requests from 2022 to 2023, can staff elaborate on whether this trend is attributed to the new system's efficiency, a reduction in community issues, or other factors?
4. Can staff provide more detailed insights into the challenges faced during the transition between the customer request management systems? Specifically, how did these challenges impact the processing and resolution of Councillor requests?
Motion
That:
An Overland Flood Study is a legal requirement of the NSW Government, to manage flood risks.
All NSW councils must prepare this as part of the NSW State Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy. Flooding is unpredictable and can cause significant damage to property and life. When flooding is severe, sudden rain, it causes ‘over land’ or flash flooding.
It can be many years between floods but multiple floods can happen in one year.
In recognition of the seriousness of the concerns raised by our Community I crafted questions for the staff to answer publicly. These question were to delve deeper into the specifics of the current situation, Challenge us to think critically about our preparedness, and to guide our discussions towards actionable solutions. They reflect my commitment to not only understand the extent of the problem but to also prioritise and allocate the necessary resources effectively. As a Councillor I must apply a balanced and measured approach to all decisions.
Q1. Considering the multifaceted purpose of Overland Flood Studies, including identifying and assessing flood risk, informing strategic land use policy, developing flood-related development controls, enhancing flood emergency management planning and response, raising community awareness and preparedness, and guiding infrastructure design and improvement, how is the Council planning to address and manage the immediate flood risk for properties, given the interim removal of flood notations from planning certificates until the final adoption of the Study?
Q2. Following the letters sent to The Hon Paul Scully, MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and the Hon Penny Sharpe, MP, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage, on 10 November 2023, expressing various concerns and requests for clarification regarding the Overland Flood Study, can staff provide an update on any responses or directions received from the State Government? Specifically, has there been any feedback regarding the methodology and criteria for flood studies, updates on planning certificates during the flood management planning process, the frequency of flood studies, and the request for state-wide community education on flood studies and flood risk modelling data from insurance companies to inform council flood studies?
Q3. Given the significant impact of recent flooding events in New South Wales and Queensland on the insurance industry, with the Insurance Council of Australia reporting the f loods as Australia's fourth costliest disaster with insured losses estimated at $4.3 billion from 216,465 claims, and acknowledging the increasing financial strain on the insurance sector which is likely to result in rising insurance premiums for residents in flood-prone areas and potentially for other householders, what measures or considerations are being taken to mitigate potential insurance premium increases for our community members, especially in light of the findings from the Overland Flood Study and the anticipated outcomes of the Woronora Flood Study. Q4. What are the specific criteria and scope for the pending peer review of the Flood Study? How will Council ensure that the review is thorough and considers the community's concerns?
Q5. In light of the recent Overland Flood Study report, there have been community members raising concerns about the allocation of $2,237,069 towards Drainage, Water Quality & Stormwater Drainage, could the staff provide an analysis of the current budget allocation towards these areas? Specifically, is the allocated budget deemed sufficient to address the identified needs and priorities of the Sutherland Shire? How does this allocation compare with best practices and benchmarks from similar Councils that have successfully implemented f lood mitigation strategies?
An Urgency motion was put forward from Cr Jack Boyd in relation to Council's cashless transactions policy. Many community members in E Ward have reached out to me in relation to the challenges they experience with the Councils cashless policy. I fully support this motion.
That:
I fully supported Mr Mayors mayoral minute regarding the very important issue affecting our community right now with the recent notifications of notations being applied to many houses across the shire.
I am thankful that all Councillors supported this Mayoral minute.
I had to firstly Speak to the Urgency on this one
For far too long, residents and visitors to Woronora and Burnum Burnum Sanctuary have been playing a perilous game of "dodge death" while navigating the sections of Menai Road, specifically between Prices Circuit and Woronora Bridge, as well as the intersection with Washington Drive. These areas have been identified as hotspots for pedestrian vulnerability, and the time for action is now.
The undeniable truth is that our community is in danger. Numerous near-miss incidents have occurred, and the collective voice of our residents has grown increasingly concerned about the glaring absence of adequate pedestrian safety infrastructure. We cannot continue to ignore the risks and the potential tragedies that may unfold if we do not act swiftly.
Our most vulnerable people—our school children, our elderly residents, and those with mobility issues are the ones most at risk. As we approach the summer months, it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the volume of people crossing Menai Road. The cultural event scheduled for the 25th of January at Burnum Burnum sanctuary is expected to draw over 2000 people to the area, making it imperative that we address this issue urgently. Given this is our last meeting before February. I urge you all to recognise the urgency of the situation and support the urgency of my motion to take immediate action to enhance pedestrian safety in our community.
*** Councillor Cowell requested Business Without Notice concerning pedestrian safety measures on Menai Road as a matter of urgency. Minute No: 281 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: (Councillor Johns/ Councillor Nikolovski) That permission be granted to consider Business Without Notice concerning pedestrian safety measures on Menai Road as a matter of urgency.
What I had planned to Speakto the motion (we ran out of time)
Thank you for supporting the urgency of my motion. Before you is a motion that, in essence, is a resounding call to action in ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors. Council staff have diligently followed the correct process, and the state government rejected their submission.
TFNSW has cited the following in their rejection, “Transport for NSW (TfNSW) understands your concerns. However, when investigating treatment options, consideration must be given to items such as the road geometry, road alignment, traffic volumes, pedestrian movements and crash history. The installation of such treatments is carried out at locations assessed on a state-wide objective priority. Accordingly, a new pedestrian crossing, or refuge cannot be installed on Menai Road at this time. Nevertheless, TfNSW are progressively preparing road network plans to cover key corridors such as Menai Road, as a response to the challenge of how to best manage road transport infrastructure to maximise benefits for our customers in line with Government Strategies and will continue to monitor and look out for opportunities to improve pedestrian safety along this corridor.” Huh! Blah Blah Blah! All I hear is Bureaucratic hurdles, Blah Blah Blah Roadblocks to community safety! Blah Blah Blah We are talking about painting white lines on a road and putting up some signs that could potentially save a human life.
Let me reiterate the importance of this motion. The safety of our residents is, and should always be, a top priority of this Council. It is incumbent upon us to take prompt and decisive action to gain approval in installing adequate pedestrian safety measures at the specified locations on Menai Road. Given that the implementation of safety measures at these areas is not Sutherland Shire Councils Jurisdiction I call upon our State Member, Maryanne Stuart do prioritise the safety of our residents. There has been consistent feedback from our community, who have been vocal in their concerns and their requests for enhancements to pedestrian safety in these locations. Our community deserves action on promises made.
This area has High Pedestrian Activity witnessing substantial pedestrian movement. This includes children commuting to and from school, as well as our residents engaging in their daily activities. The numbers alone demand immediate attention and action.
The volume and speed of traffic on Menai Road pose a significant risk of accidents, particularly at the intersections mentioned. We cannot turn a blind eye to the real dangers that exist here.
Proactive measures are essential to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of our residents. Waiting for accidents to happen before taking action would be a grave injustice to our community. In the face of this rejection from the state government, we are presented with an opportunity—a moral obligation, even. We can choose to stand up for our community, advocate for their safety, and take the necessary steps to protect them.
I don’t want to wait for tragedy to strike; I want to be proactive and demonstrate that we are committed to ensuring the safety of our people. By voting in favour of this motion, we will send a clear message to our community that we prioritise their safety and well-being above all else. I ask each of my fellow councillors that you vote in favour of this motion. Thank you!
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: (Councillor Cowell/Councillor Nikolovski)
That Council: 1. Write to Maryanne Stuart, State Member for Heathcote, urging her to respond to community concerns for pedestrian safety measures at the following locations in our community, Menai Road, between Prices Circuit and Woronora Bridge and Menai Road at the intersection with Washington Drive, by seeking Transport for NSW expedite action on these concerns. 2. Write to Jo Haylen, Minister for Transport her urging her to respond to community concerns for pedestrian safety measures at the following locations in our community, Menai Road, between Prices Circuit and Woronora Bridge and Menai Road at the intersection with Washington Drive, by directing Transport for NSW to expedite action to address these concerns. Council Meeting 11 December 2023 Page 29 3. Contact Transport for NSW, requesting a risk assessment of these locations with a view to implementing appropriate safety measures, such as pedestrian crossings, plus speed reduction signs and traffic calming devices at the earliest opportunity. 4. Request feedback from all parties by 15 January 2024, on the proposed timeline and plans for implementation.
This is a motion that I believe is crucial in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our governance. The motion calls for a detailed report on councillor requests submitted since January 2022.
The first component of this motion requests a comprehensive report that outlines essential information about councillor requests submitted over the past two years. This includes the total number of requests, those that have been successfully actioned, those that remain outstanding, and the average response time categorised by department. Transparency is the cornerstone of any democratic institution. By requesting this report, we demonstrate our commitment to open and transparent governance. It allows the community to have a clear view of our actions, our responsiveness to their needs, and the areas where improvement is needed. It's a fundamental step toward accountability and trust-building.
The second component of this motion seeks to consider notable trends or patterns in the types of requests submitted and response times. This data-driven approach is invaluable. By analysing these trends, we can identify areas where we excel and those that need improvement. We, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to engage with our community actively. A more efficient process for handling requests benefits not only our community but also the council itself. It allows us to allocate our resources more effectively, streamline workflows, and ensure that our constituents receive timely responses and solutions to their concerns.
The third component of this motion emphasises the importance of timely reporting. It mandates that the requested report be presented at the next suitable council meeting, allowing sufficient time for compilation and review. This timeline ensures that we are not only collecting data but also acting upon it promptly. It ensures that we remain responsive to our community's needs and concerns.
I ask each of you to support this motion demonstrating to our community that their concerns matter and that we are committed to optimising our processes to better serve those who have entrusted us.
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: (Councillor Cowell/Councillor Steinwall)
THAT: 1. The Council requests a detailed report from the relevant department(s) outlining the following information regarding councillor requests submitted since January 2022 by Ward: • The total number of councillor requests submitted; • The number of requests that have been successfully actioned; • The number of requests that are currently outstanding; and • The average response time for these requests, categorised by department. • The assessment of urgent councillor requests. 2. As part of the development of the Customer Experience Strategy, Council consider notable trends or patterns in the types of requests submitted and response times and provides recommendations for improving the processing and response times for community and councillor requests. 3. The requested report should be presented at the next suitable Council Meeting, allowing sufficient time for compilation and review. 4. Council explore options to keep residents informed of the progress of their CR requests after 28 days.
My motion before you today is one that addresses a fundamental necessity of life—access to clean drinking water in our public spaces. Access to clean, safe, and accessible drinking water in public spaces is a fundamental public health and accessibility issue. Ensuring that these facilities meet the diverse needs of all community members, including people with disabilities, seniors, and children, is vital for a healthy and inclusive community. The motion before us calls for a comprehensive report to assess the availability and accessibility of drinking water outlets across the Sutherland Shire.
The Sutherland Shire is home to a diverse community, including people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Our residents and visitors should have access to clean and safe drinking water in our public spaces. When I have been out and about visiting various locations, I have seen disparities in the availability and accessibility of drinking water outlets. Some areas may be well-served, while others lack adequate facilities, especially when considering the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone can access drinking water without barriers.
When I was researching this, I found many successful examples in other Councils within Australia that I could refer to including some successful examples of locations in the shire. It’s amazing to see the creativity and innovation in this space. I do want to provide an international example, In Paris, the local authorities have not only provided fresh drinking water but they have embraced the challenge and designed the fountains not only to be functional but to also to add to the charm of the city, Paris really has demonstrated their commitment to public amenities, going so far as to not only providing free still water but also sparkling water and a detailed interactive map that shows each of the fountains locations.
Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of staying hydrated for overall health and well-being. Accessible water outlets would make it easier for people to stay hydrated, which can improve cognitive function, physical performance, and overall health.
The production and disposal of plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution and waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recycling rate for plastic bottles is relatively low, meaning that a significant portion ends up in landfills or as litter. Accessible water outlets promote the use of reusable water bottles, reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
I’m asking each of you to vote in favour of this motion
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: (Councillor Cowell/Councillor Armstrong) THAT: 1. The Council requests a report to assess the current availability and accessibility of drinking water outlets in public spaces across the Sutherland Shire. 2. The report should: a. Evaluate the current status of drinking water outlets in terms of accessibility, especially considering the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, and children; b. Identify areas within the Shire that are underserved or lacking in accessible drinking water facilities; c. Explore potential options and strategies to improve access to drinking water in public spaces, including but not limited to, the installation of new outlets, upgrading existing facilities, and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards; d. Provide a cost analysis for the implementation of these options and strategies; and e. Include community feedback, especially from groups directly impacted by a lack of accessible drinking facilities.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHI43-Jc4-g at 3hrs 26minutes and 33 seconds where I state my reasons for my amendment.
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: (Councillor Cowell/Councillor Nikolovski)
THAT: 1. The report ‘Code of Conduct Statistics: 2022-2023 Further Report’ be received and noted. 2. The revised Procedures for the Administration of the Codes of Conduct, attached at Appendix A to this report, be publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days and reported back to a subsequent Meeting of Council for adoption. 3. Council writes to the NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig and the Deputy Secretary Local Government, Brett Whitworth, requesting that an update be provided on the status of the Kellar Report, including whether the State Government intends to form an opinion on the report and its recommendations.
I fully supported Mr Mayors mayoral minute congratulating the very worthy recipients of the 2023 Australia Day Honours.
I am thankful that Michael Fuller (AO), Leanne Clarke (OAM), Barry Ezzy (OAM), Geoffrey Forshaw (OAM) & Roger Mentha's (AFSM) selfless dedication for going above and beyond to help improve the lives of others has been recognised.
With over 30,000 people suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest every year. Those early minutes following a cardiac arrest are vital, with up to a 90% chance of survival if defibrillation occurs within the first few minutes. The chances are as low as 5% if no one starts CPR or if a defibrillator isn't available in those early minutes. Thank you to the Council staff for their ongoing work with Service NSW to include Council owned & managed AED's on the NSW AED register, and for the work with the Sports & Active communities committee to encourage them to register their AEDs.
The community awareness campaign to inform businesses, organisations, forums and individuals of the importance of registering their defibrillators is an extremley important project, which is why Cr Strangas & I put forward the amendment that all Councillors supported.
Councillor Cowell / Councillor Strangas
THAT:
1. The report ‘Defibrillators in the Sutherland Shire Local Government Area’ be received and noted.
Once the communications strategy for community engagement is developed, a briefing be held for Councillors.
I support some of the Councils submission to the OLG. Given the timing of the request for consultation was during a break from Council, and a quick turnaround time it made it very difficult. I support Councillor Boyds motion to have a briefing from staff regarding the outcomes and the Sutherland Shire Councils submission. My feedback regarding the removal of the Public Forum is below.
I disagree that the Public forum should be separated out and made mandatory for all Councils as Sutherland Shire Council manages the risk by requiring:
· Public Forum applications
· Speakers are allocated 3 minutes and can only address the matters already listed on the agenda of the Council meeting they are speaking at.
This Public Forum allows:
· Councillors To hear the community’s opinion for or against on agenda items that will be debated at that meeting.
· Page 9 & 19 of the Councillor Handbook 2021 is referenced in support.
“Councillors play a vital role in meeting the needs of local communities. They serve their communities by listening to people in the local area and then representing those views on council.”
“A Councillor’s role as an elected representative is to provide an essential link between the community and council.”
· Councillors to have Open, transparent, considered & be well-informed in their decision making.
· Page 18 & 19 of the Councillor Handbook 2021 is referenced in support
“to make considered and well-informed decisions as a member of the governing body”
“Councillors can best help individual members of the community by satisfying themselves that their council’s policies are being carried out correctly. If a councillor thinks that a policy need changing, they need to debate this in a full meeting of council. It is inappropriate for a councillor to informally attempt to ignore or alter a policy in order to satisfy the demands of special groups.
· Councillors to meet the requirements of The Act
· I reference Page 18 of the Councillor Handbook
“The Act makes it clear that Councillors are individually accountable to the local community for the performance of the council.”
Copyright © 2021 Laura Cowell All Rights Reserved. Approved by L. Cowell, Alfords Point, NSW, 2234
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