Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 May 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 May 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Election of a Federal Labor Government
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported congratulating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the four local Members of Parliament following the election of a Federal Labor Government.

Council will write to Prime Minister Albanese and the city’s local MPs reiterating City of Newcastle’s support for a continued close collaborative partnership with the Federal Government and include an updated version of our 2022 Federal Advocacy document of significant projects supported by Council for the advancement of our city.

Acknowledging Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported noting that Newcastle City Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM has transferred to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with Superintendent Tracey Chapman to act in the role until November when Superintendent Kylie Endemi takes command of Newcastle City Police District.

The Minute congratulates both Commanders on their new appointments, and thanks Detective Superintendent Humphrey for his dedicated service to the people of Newcastle and his collaborative working relationship with Council.

ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was endorsed that recognises the City of Newcastle's long-standing membership of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and pledges support for the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive & Equitable Communities, to be captured within CN’s draft Environmental Strategy.

Ordinary Business

Compulsory acquisition of community land by Transport for NSW – Newcastle Inner City Bypass
Councillors agreed to reject an offer made by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for the compulsory acquisition of eight parcels of community land owned by City of Newcastle (CN) in Lambton and New Lambton.

City of Newcastle will seek a determination by the Valuer General regarding the compensation payable for the land. The transfer of the land is estimated to occur on or around 10 June 2022.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

NSW Land and Housing Corporation Funding Deed
Councillors unanimously endorsed a Funding Deed with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), which outlines the purpose, amount, timing, reporting and other responsibilities of City of Newcastle and LAHC in relation to funding under the previously endorsed Memorandum of Understanding.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
Council voted to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for 28 days and receive a report following the exhibition period.

March Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the March Quarterly Budget Review Statement as at March 31, 2022 and adopted the revised budget.

Quarterly performance report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program performance report for the January to March 2022 period.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for April 2022, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.

Tender report – Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works
Councillors voted to accept a tender for Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works.

Tender report – electrical and communications services
Councillors voted to accept a tender for electrical contractors to provide electrical and communication installation, repairs and maintenance services.

Write-off sundry debt
Council agreed to write-off a balance of sundry debt consistent with City of Newcastle's Debt Management Guidelines and in accordance with the provisions of CI 213 Local Government (General) Regulation, 2005.

Supplementary Report – Public Exhibition of Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040
Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a one-off Additional Special Variation (ASV) of 2.5 per cent for 2022-2023 financial year, and for this to be a permanent increase retained within the rate base.

Notice of Motion

Hunter fig trees in East End upgrade
Council unanimously endorsed a Notice of Motion calling for a public briefing regarding plans for the four fig trees at the end of Hunter Street Mall on the refuge island between Hunter and Scott Streets, on the basis that three of the trees are proposed to be removed in 2023 due to their poor condition.

State Environmental Planning Policy
Council endorsed a Notice of Motion to write to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes to request a formal explanation regarding the decision to dispense with planning reforms under the proposed State Environmental Planning Policy (Design and Place) 2021.