Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 29 June 2021

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 June 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

City of Newcastle Awards

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted and congratulated City of Newcastle staff who have been recognised for their outstanding achievements through several significant national and state award wins.

Newcastle as a Nuclear Free City & Support for a Newcastle Peace Park

A Lord Mayoral Minute was endorsed that reiterated City of Newcastle’s support for a world free of nuclear weapons, and accepted Hunter Peace Group’s request to hold a flag raising ceremony and Civic Reception on 6 August 2021 to mark Hiroshima Day. The Lord Mayoral Minute further acknowledged Hunter Peace Group’s request for assistance to establish a Peace Park in Newcastle aimed at recognising Newcastle’s long and proud activist history in the fight for nuclear disarmament.

City of Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion update – June 2021

Councillors voted to support a final Lord Mayoral Minute strongly noting City of Newcastle’s disappointment that the NSW Government has not made any funding commitment for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion. This is despite the fact the project will create 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing jobs post completion and is shovel ready, with an approved development application and a complete business case.

The Lord Mayoral Minute noted there are currently two City of Newcastle applications for funding before the Federal Government, with both requesting the $10 million required to fully fund the expansion, and City of Newcastle will also apply to the new NSW Government process, in the hope of expedient and favourable consideration. A report will be presented to Councillors at the July Ordinary Council Meeting outlining remaining funding options, so that a pathway can be determined to deliver the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion.

Ordinary business

The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship

Council voted to establish the Meg Purser Communications Scholarship, in honour of the late Meg Purser, with the intention of supporting local tertiary students who are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate and not-for-profit communications field. A total of $5,000 will be allocated annually to the Scholarship for a period of three years.

Approval of staging plan for Black Hill employment lands

Council voted to approve the Industrial Subdivision Staging Plan, dated April 2021, for Lot 30, 198 Lenaghans Drive, Black Hill, known as Black Hill Employment Lands. The Plan provided an updated indicative lot layout, identifying how the development of the site would be staged, as well as details on the provision of infrastructure, payment of contributions and management arrangements for elements of the development.

Compulsory acquisition of road reserve by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation

Council resolved to approve the compulsory acquisition by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) of part of Honeysuckle Drive, which supports the finalisation of the realignment of Honeysuckle Drive.

Making of the Rate - Hunter Catchment Contribution and Commission for 2021/22

Council voted to authorise the collection of the Hunter Catchment Contribution at the rate established by the NSW Government’s Hunter Local Land Services for the 2021/22 rating year and to endorse the rate of commission to be applied by City of Newcastle for the collection of the Contribution on their behalf.

Making of the Rates and Charges for 2021/22

To make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 in accordance with the provisions of sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act).

Interest on overdue Rates and Charges for 2021/22

Council voted to adopt the rate of 6.0% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, and adopt the rate of 2.37% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges that are deferred against an eligible ratepayer’s estate for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2021.

Proposed acquisition of 228 Turton Road, Waratah

Council voted to acquire 228 Turton Road, Waratah and classify the land as Operational Land, with authority given to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to carry out the transaction.

RSPCA animal management services agreement

Council voted to enter into a contract for Animal Management Services in accordance with Contract No. 2021/858T.

Tender report - University Drive, Waratah West - catchment rehabilitation

Council voted to accept a tender for the construction of the University Drive, Waratah West catchment rehabilitation, consisting of the construction of a new footbridge and associated works, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/266T.

Tender report - provision of civil design and CAD drafting services

Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of civil design and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting services on a casual hire basis, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/517T.

Tender report - provision of demolition services for car park, 92 King Street, Newcastle

Council voted to accept a tender for the demolition of the seven-storey car park at 92 King Street, Newcastle, and associated works, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/688T.

Tender report - biennial minor civil works and services

Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of minor civil works and services across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Tender report - biennial spray sealing services

Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of spray sealing services to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Tender report - biennial asphaltic concrete services

Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of asphaltic concrete services required to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Tender report - supply of four green waste trucks

Council carried a procedural motion to lay the item on table to seek a report on the business case and opportunity to expedite the delivery of EV garbage trucks to meet our Climate Action Plan commitments.

Tender report - tree work services

Council voted to accept a tender panel for the provision of tree pruning and removal services on public lands, roads, and footways.

Tender report - tree planting and tree establishment

Council voted to accept a tender for tree planting and tree establishment works on public lands, roads, and footways.

Tender report - Summerhill Waste Management Centre - provision of environmental project services - building and demolition landfill leachate system upgrade

Council voted to accept a tender for construction of a leachate collection system for the transfer of leachate from holding tanks to the main leachate pond at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/496T.

Tender report - Summerhill Waste Management Centre - provision of environmental project services - leachate capacity upgrade

Council voted to accept a tender for construction of a new leachate pond and associated leachate pumping station at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/498T.

Tender report - Summerhill Waste Management Centre - six-year waste audit program

Council voted to accept a tender for delivery of a Waste Audit Program for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/418T.

Notices of Motion

Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre

Council adopted a notice of motion to commend staff for the successful implementation of the Local Centres Program and initiate the Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre upgrade to improve the local public domain. This would include footpaths, guttering and road renewal, parking improvements, updated cycleway and pedestrian connections, street tree planting, street furniture upgrades and drainage improvements, while also partnering with local businesses through the Façade Improvement Scheme. The motion requires City of Newcastle to consult with the local community and local businesses regarding the design and implementation of the Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre upgrade.

Late Item of Business

Hamilton Community Pantry

Council adopted a late item that Council Officers continue to work with Food Not Bombs and other local support agencies to support the appropriate, safe and clean provision of items and services that are needed like the Hamilton Community Pantry.