Council Decided – 7 June 2022
Northern Beaches Link Tunnel Project
Council endorsed a Mayoral Minute delivered by Mayor Carolyn Corrigan regarding the Northern Beaches Link Tunnel project following the recent announcement by the NSW Government that this project will be indefinitely delayed. In endorsing the Mayoral Minute, Council resolved to seek an urgent meeting with the NSW Premier and Minister for Transport to voice Council’s strong objection to the cessation of the project given the long standing views of the Mosman community that a tunnel is required to alleviate congestion on the Spit Road/Military Road corridor. In making these representations Council will strongly urge the Government to continue delivering rapid bus services and to further investigate all possible public transport options between Dee Why and Chatswood. Strong written representations will also be made to the Premier advocating that there be no further increase in housing targets while a long term traffic solution for the Spit Bridge remains in limbo.
Platinum Jubilee
Mayor Corrigan also presented a Mayoral Minute acknowledging the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, noting that the jubilee is a remarkable and historic occasion to honour and celebrate the Queen’s tenure over the Commonwealth of Nations.
Uluru Statement from the Heart
Council resolved to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, hearing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and for a referendum on this matter. In so resolving, Council also welcomed working with the First Nations Voice once established and with the Mosman community, other levels of government and all Australians to take this next step.
Adoption of MOSPLAN 2022-2032 and Mosman Contributions Plan 2022
Council recently exhibited its latest MOSPLAN, including the draft 2022-2032 Community Strategic Plan, 2022-2032 Long Term Financial Plan, 2022-2026 Workforce Plan, 2022-2026 Delivery Program and 2022-2023 Operational Plan, Budget and Fees and Charges.
The period for public comment closed on 15 May and the draft MOSPLAN was again considered by Council, along with comments received.
Council resolved to adopt all MOSPLAN documents, incorporating changes made following public consultation and reaffirming proposed changes to parking fees exhibited during April-May 2022.
In adopting MOSPLAN Council also considered and adopted the draft Mosman Contributions Plan 2022, which was simultaneously exhibited for public comment in April and May 2022 with no public submissions received.
The new MOSPLAN, which will come into force on July 1 this year, and the Mosman Contributions Plan 2022, will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime, you can reference the documents submitted to, and adopted by, Council on the ‘Council Agendas and Minutes’ page of this website.
Alternate Community Event Locations 2022
A report was presented to Council recommending alternate locations for regular community events that will be temporarily displaced during upcoming construction works in Mosman Square and the Village Green. It was subsequently resolved by Council that Reid Park be endorsed as the alternate location for Pet’s Day Out on 30 October 2022 and that outdoor cinemas scheduled for October be held at Balmoral rather than at the Village Green.
In relation to the monthly Saturday markets and quarterly nightmarkets held in Mosman Square and Village Green, it was further decided that these be held in abeyance until the completion of works. The last nightmarket to be held prior to the commencement of works will be the WinterFeast Market on Thursday 28 July and the last Saturday market prior to works will be on 6 August.
Code of Meeting Practice
Council is required to review its Code of Meeting Practice within 12 months of each Ordinary Election. Following consideration of a draft Code of Meeting Practice at its April 2022 meeting, the draft Code was placed on public exhibition from 6 April to 20 May 2022 with no submissions received. Council subsequently resolved to adopt the draft Code of Meeting Practice as exhibited.
Mayor and Councillor Fees 2022/23
In response to advice received from the NSW Office of Local Government and the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, Council resolved to adopt the maximum increase of 2% determined by the Tribunal for 22/23, resulting in the following fees being payable: mayor ($46,010 p.a.) and councillors ($21,100); and noting that appropriate provision has been made in Council’s 2022/23 Budget.
Appointment of Independent Members - Audit Risk and Improvement Committee
After considering a report on membership of its Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, Council resolved to call Expressions of Interest for a third independent member of the Committee commencing October 2022. Council, in thanking current Committee Chair and independent member Louise Scambler for her service, noted that Ms Scambler is ineligible for re-appointment as the Committee Charter limits independent membership to two consecutive terms. The new independent member of the Committee will be appointed for the term 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2025.
Climate Action Plan – Resilience and Adaptation Strategy
Following its declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, Council resolved in 2021 to adopt a Climate Action Plan – Mitigation Strategy and then also gave consideration to a draft Climate Action Plan – Resilience and Adaptation Strategy. This draft Strategy was subsequently considered further at a Councillor workshop earlier this year and once again submitted to Council. It has now been resolved by Council that the draft Strategy be endorsed for public exhibition, with public comment to be sought from mid-June until 26 August 2022. A further report will be presented to Council in November 2022.
Bushland Restoration Contracts
Tenders were recently called for Council’s Bushland Restoration Contracts for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027. Council considered the results of the tender process and resolved to accept tenders from Waratah Eco Works for contract delivery in the Port Jackson and Middle Harbour East catchment and from National Trust of Australia (NSW) for contract delivery in the Middle Harbour West catchment. Both contractors were also approved as panel contractors for additional works and bushcare supervision, together with Australian Bushland Restoration.
Boat Trailer Parking Strategy
The issue of boat trailer parking in local streets has been considered by Council on a number of occasions and was again referred to Council following the matter being discussed at the May 2022 Local Traffic Committee meeting. It was subsequently resolved that further consideration of this matter be deferred pending a Councillor workshop.