Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 10 December 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 10 December 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Launch of new Mariyung fleet services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the historic launch of the new Mariyung fleet service from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal on December 3, 2024. The CEO will write to the Minister for Transport expressing Council's congratulations and support and advocate for increased and quicker services between Sydney and Newcastle.

Mandatory track changes requirements for Council reports and policy documents

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the commitment from the CEO that all reports and policy documents submitted to the Council Chamber will include a version with track changes or detailed commentary clearly showing all modifications, additions, and deletions from the previous version at the time of publication of the agenda papers.

World Stroke Day morning tea

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously adopted that called for City of Newcastle to continue its support of World Stroke Day and acknowledged and thanked former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for holding the inaugural World Stroke Day in 2016, and subsequent morning teas each year in collaboration with HMRI

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to approve revised and updated Council Policies including the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Art Gallery Acquisition and Deaccessioning Policy, Media Policy and Social Media Policy.

Adoption of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee's Strategic Work Plan

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Strategic Work Plan of City of Newcastle's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Adoption of the Walking and Mobility Plan

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Walking and Mobility Plan, noting the summary engagement report from the recent public exhibition. The Plan is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the community’s desire for Newcastle to be a city where walking is a safe, accessible, convenient and enjoyable part of people's lives.

Draft Newcastle 2040 review

Council voted unanimously to place the draft revised Community Strategic Plan - Newcastle 2040 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application for the demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand, with consent granted subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the Draft Schedule of Conditions.

14 Sunderland Street, Mayfield - adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 14 Sunderland Street Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

22 Victoria Street, Mayfield - adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 22 Victoria Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

13 Section Street, Mayfield - adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 13 Section Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

115 Maryland Drive, Maryland - telecommunications facility

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application to erect a 'telecommunications facility', granting consent subject to compliance with conditions set out in the draft schedule of conditions.

Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South - roundabout safety improvements 

Council voted unanimously to approve roundabout safety improvements at two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue Hamilton South, at the intersections with National Park Street and Smith Street.

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.

Response to questions regarding Newcastle Airport

Council approved City of Newcastle undertaking community engagement within the Newcastle local government area to better understand awareness and support for Astra Aerolab. The findings of this community engagement will be reported to the Council in 2025.

Tender report - purchase of Summerhill Waste Management Centre landfill compactor 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase of a Landfill Compactor for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Rescinding of tender award - construction of operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre

Council voted unanimously to rescind the tender for the construction of an operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Late Item

505 Minmi Road

Council voted for the Lord Mayor and the City of Newcastle considers any action necessary, including legal responses, to protect the planning powers of the democratically elected City of Newcastle Council, including its LEP and planning functions, with respect to 505 Minmi Road.

Notices of Motion 

Youth Mock Council 2024 and investigating the re-establishment of a dedicated youth space

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2024 and reiterated its commitment to the Youth Council and quality civics engagement and education. City of Newcastle staff will engage with the Youth Council to assess the need, requirements and viability of a dedicated youth space. 

Investigating opportunities for new and upgraded sporting facilities in the Western Suburbs 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the growing need for new and upgraded sporting facilities in our city's western suburbs and requested a report be provided to Councillors assessing the viability of new or upgraded facilities.

Citizenship Ceremonies 

Council supported an amended notice of motion that delegates the decision to schedule the January citizenship ceremony to the Lord Mayor, in his capacity as the Presiding Officer of Citizenship Ceremonies, and in line with the Lord Mayor’s existing delegations.

Lambton Pool

Council supported an amended notice of motion that included a request that staff consider, as part of the December quarterly budget review process, funding for the installation of a platform at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre that would enable those with mobility issues to enter the 25m and 50m pools more easily and safely.

111 Beaumont Street, Hamilton - place activation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting that City of Newcastle staff engage with Hamilton Business Improvement Association to determine events throughout 2025 that the vacant spaces within 111 Beaumont Street could support and enters into short term licenses with the community groups best suited to support those events, for an appropriate period before and after events.

Commissioning an independent review of council processes, procedures and performance

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion for an independent review of Council's processes, procedures and performance to uphold public trust and ensure high governance.