Council - 16 Jun 2026 7:30 PM

Topics

• Council backs GreenWay governance overhaul and new management plan
  Council will wind up the GreenWay Community Forum and replace it with a Local Democracy Group while starting work on a GreenWay Plan of Management.
  This changes the decision-making structure for a major local green corridor and signals a new phase of planning and consultation.
• Council shifts renewable power procurement through SSROC PEERS
  Council will renew its electricity supply through SSROC’s PEERS program while keeping a 100% renewable energy commitment.
  Energy procurement affects operating costs, sustainability commitments and future supply contracts for Council assets.
• Stormwater, parking and pedestrian safety issues pushed up the agenda in local suburbs
  Council requested follow-up on stormwater works in Young Street, parking in Trafalgar Lane, pedestrian safety at Smidmore Street and access improvements at Johnson Park.
  These are practical service and infrastructure matters that can directly affect residents’ access, safety and flood risk.

Decisions

• Design Excellence LEP Amendment endorsed
  Council endorsed a planning proposal to amend Clause 6.9 Design Excellence in Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022.
  Affects how major developments are assessed and the quality of future building design in the Inner West.
• Electricity procurement through SSROC PEERS
  Council noted its participation in the SSROC PEERS program, reaffirmed its commitment to 100% renewable energy, and delegated authority to the General Manager to finalise the electricity supply contract.
  Supports Council’s renewable energy purchasing and may affect long-term utility costs and sustainability outcomes.
• GreenWay Community Forum to be replaced
  Council agreed to cease the existing GreenWay Community Forum, establish a new Local Democracy Group, and begin work on a GreenWay Plan of Management in 2026.
  Changes how residents and stakeholders will be involved in GreenWay planning and management.
• Our Local Legacy Plaques Program established
  Council established a new plaque program for not-for-profit organisations, clubs and social enterprises reaching major milestones, with nominations, plaque design and installation to be developed.
  Creates a new recognition program for local community organisations across the area.
• Marrickville, transport and park-related investigations progressed
  Council supported reviews or reports for pedestrian safety at Smidmore Street, parking in Trafalgar Lane, stormwater works in Young Street, and access improvements at Johnson Park.
  Could lead to local safety, access and drainage improvements in affected neighbourhoods.

Discussion

• Mayor's tribute items and community recognitions
  Council considered mayoral minutes recognising Professor Richard Scolyer, Shane Teehan, and a summit on poker machine harm, plus a proposal to rename Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre in Scolyer’s honour.
  These decisions affect civic recognition, naming, and community messaging around public health and local legacy.
• Major residential development panel update
  Council received the quarterly update on the panel’s operation, development assessment performance and housing delivery activity, and endorsed updated terms of reference.
  Relevant to residents monitoring development approvals and housing delivery performance.
• Property and infrastructure acquisitions
  Council authorised steps to acquire Ausgrid land at 30 Brighton Street, Petersham and reviewed confidentiality arrangements after acquisition.
  May affect local utility land use and future infrastructure planning.
• Community garden and park maintenance matters
  Council dealt with concerns about the Whites Creek Valley Park fence and ongoing maintenance issues at Spindlers Park, including communication with nearby residents.
  Impacts park users, nearby residents and community garden groups.
• Utility and substation impacts in Leichhardt
  Council sought explanations from Ausgrid about intensified works, tree removal and contractor activity in Waratah Street.
  Directly relevant to residents affected by construction noise, access and environmental impacts.

Impacts

• Potential change to development design standards for future projects.
• Possible future naming of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre as the Richard Scolyer Aquatic Centre.
• New community governance structure for GreenWay planning and management.
• Potential pedestrian safety improvements near Smidmore Street and parking changes in Trafalgar Lane.
• Possible stormwater and flood-mitigation works in Young Street, Annandale.
• Investigations into accessibility improvements at Johnson Park and park maintenance communication at Spindlers Park.

Places

• Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (planning scheme)
  Planning proposal to amend design excellence provisions.
• Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (facility)
  Proposed renaming in honour of Professor Richard Scolyer.
• GreenWay (corridor/project area)
  New governance and management arrangements to be developed.
• Marrickville (suburb)
  Location for the proposed art alley and pedestrian safety issues.
• Smidmore Street, Marrickville (street)
  Pedestrian safety review requested.
• Trafalgar Lane, Annandale (lane)
  Parking review requested.
• Young Street, Annandale (street)
  Stormwater infrastructure concerns and flood-risk review.
• Johnson Park, Dulwich Hill (park)
  Access gate upgrade and accessibility review.

Next

• Exhibit the draft Code of Meeting Practice for 42 days
  Public exhibition period to follow the meeting
• Bring draft terms of reference for the new GreenWay Local Democracy Group to Council
  August 2026 Council meeting
• Provide the next quarterly report on the Major Residential Development Panel and DA audit update
  September 2026
• Report back on the proposed Marrickville art alley
  By November 2026
• Report on implementation of the Business Roundtable Action Plans
  Before the end of 2026
• Arrange further work on the Richard Murden Reserve netball courts naming and celebration
  By September 2026 end of winter competition
• Prepare reports or reviews on Young Street stormwater works, Trafalgar Lane parking, Smidmore Street safety and Johnson Park access
  Upcoming committee/Council meetings as specified in the motions

Extract

Council Meeting 16 June 2026 1 Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 16 June 2026 at Ashfield Service Centre Meeting commenced at 7:32pm Present: Darcy Byrne Chloe Smith Izabella Antoniou Liz Atkins Olivia Barlow Andrew Blake Jo Carlisle Vicki Clay Jessica D’Arienzo Kerrie Fergusson Mat Howard Victor Macri Vittoria Raciti Philippa Scott Ismet Tastan Peter Gainsford Simone Plummer Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Director Planning Ruth Callaghan Director Community Sharon Bowman Manod Wickramasinghe Peter Shields Matthew Pearce Elizabeth Baker...