Agenda

For an Ordinary Meeting of Burwood Council to be held in the Conference Room, Level 1, 2 Conder Street, Burwood on Tuesday 22 July 2025 immediately after the Public Forum commencing at 6.00pm.

1. Prayer

Lord, we humbly beseech thee to vouchsafe they blessing on this Council, direct and prosper its deliberations for the advancement of this area and the true welfare of its people. Amen.

2. Acknowledgement of Country

3. Statement of Ethical Obligations

4. Recording of Meeting

5. Apologies

6. Declarations of Interest

7. Declaration of Political Donations

8. Confirmation of Minutes

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday, 23 June 2025, copies of which were previously circulated to all councillors be hereby confirmed as a true and correct record.

9. Mayoral Minutes

(Item MM10/25) Introduction of Interactive QR Plaques at Memorials and Historical Sites 5

10. Reports to Council

(Item 37/25) Draft Codes of Conduct and Procedures for the Administration of the Codes of Conduct - Endorsement for Public Exhibition....................................... 6

(Item 38/25) Draft Gifts and Benefits Policy - Endorsement for Public Exhibition..... 132

(Item 39/25) Draft Code of Meeting Practice - Endorsement for Public Exhibition... 140

(Item 40/25) Draft Interaction Between Council Officials Policy - Endorsement for Public Exhibition............................................................................................... 175

(Item 41/25) Agency Information Guide - Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009....................................................................................................... 190

(Item 42/25) Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement........................ 208

(Item 43/25) Mayoral Civic Recognition, Condolences and Small Donations - Period Ending 30 June 2025............................................................................. 220

(Item 44/25) Burwood Design Review Panel Membership Review........................... 224

(Item 45/25) Investment Report as at 30 June 2025................................................. 239

11. Reports of Committees

(Item RC7/25) Burwood Local Traffic Committee - July 2025...................................... 246

12. Confidential Items

(Item MM11/25) General Manager's Performance Review 2024-25

That above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 10A(2) (a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, as the matter involves personnel matters concerning particular individuals.

(Item 46/25) Bus Shelters & Bollards with Advertising Capabilities

That above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 10A(2) (d) of the Local Government Act, 1993, as the matter involves commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

(Item 47/25) Property Portfolio Review

13. Conclusion of the Meeting

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

Reports to Council

(Item 37/25) Draft Codes of Conduct and Procedures for the Administration of the Codes of Conduct - Endorsement for Public Exhibition

File No: 25/30525

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

The Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (Model Code) and the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (Model Procedures) are prescribed under the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

Councils are required to formally adopt a Code of Conduct that incorporates the provisions of the Model Code within 12 months of an ordinary Council election. Councils should adopt Procedures incorporating the provisions of the Model Procedures as soon as practicable.

Operational Plan Objective

C.11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making

Background

The Model Code sets out the minimum standards of conduct for council officials. It is prescribed by regulation to assist council officials to:

• understand and comply with the standards of conduct that are expected of them,

• enable them to fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence, and

• act in a way that enhances public confidence in local government.

All councils must adopt a Code of Conduct that is consistent with the Model Code. Burwood Council last adopted the provisions of the Model Code and companion Model Procedures on 22 November 2022.

The current Burwood Code of Conduct is separated into three distinct Codes to help councillors, council staff, and a range of other people to understand the specific provisions that apply to them.

The Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government have flagged that major reforms will be made that aim to simplify the Model Code. At such time, Council will be obliged to publicly exhibit and adopt new Codes of Conduct based on those reformed provisions. Expected elements of the reforms include:

· establishing a local government privileges committee of experienced councillors with mayoral experience to assess complaints made against councillors for misbehaviour, consistent with practices in other tiers of government (where the conduct does not meet the threshold for police or referral to another investigative body or tribunal),

· removing private investigators from the councillor conduct process, while strengthening the investigative capability of the Office of Local Government to investigate and prosecute legitimate complaints (such as issuing penalty infringement notices where conflict of interest declarations have not been made),

· banning private councillor briefing sessions, except in very limited circumstances,

· strengthening lobbying guidelines for local government, and

· giving mayors more power to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder and remove their entitlement to receive a fee in the month of their indiscretion.

Proposal

Given the scale of the reforms foreshadowed by the Minister and the Office, it is proposed that no major changes be made at this time to Council’s existing Codes of Conduct and Procedures for Administration of the Codes of Conduct.

Changes made to the existing Codes include:

· updating wording in the introductions to clarify the groups the Codes apply to.

Changes made to the existing Procedure include:

· updating wording in the introduction to clarify that the procedure applies to Burwood’s Codes of Conduct, and

· updating references to repealed legislation to refer to the new legislation.

Consultation

Consultation with the community will be undertaken by placing the draft documents on the Participate Burwood engagement website for 28 days before bringing them back to Council for formal adoption.

Planning or Policy Implications

No Planning or Policy implications.

Financial Implications

No Financial implications.

Conclusion

Council is obliged to review and adopt a Code of Conduct and Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct within 12 months of an ordinary election of Council. No substantial updates are proposed to the existing Codes and Procedures ahead of legislative reforms expected later this year.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. endorses the public exhibition of the three targeted versions of the Codes of Conduct appearing as Attachments 1, 2 and 3 to this report and the Procedures for the Administration of the Codes of Conduct appearing as Attachment 4 to this report for a period of 28 days, and

2. directs the General Manager to report the outcomes of the public exhibition of the four instruments to the next ordinary meeting of Council following the conclusion of the public exhibition period.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft Code of Conduct for Councillors

2 ⇩ Draft Code of Conduct for Council Staff

3 ⇩ Draft Code of Conduct for Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council, Council Advisers, Volunteers, Contractors and Members of Wholly Advisory Committees

4 ⇩ Draft Procedures for the Administration of the Codes of Conduct

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 38/25) Draft Gifts and Benefits Policy - Endorsement for Public Exhibition

File No: 25/33678

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

The Gifts and Benefits Policy previously adopted by Council requires the policy to be reviewed within 12 months of a council election. The policy provides guidance to council officials on what to do if they are offered a gift or benefit to protect themselves from being compromised, or giving rise to the perception of being compromised, in the course of their duties.

Operational Plan Objective

C.11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making

Background

The Gifts and Benefits Policy is a subordinate policy under the Codes of Conduct. The current policy was adopted by Council on 22 November 2022 and is to be reviewed within 12 months of an election. The policy review has resulted in minimal change, reflecting the minimal change to the Codes of Conduct since the last review.

Proposal

The revised Gifts and Benefits Policy retains most provisions of the existing policy. The only change proposed is:

· Clause 4.1 has been re-worded to emphasise the purpose of the policy and reduce confusion. The existing provision directed council officials to decline all gifts or benefits, while the proposed provision reminds council officials of the principle of the policy.

No other changes are proposed due to the minimal change to the suite of Codes of Conduct. A more substantial update to the Codes of Conduct is expected later in 2025 once legislative changes are implemented. The Gifts and Benefits Policy may be reviewed at this time, if required.

Consultation

Although there is no legislative requirement for the policy to be publicly exhibited, it is recommended that a public exhibition period of 28 days occur. This aligns the exhibition period to the proposed Codes of Conduct, to which this policy is subordinate.

Planning or Policy Implications

No Planning or Policy implications.

Financial Implications

No Financial implications.

Conclusion

The Gifts and Benefits Policy aims to ensure Council and its officials avoid being compromised, or perceived as being compromised, in the course of their duties. The proposed draft policy continues the provisions of the existing policy.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. endorses the public exhibition of the proposed Gifts and Benefits Policy contained in Attachment 1 for a period of 28 days, and

2. directs the General Manager to report the outcomes of the public exhibition to the next ordinary meeting of Council following the conclusion of the public exhibition period.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft Gifts and Benefits Policy

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 39/25) Draft Code of Meeting Practice - Endorsement for Public Exhibition

File No: 25/31033

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

Section 360 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) requires Council, within 12 months of an ordinary election of councillors, to adopt a Code of Meeting Practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the Model Meeting Code prescribed by the regulations.

Operational Plan Objective

C11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making

Background

Council adopted its current Code of Meeting Practice in September 2022 following an update to the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (the Model Meeting Code) in November 2021.

There have been no updates to the Model Meeting Code since that time.

The Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government have notified councils of their intent to reform the Model Meeting Code. The reforms are expected to be based on the following:

• promoting transparency, integrity and public participation

• promoting the dignity of the council chamber

• depoliticising the role of the general manager

• simplifying the Model Meeting Code

• restricting councils from holding briefing sessions that are not open to the public.

Those changes were initially expected to be implemented earlier this year. However, councils have now been advised they have been delayed and will require changes to regulation. This means Council must re-adopt the current Model Code to meet the requirements of section 360 of the Act and then consider a revised Code of Meeting Practice once the revised Model Code comes into force.

Proposal

No changes to Council’s existing Code of Meeting Practice are proposed. The current Code of Meeting Practice adopts all the mandatory and non-mandatory provisions of the Model Meeting Code and does not contain any Burwood-specific provisions.

Upon the introduction of the reformed Model Meeting Code, a more detailed review and update will occur.

Consultation

Section 361 of the Act requires Council to give public notice of the draft Code and to publicly exhibit the Code for a period of at least 28 days. The notice must specify a period of not less than 42 days during which the public can make submissions about the Code.

Any public submissions would be considered before the final Code is reported back to Council for adoption.

If any changes made as a result of consideration of public submissions are not substantial, the revised Code may be adopted without further public exhibition.

Planning or Policy Implications

No Planning or Policy implications.

Financial Implications

No Financial implications.

Conclusion

Council is obliged by law to maintain a Code of Meeting Practice that includes the mandatory provisions of the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW. The proposed Code of Meeting Practice for Burwood Council remains unchanged. It remains consistent with the Model Code and incorporates non-mandatory provisions from the Model Code for enhancing meeting efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. endorses the draft Burwood Council Code of Meeting Practice, contained in Attachment 1 to this report,

2. places the draft on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and allows 42 days for receipt of public submissions, as required by legislation, and

3. directs the General Manager to report on the outcome of the public exhibition, and any submissions that are received, at the next ordinary meeting of Council following the last date for lodgement of submissions following exhibition.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft Code of Meeting Practice

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 40/25) Draft Interaction Between Council Officials Policy - Endorsement for Public Exhibition

File No: 25/31835

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

The current Interaction Between Council Officials Policy adopted by Council on 22 November 2022 requires the policy to be reviewed within 12 months of an ordinary council election. The proposed revised policy makes minor changes to the current policy.

Operational Plan Objective

C11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making

Background

Council adopted the current Interaction Between Council Officials Policy on 22 November 2022. The policy is a subordinate policy of the Codes of Conduct and aims to cultivate an environment that fosters positive and productive working relationships between councillors and other officials of Burwood Council.

The current policy stipulates that, as a minimum requirement, it be reviewed and brought back to Council within 12 months of a council general election.

The current policy was based on the best practice Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy published by the Office of Local Government (OLG) and reflected Burwood Council’s new organisation structure effected in March 2022.

Proposal

The Interaction Between Council Officials Policy has been reviewed and minor updates have been made to the list of authorised officer contacts for councillors contained in Schedule 1 to the policy.

The revised policy is at Attachment 1. The proposed policy otherwise maintains the structure and provisions of the current policy.

Consultation

Although there is no legislative requirement for the policy to be publicly exhibited, it is recommended that a public exhibition period of 28 days occur. This would allow the community to consider and comment on the proposed standards of interaction between their elected councillors and other council officials. It would also align with the consultation period for the Codes of Conduct to which this policy is subordinate.

Planning or Policy Implications

No Planning or Policy implications.

Financial Implications

No Financial implications.

Conclusion

The proposed Interaction Between Council Officials Policy meets and exceeds the requirements of the model OLG policy and reflects the current council structure. It provides a framework and direction to support positive, professional working relationships between council officials.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. endorse the public exhibition of the proposed Interaction Between Council Officials Policy contained in Attachment 1 to this report for a period of 28 days, and

2. directs the General Manager to report the outcomes of the public exhibition to the next ordinary meeting of Council following the conclusion of the public exhibition period.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft Interaction Between Council Officials Policy

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 41/25) Agency Information Guide - Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

File No: 25/26960

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

Under Sections 20 and 22 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPAA), Council is required to publish an Agency Information Guide at least once every 12 months. The purpose of the Guide is to provide the community with information concerning Council and how to access information held by Council. The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of the new Burwood Council Agency Information Guide.

Operational Plan Objective

A.105 Ensure all public information is accessible and made available in a timely manner.

Background

All NSW Government agencies, including local government authorities, are required to adhere to the provisions of the GIPAA and the regulations made under that Act. This legislation serves as the foundation for the democratic framework governing the right to information created and collected by government entities in NSW, with a focus on promoting transparency and accountability.

An important element of the right to know is providing citizens with a means to understand key details about the relevant government agency and how it operates. The Agency Information Guide (the Guide) is a cornerstone of this. Mandatory elements of the Guide are that it:

a) describes the structure and functions of the agency

b) describes the ways in which the functions (including the decision-making functions) of the agency affect members of the public

c) specifies any arrangements that exist to enable members of the public to participate in the formulation of the agency’s policy and the exercise of the agency’s functions

d) identifies the various kinds of government information held by the agency

e) identifies the kinds of government information held by the agency that the agency makes (or will make) publicly available

f) describes the methods used to make government information publicly accessible

g) identifies the type of information that will be made available free of charge and the type of information access for which a fee may be payable.

The Burwood Council Guide was last revised and adopted in June 2024.

Proposal

During the 2025 review of the Guide, Governance officers considered any recent changes to Burwood Council operations that should be reflected in the Guide, as well as the overall usefulness and accessibility of the Guide for readers and those seeking to access Council-held information.

The content of the revised draft is substantially the same, however, the arrangement and wording of information has been to updated to use ‘plain English’ and remove unnecessary ‘legalese’. Some references and hyperlinks to information have been updated to maintain accuracy.

Consultation

A copy of the revised guide has been provided to the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC), as required by section 22 of the GIPAA. The proposed changes to the Guide are not significant and are consistent with the positive feedback previously provided by the IPC.

Financial Implications

There are no new financial implications for the remaking of the Guide. Work to revise the Guide is part of the normal continuous improvement program on the ‘right to know’ program sponsored by the Governance & Risk business unit of Council.

Conclusion

Council is required to adopt and publish an Agency Information Guide that is to be remade at intervals of not more than 12 months.

Recommendation(s)

1. That Council adopts the revised Agency Information Guide – Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 for publication on its website.

2. That the General Manager be authorised to make any minor changes required by the Information and Privacy Commission, prior to publication of the Guide on the website.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft 2025 Agency Information Guide

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 42/25) Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement

File No: 24/11363

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

This report proposes the adoption of a Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement (RAS), following a recent review of Council’s Risk Management Framework.

Operational Plan Objective

A.113 Review and implement improvements to Council's Risk Management Framework

Background

Section 216S of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) requires each council to adopt and implement a system for managing risk. Following legislative changes that took effect in July 2024, Council’s must now give consideration to the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW released by the Office of Local Government (the OLG Guidelines) when developing that system.

The OLG Guidelines require each council have a risk management framework that is appropriate for that council and is consistent with the accepted Australian risk management standard. The Guidelines provide a model risk management policy for use by councils and recommends the governing body formally approve the risk appetite levels for the council.

Although Council has had a comprehensive risk management system in place for many years, that system was reviewed in 2024–2025, in light of the OLG Guidelines.

Proposal

The following actions are proposed:

§ That a new Risk Management Policy be endorsed for public exhibition prior to adoption, confirming Burwood Council’s commitment to implementing organisation-wide risk management principles, systems and processes that ensure the consistent, efficient and effective assessment of risk in planning, decision-making and operational processes. The proposed policy is provided at Attachment 1 and is based on the model policy statement in the OLG Guidelines.

§ After public exhibition, the final Risk Management Policy will be brought back to Council for adoption. At that time it will be proposed that Council revokes the Burwood Council Corporate Management Risk Policy, which was adopted in 2006 and is considerably out-of-date and that it be replaced by the more contemporary policy proposed in this report.

§ That Council approves the Risk Appetite Statement that outlines the broad parameters around the amount and type of risk that Burwood Council is willing to take to meet its strategic and operational objectives. The RAS will provide guidance for management and elected representatives on how to approach the management and treatment of risks that are inherent in undertaking Council activities when performing risk assessment or making decisions. The RAS is informed by Council’s strategic risks and advice from risk specialists, and is consistent with the approach to risk appetite taken by Council for many years. The proposed RAS is provided at Attachment 2.

There are additional components that contribute to the success of Council’s management of risk. While many of those components operate separately, they form part of a broad and integrated approach to managing risk. Some components are public-facing or more strategic in nature and are therefore adopted or amended by the governing body from time to time. Others are internal-facing and operational in nature and are therefore adopted and maintained by the Executive and responsible managers.

However, to aid in understanding the broad and integrated approach to risk management, those varying components are captured in an overarching Risk Management Framework. That document is provided at Attachment 3 for information. Each component within that Framework is managed and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it continues to best serve Council’s management of risk.

Consultation

The Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed policy and RAS. The ARIC has also reviewed and endorsed Council’s overarching approach to risk management as captured in the Risk Management Framework.

It is proposed the Risk Management Policy be publicly exhibited for 28 days to seek feedback from the community, as is the standard practice with most public-facing policies.

Planning or Policy Implications

The proposals are consistent with the Regulation and the OLG Guidelines and will ultimately replace outdated policies that are less relevant to modern risk management requirements.

Financial Implications

No Financial implications.

Conclusion

Council has in place a robust system for the management of risk that is generally consistent with the OLG Guidelines. The proposed policy and formal adoption of the RAS ensures ongoing policy consistency and provides a clear statement to the public on Council’s commitment to managing the risks that are inherent in delivering services to the community.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. endorses for public exhibition for a period of 28 days the draft Risk Management Policy at Attachment 1 to this report

2. requires the General Manager to report back to Council on the outcome of the public exhibition and table the draft policy for formal adoption by Council

3. approves the Risk Appetite Statement at Attachment 2 to this report

4. notes the broad integrated approach to risk management taken by Council, as outlined in the Risk Management Framework at Attachment 3 to this report.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Draft Risk Management Policy

2 ⇩ Draft Risk Appetite Statement

3 ⇩ Risk Management Framework

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 43/25) Mayoral Civic Recognition, Condolences and Small Donations - Period Ending 30 June 2025

File No: 25/27485

Report by Director People & Performance

Summary

The Civic Recognition, Condolences and Small Donations Policy was reviewed by Council and adopted on 28 June 2022. As part of the Policy requirements, a list of donations and gifts made is to be reported to Council. The attached table details all the Discretionary Grants and Gifts for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Operational Plan Objective

C.10 A well informed community active in civic life, local planning and decision making.

C.11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making.

Background

The Mayor is allocated an annual budget of $15,000 to extend civic leadership by supporting, through the allocation of small donations on behalf of Council, organisations or individuals for one or more of the following purposes:

1. Personal development and achievements of individual community members representing NSW or higher in their chosen fields, including sporting, academic, cultural and artistic endeavours who require financial assistance to attend events or activities or compete in their chosen field

2. Relief and other emergency organisations

3. Charitable organisations (registered) that provide benefits to the Burwood Local Government Area

4. Locally based groups and organisations located in the Burwood Local Government Area that have not applied under the Community Grants Program and are established as not-for-profit, community based groups, which includes P and C associations

5. Mayor’s discretion for requests of a humanitarian nature.

6. When invited to an event that occurs for charity purposes, to make a donation, whether it be a gift hamper or monetary donation

Financial assistance for all categories is capped at $1,000.

A budget allocation of $2,500 is available per financial year for gifts for condolences, milestones and civic recognition, with all gifts capped at $150, unless approved at an open meeting of Council.

Financial Implications

Within the approved budget allocation

Recommendation(s)

That Council receive and note this report.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Mayoral Discretionary Grants - Small Donations and Gifts - 2024 - 2025

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 44/25) Burwood Design Review Panel Membership Review

File No: 25/29051

Report by Director City Strategy

Summary

The Burwood Design Review Panel (BDRP) has now been in operation for three years, with the current panel membership due for renewal and existing member contracts scheduled to expire in August 2025. This report seeks Council’s endorsement to continue the operations of the BDRP and to invite fresh Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to establish a new rotation of panel members, through either the reappointment of existing members or the appointment of new members. To allow sufficient time to undertake the EOI process and ensure continuity of panel operations, it is proposed that the current member contracts be extended by six months.

Operational Plan Objective

A.32 Ensure that design excellence is assessed as part of the development application process

C.3 An urban environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity and place.

C.3.1 Facilitate well designed, high quality and sustainable land use and development that is appropriately scaled to complement its surroundings.

C3.2 Protect our unique built heritage and maintain or enhance local character.

C.4 Sustainable, integrated transport, infrastructure and networks support population growth and improve liveability and productivity.

C.4.2 Plan for a city that is safe, accessible and easy to get to and move around in.

A.98 Undertake comprehensive community engagement programs to seek community input on Council projects, operations, initiatives and major decisions.

Background

Burwood Council is committed to embedding design excellence in all built environment projects to create well-designed, functional, attractive, active, sustainable and inclusive places.

Established by Council resolution in April 2022, the Burwood Design Review Panel (BDRP) operates under Council’s adopted Terms of Reference (Attachment 1). The BDRP provides architectural, urban and landscape design advice on pre-DAs, planning proposals and development applications. It operates on a fee-for-service basis for large or visually prominent projects. Early engagement is encouraged to minimise redesign, costs and delays.

While advisory and without statutory authority, the panel’s input is integral to the planning process. It supports Council’s Strategic Planning and Assessment teams and the Regional and Local Planning Panels to promote design excellence and improve the quality of buildings and public spaces.

Since its establishment, the BDRP has strengthened the focus on high-quality design across Burwood, especially as future development will involve complex, medium- to high-rise projects near the Town Centre. Consistent design quality will enhance residential amenity and the sense of place in renewal areas. The BDRP remains essential to supporting growth and maintaining the Town Centre’s strategic role.

The panel comprises industry professionals with expertise in architecture, urban and landscape design. The full membership is as follows:

Name	Area of Expertise	Position
Paul Walter	Architect & Urban Designer	Chair
Karla Castellanos	Urban Designer & Architect	Alternate Chair
Vishal Lakhia	Architect	Alternate Chair
Stephen Pearse	Architect	Panel Member
Jill Woodley	Architect	Panel Member
Jon Johannsen	Architect & Urban Designer	Panel Member
Josh Zoeller	Architect & Urban Designer	Panel Member
Matthew Taylor	Landscape Architect	Panel Member
Greg Dyson	Landscape Architect & Urban Designer	Panel Member

Proposal

This report seeks Council’s endorsement to:

· Endorse the continuation of the Burwood Design Review Panel until December 2028.

· Update the Panel’s Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) to reflect current operations, legislative changes, referral triggers and key urban design considerations.

· Extend the contracts of current Panel members by six months beyond their scheduled conclusion in August 2025.

· Approve commencement of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for new Panel memberships.

Panel Selection Process

An EOI process will be undertaken to create a pool of candidates for shortlisting. The EOI will be publicly advertised and promoted through networks including the Planning Institute Australia, Australian Institute of Architects and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

At least five BDRP members will be identified, each with contemporary experience in major metropolitan developments and prior involvement in design review processes. Extensive experience and qualifications will be required in one or more of the following fields: Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning.

A selection panel of at least three Burwood Council officers, overseen by the Director City Strategy, will assess candidates. A further report will be presented to Council to confirm the BDRP appointments.

Consultation

Following Council resolution, the current BDRP members will be formally advised of the proposal to extend their current contracts by six months, and their ability to formally apply through the EOI process seeking a new rotation of panel members.

Planning or Policy Implications

The BDRP operates under Council’s adopted Terms of Reference (Attachment 1). The functions of the BDRP, as outlined in the Terms of Reference, focus on achieving high design standards for new development, consistent with the Burwood LEP, DCP and relevant NSW Government planning policies. It is proposed to update these Terms (Attachment 2) to reflect current operations, legislative changes, referral triggers and key urban design considerations. The core elements of the Terms of Reference will remain unchanged.

A key change to the Terms of Reference relates to the triggers for proposals requiring panel review. The proposed updates reflect current operations, legislation, and the aim of achieving the best design outcomes for the city. The updated referral triggers include:

• New developments within the Local Government Area that are greater than three storeys (i.e. four or more), including residential accommodation, tourist and visitor accommodation, and commercial or industrial developments.

• Any development subject to Clause 6.5 Design Excellence of the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

• New developments containing ten or more units of residential accommodation, bedrooms, or of comparable scale.

• Any development or planning proposal deemed by the Director City Strategy, Manager City Planning, or Manager City Development to have the potential to significantly impact the amenity of the locality or region.

• At the request of the Director City Strategy or Manager City Planning, carrying out a review of Local Environmental Plan or Development Control Plan controls as they relate to the achievement of design quality or design excellence.

• At the request of the Director City Strategy or Manager City Planning, carrying out a review of any masterplan or planning proposal as it relates to the achievement of design quality or design excellence.

• At the request of the Director City Strategy or Manager City Planning, providing advice and commentary to promote and improve design quality outcomes across the Burwood Local Government Area.

Financial Implications

Panel Member Remuneration

Consistent with previous appointments and the nature of work undertaken, it is recommended that remuneration be consistent with the Ministerial Direction for Panel Members for Local Planning Panels. Proposed remuneration:

· The Chair will receive a day rate of $2,000 plus GST.

· Ordinary BDRP members will receive a day rate of $1,500 plus GST.

· The appearance fee will cover all work related to a BDRP meeting, including preparation, site visits, the meeting itself, and any review of minutes once the meeting is closed.

· Any additional meeting activities will be remunerated at an hourly rate of $285 for the Chair and $214 for ordinary members. This applies to specific additional tasks requested by the Director City Strategy, such as appearance at the Sydney Central City Planning Panel.

Operations

The BDRP operates on an as-required, fee-for-service basis. Under the current Burwood Fees and Charges Schedule, applicants submitting proposals for BDRP consideration pay a $4,000 fee, with a 50% discount applied to any application requiring reconsideration. This fee is in addition to planning proposal or development application fees.

Given the fees applicable in contrast to the panel member remuneration and operations of the BDRP, there are no financial implications or additional community costs associated with the continued operation of the panel. Operational income and expenses are already included in Council’s operational budget.

Conclusion

The Burwood LGA as a strategic centre and is continuing to grow. To ensure the built environment outcomes meet the highest standards of building and design quality, liveability, and sustainability, it is recommended Council continue to be supported by a BDRP that is experienced, engaged, and equipped to meet the growing and complex demands of future development.

The call for a new rotation of BDRP members presents an opportunity for Council to cast a wider net and attract a diverse calibre of design professionals who can bring innovative and exceptional design thinking to take Burwood into the future. Delivering higher benchmarks for design excellence would also attract higher quality development specialists to the LGA.

Recommendation(s)

That Council:

1. Endorse the continuation of the Burwood Design Review Panel until December 2028.

2. Approve an update the Burwood Design Review Panel Terms of Reference as detailed in Attachment 2.

3. Authorise the General Manager to extend the contracts of current members of the Burwood Design Review Panel by six months from their scheduled termination in August 2025, to facilitate the review of EOI submissions and recommendations for a new rotation of panel members.

4. Authorise the General Manager to undertake an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for new memberships to the Burwood Design Review Panel.

5. Require the General Manager to provide a report to Council before December 2025 detailing the outcomes of the EOI process and recommending appointments to the new rotation of Burwood Design Review Panel members.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Current Adopted BDRP Terms of Reference - July 2022

2 ⇩ Draft Updates to BDRP Terms of Reference - July 2025

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

(Item 45/25) Investment Report as at 30 June 2025

File No: 25/33476

Report by Director Corporate Services

Summary

In accordance with Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, this report details all money that Council has invested under Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Operational Plan Objective

A.103 Implement and monitor appropriate investment strategies and prepare monthly investment reports.

Background

As provided for in Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, a report listing Council’s investments must be presented to Council.

Council’s investments are made up of a number of direct investments, some of which are managed or advised by external agencies.

Investment Portfolio

Council has a diversified investment portfolio and has a number of direct investments in term deposits. Its investment portfolio as at 30 June 2025 is:

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As at 30 June 2025 Council held the following term deposits:

As at 30 June 2025 Council held the following covered fixed bonds:

As at 30 June 2025 Council held the following Floating Rate Notes:

The following graph highlights Council’s investment balances for the past 12 months:

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Council’s investment portfolio is recognised at market value and some of its investments are based on the midpoint valuations of the underlying assets and are subject to market conditions that occur over the month.

Council’s investment balances as at reporting date are detailed in Attachment 1. Definitions on the types of investments are detailed in Attachment 2.

Investment Performance and Market Commentary

At the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting on the 8 July 2025, the Board decided to leave the official cash rate at 3.85 per cent. According to the Statement by the Reserve Bank board "…Inflation has fallen substantially since the peak in 2022, as higher interest rates have been working to bring aggregate demand and supply closer towards balance. In the March quarter, headline inflation, which has partly been affected by temporary cost of living relief, was at the midpoint of the target range while trimmed mean inflation was at 2.9 per cent. The baseline forecast in May was for underlying inflation to continue to moderate to around the midpoint of the 2–3 per cent range with the cash rate assumed to follow a gradual easing path. While recent monthly CPI Indicator data suggest that June quarter inflation is likely to be broadly in line with the forecast, they were, at the margin, slightly stronger than expected. With the cash rate 50 basis points lower than five months ago and wider economic conditions evolving broadly as expected, the Board judged that it could wait for a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5 per cent on a sustainable basis.

Uncertainty in the world economy remains elevated. While the final scope of US tariffs and policy responses in other countries remains unknown, financial market prices have rebounded with an expectation that the most extreme outcomes are likely to be avoided. Trade policy developments are nevertheless still expected to have an adverse effect on global economic activity, and there remains a risk that households and firms delay expenditure pending greater clarity on the outlook.

Setting aside overseas developments, private domestic demand appears to have been recovering gradually, real household incomes have picked up and there has been an easing in some measures of financial stress. However, businesses in some sectors continue to report that weakness in demand makes it difficult to pass on cost increases to final prices.

At the same time, various indicators suggest that labour market conditions remain tight. Measures of labour underutilisation are at relatively low rates and business surveys and liaison suggest that availability of labour is still a constraint for a range of employers. Looking through quarterly volatility, wages growth has softened from its peak but productivity growth has not picked up and growth in unit labour costs remains high.

There are uncertainties about the outlook for domestic economic activity and inflation stemming from both domestic and international developments. The March quarter national accounts confirmed that domestic demand has been picking up over the past six months. The forecasts in May were for growth in household consumption to continue to increase as real incomes rise. There is a risk that the pick-up is a little slower than earlier expected, which could result in continued subdued growth in aggregate demand and a sharper deterioration in the labour market than currently expected. Alternatively, labour market outcomes may prove stronger than expected, given the signal from a range of leading indicators.

There are also uncertainties regarding the lags in the effect of recent monetary policy easing and how firms’ pricing decisions and wages will respond to the balance between demand and supply for goods and services, tight conditions in the labour market and continued weak productivity outcomes.

The Board continues to judge that the risks to inflation have become more balanced and the labour market remains strong. Nevertheless it remains cautious about the outlook, particularly given the heightened level of uncertainty about both aggregate demand and supply. The Board judged that it could wait for a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5 per cent on a sustainable basis. It noted that monetary policy is well placed to respond decisively to international developments if they were to have material implications for activity and inflation in Australia.

The Board will be attentive to the data and the evolving assessment of risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board is focused on its mandate to deliver price stability and full employment and will do what it considers necessary to achieve that outcome.”

The following graph provides information on the current RBA monetary policy:

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Recommendation(s)

1. That the investment report for 30 June 2025 be received and endorsed.

2. That the Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer be received and noted.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Investment Register June 2025

2 ⇩ Investment Types

Council Meeting 22 July 2025

Reports of Committees

(Item RC7/25) Burwood Local Traffic Committee - July 2025

File No: 25/34272

Report by Director City Assets

Summary

Attached are the Minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee meeting of July 2025. The Minutes are hereby submitted to the Ordinary Council Meeting for consideration and adoption by Council.

Operational Plan Objective

C.4.1 Plan and manage transport infrastructure to meet current and future community needs

A.40 Investigate traffic hot spots and implement solutions such as pedestrian refuges, roundabouts or traffic calming devices.

Recommendations

That the minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee of July 2025 be noted and the recommendations of the Committee as detailed below be adopted as a resolution of the Council.

(Item LTC27/25) Elm Street, Burwood Heights - Changes to Parking Restrictions

Recommendation

That Council approve the additional ‘No Parking 4.00am-7.30am Monday’ restrictions along the existing ‘1/4P’ restricted area in front 7 Elm Street.

(Item LTC28/25) Lees Avenue, Croydon Park - Request for Work Zone

Recommendation

That council approve the installation of a “Work Zone –7:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday & 7:00am to 1:00pm Saturday” on Lees Avenue direct frontage of 64 Linthorn Avenue, Croydon Park, for a length of 20m and a period of 43 weeks.

(Item LTC29/25) Dickinson Avenue, Croydon - Request for Mobility Parking Space

Recommendation

That Council approve the installation of a 6.7m long mobility parking space on-street along the frontage of 28 Dickinson Avenue per the plan in the report.

(Item LTC30/25) Park Avenue, Burwood - Introduction of Mobility Parking

Recommendation

That Council approve the installation of two mobility parking spaces on the northern side of Park Avenue Burwood in the two most western 90 degree angled parking spaces.

(Item LTC31/25) Rolling Road Closure - Walk to End Domestic Violence

Recommendations

1. That Council approve the rolling road closure for the Walk to End Domestic Violence along Park Avenue to Burwood Park, starting at the intersection of Park Avenue and Park Road and continuing to the intersection of Park Avenue and Burwood Road, on Sunday 24 August 2025, from 9:00am to 9:30am.

2. That Burwood Police are to provide traffic control for the event in accordance with requirements from Transport for NSW.

3. That the rolling road closure be noted as a Class 3 Event.

Attachments

1 ⇩ Burwood Local Traffic Committee Agenda - 03.07.2025

2 ⇩ Burwood Local Traffic Committee Agenda Late Item - 03.07.2025

3 ⇩ Burwood Local Traffic Committee Minutes - 03.07.2025

	Cr John Faker Mayor 9911 9916 mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au			Cr George Mannah Deputy Mayor 0428 363 826 george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au
	Cr Sukirti Bhatta 0499 811 652 sukirti.bhatta@burwood.nsw.gov.au			Cr Pascale Esber 0428 459 667 pascale.esber@burwood.nsw.gov.au
	Cr David Hull 0428 369 269 david.hull@burwood.nsw.gov.au			Cr Alex Yang 0482 933 247 alex.yang@burwood.nsw.gov.au
	Cr Deyi Wu-Coshott 0484 123 988 deyi.wu-coshott@burwood.nsw.gov.au