MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF BURWOOD held in the Conference Room, Level 1, 2 Conder Street, Burwood on Tuesday 17 February 2026 commencing at 6:00 PM.
Attendance Councillor John Faker (Mayor)
Councillor Sukirti Bhatta
Councillor Pascale Esber
Councillor David Hull
Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott
Councillor Alex Yang (via teleconference)
Opening of Meeting by the Mayor
The Mayor opened the meeting with a prayer and Acknowledgement of Country.
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5/26 |
That Councillor Yang attend this meeting via audio visual link.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott Against: Nil (Moved Councillor David Hull/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
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6/26 |
That Council note the apology from Councillor Mannah and grant a leave of absence for this meeting.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interests by Councillors.
Declarations of Political Donations
There were no declarations of political interests by Councillors.
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7/26 |
That the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 9 December 2025, as circulated, be confirmed and signed as a true record of the proceedings of the meeting.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
Mayoral Minutes
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File No: 26/4975 |
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Summary
The festive season is a time when creativity, generosity and community spirit naturally spill into our streets. Council has consistently worked to support local businesses and enhance the appearance of Burwood’s centres and neighbourhoods through a range of place-based initiatives, including streetscape upgrades, events and activations and the Shopfront Improvement Program.
Building on this sustained focus on beautification and local vibrancy, there is an opportunity to introduce Light Up Burwood as an annual Christmas Lights Competition that celebrates community pride, creativity and festive spirit across the LGA.
The competition would invite residents and businesses across Burwood to light up their homes, balconies and shopfronts with festive displays, transforming everyday streets into shared seasonal experiences for the whole community.
Entries could be showcased across Council platforms and supported by a digital map or trail list, encouraging families and visitors to explore decorated streets throughout December.
A small prize could be awarded to the winner or winners in different categories, as a symbol of gratitude and recognition, based on engagement and votes from the community and on a review by Council staff.
At its heart, the initiative is a celebration of neighbourly pride and shared connection, bringing the community together through simple, creative acts that light up our streets and create a sense of belonging.
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8/26 |
That the General Manager investigate the establishment of Light Up Burwood as an annual Christmas Lights Competition, commencing in 2026.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil |
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File No: 26/6336 |
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Summary
Burwood is at a defining moment on the global stage.
Recently recognised as Australia’s coolest neighbourhood, and ranked 16th in the world, Burwood has attracted international attention through its authentic mix of culture, food, creativity and day-to-night vibrancy. This recognition affirms what local businesses and residents already know and presents a timely opportunity to consider how this momentum can be translated into stronger economic and community outcomes.
Council is already laying the foundations for continued growth and leadership in this space with a clear focus on the day-to-night economy, including the establishment of Burwood’s first Special Entertainment Precinct and the pursuit of Purple Flag accreditation. Together, these initiatives reinforce confidence in Burwood as a safe, inclusive and economically active precinct, while positioning the area to attract increased visitation and investment at both national and international levels.
The question now is no longer whether Burwood is a destination, but how we invite people to experience it.
Operating as a living layer over Burwood, an experiential destination platform could support local businesses by attracting more customers, encouraging longer stays and increasing repeat visitation, particularly beyond traditional peak periods. By better connecting food, culture, events and the night-time economy, the platform could strengthen the visitor economy while also enhancing everyday life for residents.
As Burwood continues to evolve, this is the moment to establish a confident destination narrative, one that reflects its growing global profile, supports industry and ensures Burwood’s cultural energy delivers lasting economic and community benefit.
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9/26 |
That the General Manager investigate opportunities to promote Burwood as a destination and consider the supporting activities or frameworks that could help maximise economic, business and community benefits.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil |
Reports to Council
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(Item 2/26) Council Submission: Strategic Planning Reforms, Industrial Lands Policy and Draft Sydney Plan
File No: 26/4108 |
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Summary
In December 2025, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) released A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper, the Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands, and the draft Sydney Plan together with a series of technical appendices, for community feedback.
The draft documents establish a new strategic framework to guide growth and development across New South Wales over the next 20 years. They form part of a broader shift toward a consolidated statewide strategic planning approach, with the draft Sydney Plan proposed to replace the existing metropolitan planning framework and district plans.
Once finalised and endorsed by the State, Council’s strategic planning framework particularly the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), the Burwood Local Environment Plan 2012 and its supporting strategies will be required to align with the Sydney Plan, including meeting State-mandated housing and employment targets.
The draft documents were placed on public exhibition on 10 December 2025 and remain open for comment until 27 February 2026.
A review of the relevant documentation has been completed, and the key issues are outlined in this report for inclusion in Council’s submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. It is recommended that the submission be finalised having regard to the matters identified in this report and forwarded to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure prior to 27 February 2026.
Operational Plan Objective
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 C.3.2 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
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10/26 |
Resolved
1. That the General Manager prepare and make a submission to the Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in response to the NSW Government’s A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper, the Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands, and the draft Sydney Plan, informed by the matters outlined in this report, by 27 February 2026.
2. That the Mayor write to the State Member Jason Yat-Sen Li requesting the government consider that part of the 15% of affordable housing be set aside for victims of domestic violence.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Pascale Esber/Seconded Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott) |
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File No: 25/27979 |
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Summary
At its meeting on 29 April 2025, Council considered Mayoral Minute MM5/25 regarding the pursuit of “City Status” for the Burwood Local Government Area (LGA).
The Mayoral Minute noted that, over the past 150 years, Burwood has evolved from modest town origins into a vibrant centre strategically located between the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs. The LGA is now a thriving regional hub with a strong economy, major transport interchanges and established educational facilities supporting a community where residents and visitors can live, work and play.
This identity is reinforced by strategic plans at both local and state levels, alongside a growing population projected to exceed 85,000 residents within the next decade.
Attaining “City Status” represents more than a name change; it acknowledges Burwood’s transformation, affirms its role as a Major Centre under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy, and provides a platform to promote the area and support ongoing economic growth.
In line with the April 2025 resolution, this report outlines two pathways to establishing “City Status”:
1. Proclamation by the Governor of New South Wales on the recommendation of the Minister for Local Government; or 2. Changing Council’s trading name to include “City”.
Accordingly, this report seeks Council’s endorsement to implement “City Status,” through a trading name change to “Burwood City Council” and continue the pursuit of a formal Proclamation by the Governor of New South Wales, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, once the Office of Local Government criteria have been satisfied including the completion of a statistically valid, LGA-wide survey sample.
Operational Plan Objective
C.1 A welcoming community that cares and looks after each other C.3 An urban environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity and place C.8 A prosperous city and strategically located business and employment hub within Sydney.
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11/26 |
Resolved
That Council:
1. Register the business / trading name ‘Burwood City Council’ with the Australian Business Registration Service and over time commence implementing the new business / trading name across all aspects of Council business.
2. Continue to pursue a formal name change Proclamation by the Governor of New South Wales, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, once the Office of Local Government criteria have been satisfied including the completion of a statistically valid, LGA-wide survey sample.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
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File No: 25/53913 |
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Summary
Established in 2022, the Burwood Sustainability and Environment Advisory Committee (SEAC) was created to support the delivery of environmental initiatives under the Sustainable Burwood Strategy, represent community views, and promote two-way communication on sustainability matters.
SEAC’s continuation was confirmed by Council in November 2024 and again at its meeting in September 2025, where Council resolved to initiate an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to refresh community membership and recommence regular meetings. This approach allows for either the reappointment of existing members or the welcoming new voices, helping the Committee regain momentum, broaden representation, strengthen Council’s environmental leadership, and reinforce its commitment to a resilient and sustainable future.
An Expression of Interest process has now been completed for memberships to the SEAC looking to appoint to appoint five (5) new SEAC members, including 4 community members and 1 university or senior high school student.
This report outlines the process undertaken and recommends several suitably qualified candidates for Council’s endorsement. As part of the process a total of 32 applications were received from community and student representations during the EOI process.
Operational Plan Objective
A.59. Implement the four priority areas identified in the Sustainable Burwood Strategy (1. reduce, reuse and recycle, 2. reduce carbon footprint, 3. green infrastructure, 4. community participation). C.7.3. Improve waste reduction, recycling and re-using practices in homes, workplaces, development sites, public places and Council assets. P.26. Implement initiatives which work towards a net zero emissions community by 2050. P.30. Provide the support, education and services people need to live sustainably. 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.
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12/26 |
Resolved
That Council:
1. Endorse the appointment of persons listed in Attachment 3 to the Sustainability and Environment Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the term commencing 1 March 2026 and concluding on 30 June 2028.
2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to undertake recruitment and appoint new or additional SEAC panel members should vacancies arise or specific skill gaps be identified during the SEAC rotation period between 1 March 2026 and 30 June 2028.
3. That the unsuccessful candidates be notified by email and thank them for application
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
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File No: 26/3690 |
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Summary
This report provides Council with a high-level progress update on the delivery of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program currently underway, and marks the fourth instalment in an ongoing series of quarterly reports.
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13/26 |
ResolvedThat Council notes the contents of this report, including updates on the progress of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Pascale Esber/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
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File No: 26/3953 |
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Summary
A report on the progress of Council’s Delivery Program is to be presented to Council on a half-yearly basis in accordance with legislative requirements of the State Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework.
Operational Plan Objective
C.11.1 – Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making. P.43 – Plan, monitor and report on the delivery of services and initiatives in accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework under the Local Government Act. 104 – Undertake corporate planning and reporting.
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14/26 |
Resolved
That Council endorse the Half-Yearly Report 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Pascale Esber/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
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(Item 7/26) DCP Amendment - Liveability Improvements to Apartment Developments - Adoption - Post Exhibition
File No: 25/70301 |
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Summary
On 28 October 2025, in response to a Mayoral Minute adopted in March 2025 to review local planning controls relating to liveability and amenity, Council resolved to publicly exhibit proposed amendments to Parts 3 and 4 of the Burwood Development Control Plan (DCP).
This initiative responds to the continuing shift toward high-density living in and around the Burwood Town Centre and other high-density areas across the LGA, where apartments are increasingly the predominant form of residential development. Council must plan proactively for this growth by ensuring residential amenity is supported through high-quality design across both public and private realms.
Accordingly, the exhibited amendments to the Burwood DCP look to introduce new development controls for apartment developments assessed under Parts 3 and 4. The amendments aim to deliver higher standards of liveability for current and future residents through improved communal spaces, including active roof areas and end-of-trip facilities; wider corridor widths to enhance internal circulation; measures to improve climate resilience and resource efficiency; electric vehicle (EV) readiness; and building design requirements that strengthen streetscape amenity. Collectively, these measures will contribute to a more sustainable, liveable and well-designed urban environment.
The draft amendments were publicly exhibited for 28 days in accordance with Council’s resolution, with two submissions received during the exhibition period. Council’s Design Review Panel (DRP) was also consulted. In response to the DRP’s recommendations and matters raised in submissions, several minor amendments are proposed to the exhibited DCP.
It is recommended that Council adopt and implement the amendments to the apartment development liveability provisions in Parts 3 and 4 of the DCP, as detailed in Attachment 2 of this report.
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15/26 |
Resolved
1. That Council, pursuant to Section 3.43 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and in accordance with clause 14 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021, adopt the Liveability provision amendments to Parts 3 and 4 of the Burwood Development Control Plan 2013 (BDCP) as detailed in Attachment 2 of this report.
2. That the General Manager be endorsed to make minor modifications to any numerical, typographical, interpretation and formatting errors, if required, prior to the finalisation of the amendment to the abovementioned sections of the Burwood DCP.
3. That Council give public notice of the decision to approve the amendments to Burwood DCP, on its website within 28 days in accordance with Clause 14(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
4. That Council publish the updates on the NSW Planning Portal in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
5. That the General Manager provide further report to Council that investigates opportunities to exclude music and creative spaces, exercise and gym facilities, breakout areas, end-of-trip facilities, and additional corridor widths beyond the minimum requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Apartment Design Guide (ADG), up to a maximum width of 1.8 metres from gross floor area (GFA) calculations through amendments to Clause 4.4(2A) of the Burwood Local Environmental Plan 2012.
6. That the General Manager provide a further report to Council investigating amendments to the Burwood Development Control Plan (DCP) to require visitor parking spaces and commercial parking associated with approved developments to remain openly accessible to users and customers, and not be enclosed or otherwise restricted.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
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File No: 26/4655 |
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Summary
The 2025-2026 Budget was adopted at the Council Meeting held on 24 June 2025 with a surplus of $29,002,000, with the operating result before capital grants and contributions forecast to be a surplus of $37,000.
The following Statement of Budget Income and Expenditure identifies a forecast surplus of $28,097,000 as at 31 December 2025, with the operating result before capital grants and contributions forecast to be a deficit of $2,592,000.
Operational Plan Objective
2.3.1 Identify and maintain additional revenue sources to ensure financial sustainability
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16/26 |
Resolved
1. That the Budget Review Statement of the 2025-26 Budget as at 31 December 2025, including the statement by the Responsible Accounting Officer, Finance Manager, be received and noted. 2. That in accordance with Clauses 203 and 211 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, the revised estimates of income and expenditure for 2025-26 surplus of $28,097,000, as shown in the report be approved and that Council’s budget be adjusted accordingly and that the expenditure and income variations projected in the report and the transfers to and from External and Internal restricted Reserves be approved.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil |
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File No: 26/4473 |
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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.
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17/26 |
Resolved1. That the investment report for 30 November 2025 and 31 December 2025 be received and endorsed. 2. That the Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer be received and noted.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu-Coshott, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
This concluded the business of the meeting and Council rose at 6:32 pm.
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 17 February 2026 will be submitted for confirmation by Council at its next meeting on 24 March 2026.