MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF BURWOOD held in the Conference Room, Level 1, 2 Conder Street, Burwood on Tuesday 29 April 2025 commencing at 6:00 PM.
Attendance Councillor John Faker (Mayor)
Councillor George Mannah (Deputy Mayor) (via Audio Visual Link)
Councillor Sukirti Bhatta
Councillor Pascale Esber
Councillor David Hull
Councillor De Yi Wu
Councillor Alex Yang
Opening of Meeting by the Mayor
The Mayor opened the meeting with a prayer and Acknowledgement of Country.
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31/25 |
That: Cr Mannah be granted leave to attend via Audio Visual link
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Pascale Esber/Seconded Councillor Alex Yang) |
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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32/25 |
That the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 25 March 2025, as circulated, be confirmed and signed as a true record of the proceedings of the meeting.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Sukirti Bhatta/Seconded Councillor Alex Yang) |
Mayoral Minutes
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File No: 25/20090 |
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BackgroundSituated on the traditional lands of the Wangal people, the Burwood Local Government Area has experienced substantial transformation since its establishment over 150 years ago. From its origins as a modest township, it has grown into a vibrant and diverse centre, strategically positioned between the Sydney CBD and Parramatta.
Burwood harmoniously integrates a rich heritage with forward-thinking development and city activation initiatives. Its people, identity, and potential are what make it truly exceptional. Council continues to balance innovation with tradition, embracing global trends while safeguarding its cultural legacy.
Burwood is no longer a town centre fulfilling a purely local role — it is a regional powerhouse; and I believe it is time our identity reflects the reality of who we are and the direction in which we are heading by pursuing the status of City.
Attaining city status is not merely a change in name; it is about unlocking new opportunities, recognising our transformation, and setting a trajectory for even greater impact.
It is also a recognition of what Burwood already represents: designated as a Major Centre in the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy, Burwood is driven by a strong local economy and key transport interchanges that generate consistent foot traffic and urban activity. It is also an established hub for education.
Burwood’s youthful and ambitious population — with over one-third aged between 18 and 34 — reflects its vibrant and dynamic character. With 57% of residents born overseas and 63% speaking a language other than English, Burwood ranks among the top five most culturally diverse local government areas in Australia. This diversity is one of Burwood’s greatest strengths, contributing to its rich community fabric and global outlook.
The area is home to over 5,300 businesses spanning more than 20 industries, supporting a $2.83 billion economy and approximately 17,976 local jobs. Economic growth has been further bolstered by $1.4 billion in building approvals over the past five years, establishing Burwood as a rising hub for commercial investment and innovation. With a strategic location and growing infrastructure, Burwood is well-positioned to support sustained economic and social development.
Guided by the Burwood2036 Community Strategic Plan — underpinned by the values of inclusion, sustainability, accessibility, and leadership — Council is delivering outcomes aligned with a city-scale vision. The population is expected to double over the next decade, reaching approximately 85,000, driven by initiatives such as the Burwood North Masterplan, the Croydon alternative Transit-Oriented Development, the implementation of the Low and Mid Rise Housing Framework, and planning for the revitalisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor. The upcoming Burwood North Metro Station, combined with existing train lines and proximity to both Sydney and Western Sydney Airports, ensures outstanding connectivity — currently positioning Burwood just 15 minutes from both the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs.
Formal recognition as a city will raise Burwood’s profile and strengthen its voice across State and Federal spheres. It will promote business confidence, attract global investment, enhance access to infrastructure and economic grants, and provide more opportunities for youth and local employment. It will also instil pride in our residents and communities, cementing Burwood as a central, thriving and global urban destination.
Operational Plan Objective
Establishing the City of Burwood would further the vision of Burwood2036 by enabling the delivery of key community outcome priorities, including:
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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33/25 |
1. That Council endorses the commencement of a process to pursue city status for the Burwood Local Government Area. 2. That the General Manager prepare a report to Council outlining the available options for implementing a change of status to formally recognise Burwood as a city. For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Bhatta, Cr Yang Against: Cr Hull, Cr Wu
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File No: 25/20389 |
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Background
The Burwood Town Centre has evolved into a vibrant and active urban environment. Recognised as a Major Centre in the New South Wales Government’s Metropolitan Strategy, it is underpinned by a robust local economy and key transport interchanges that generate consistent foot traffic and urban activity.
As with any growing city, challenges inevitably arise, with traffic being a notable concern. While efforts are underway to promote greater use of public transport and encourage increased pedestrianisation within the Town Centre, it remains essential to ensure that vehicular traffic can continue to operate efficiently.
One of the “hotspots” is the area around Westfield Shopping Centre, bounded by Wilga Street, Burwood Road, Shaftesbury Road and Victoria Road. The area features multiple intersections, traffic signals, it accommodates a taxi rank, a bus layover, access to the Westfield carpark and active construction work zones.
Last week drivers experienced heavy congestion on Victoria Street, caused by larger than usual traffic volumes from Westfield Shopping Centre in the lead up to a long weekend, and further exacerbated by the delivery of a large crane to a construction site nearby, as well as inadequate signal phasing onto Shaftesbury Road.
Unfortunately, Council’s powers appear limited in relation to reactive traffic and signals management in case of emergency congestions such as the one last week, instead relying on Police or RMS intervention, which typically would take longer than a localised Council solution.
However I believe Council is best positioned to coordinate a strategic traffic management plan between local businesses and major shopping centres, Police, RMS and drivers.
As such, as our city continues to grow, I would like to see further research that addresses both the broader strategic approach for the Burwood Town Centre, but also the periods of heightened congestion around popular destinations and during public holidays.
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
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34/25 |
That the General Manager conduct additional traffic studies and jurisdiction/legal research and prepare a report for Council outlining the available options to improve traffic conditions within the Burwood Town Centre, and to identify measures to support the community during periods of heightened congestion.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil
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Reports to Council
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File No: 25/19221 |
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Summary
This proposal recommends that Council endorse a minor boundary extension of Burwood’s Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) to include Ford Lane. The proposed extension aligns with Council’s current activation work in the laneway and responds to in-principle support from the NSW Government. Formal Council endorsement is now required to meet the conditions of the SEP Kickstart Grant Program and enable the adjustment to proceed.
Operational Plan Objective
P.23 Protect and enhance quality open spaces and recreational facilities that are diverse, accessible and responsive to changing needs. C.9 Safe, clean and activated streets, centres and public places are enjoyed by people day and night P.34 Facilitate the growth and prosperity of local businesses and target the growth of business sectors and growth industries A.80 Implement activities or initiatives that enhance Burwood’s night time economy
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35/25 |
Resolved1. That Council endorse the proposed boundary amendment to extend the Burwood SEP to include Ford Lane, making the entire precinct bounded by Burwood Road, Ford Lane, Railway Parade, Belmore Street and Conder Street (as shown in the map below).
Map: Burwood Special Entertainment Precinct 2. That the General Manager investigate the establishment of a second Special Entertainment Precinct in the area surrounding the new Club Burwood RSL, inclusive of George Street, Shaftsbury Road, Burwood Road and Deane Street, considering the significant social, economic, and health benefits anticipated from the future development.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Sukirti Bhatta/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
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File No: 25/17407 |
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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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36/25 |
Resolved1. That the investment report for 31 March 2025 be received and endorsed. 2. That the Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer be received and noted.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
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File No: 25/19121 |
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Summary
The General Manager is required under the Local Government Act 1993 and supporting instruments to table written returns of interests for councillors and designated persons at a meeting of Council. First time returns for new councillors and officers holding designated persons roles are to be formally received and noted.
Operational Plan Objective
C.11.1 Conduct Council business with transparency, accountability, compliance and probity that ensures community confidence in decision making
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37/25 |
ResolvedThat Council notes: 1. the tabling of disclosure of interest returns in accordance with Part 4 of the Codes of Conduct and the Local Government Act 1993 for the Council officials listed in this report 2. that mandatory proactive release of the returns via publication on the Council website has been effected in accordance with Part 4 of the Burwood Council Codes of Conduct and the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Alex Yang/Seconded Councillor Pascale Esber) |
Reports of Committees
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File No: 25/17962 |
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Summary
Attached are the Minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee meeting of April 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.
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38/25 |
That the minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee of April 2025 be noted and the recommendations of the Committee as detailed below be adopted as a resolution of the Council.
(Item LTC11/25) Electric Vehicle Kerbside Charging - Changes to Parking Restrictions
Recommendation(s)
That Council approve the installation of ‘No Parking, EV excepted while charging’ parking restrictions with markings to comply with TfNSW requirements at each of the following locations: · 18 Morwick Street, Strathfield, for a length of 11.5 metres. · 22 Church Street, Burwood, for a length of 12 metres. · 1A Gloucester Avenue, Burwood, for a length of 12 metres. · 12 Boundary Street, Croydon, for a length of 12 metres.
(Item LTC12/25) Brighton Street, Croydon – Changes to Parking Restrictions
Recommendation(s)
1. That Council approve the introduction of ‘No Parking’ restrictions for a length of 5.5 metres directly adjacent The Brighton pedestrian entrance at 6A Brighton Street 2. That Council approve the extension of the unrestricted parking along the frontage of 6A Brighton Street 5.5 metres to the north.
(Item LTC13/25) Park Avenue, Burwood - Compound for Burwood Park Inclusive Playspace
Recommendation(s)
That Council approve the closure of six of the 90 degree angled parking spaces on the northern side of Park Avenue, Burwood for the duration of the Burwood Park Inclusive Playspace project.
For: Cr Faker, Cr Mannah, Cr Esber, Cr Hull, Cr Bhatta, Cr Wu, Cr Yang Against: Nil (Moved Councillor Pascale Esber/Seconded Councillor Sukirti Bhatta) |
This concluded the business of the meeting and Council rose at 6.31 pm.
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 29 April 2025 will be submitted for confirmation by Council at its next meeting on 20 May 2025.