There were a number of BIG issues discussed at Monday night’s Council Meeting which effect residents, business owners and organisations right across the Shire, including:
Overland Flood Study. I proposed an amendment that included recognition of the ‘significant input and feedback received from the community and various stakeholders during the consultation process, asked that Council considers existing stormwater asset management plans in conjunction with the current work being undertaken to revise and refine the draft Overland Flow Flood Study, and for increased community communication and consultation. This proposal was not supported by the Liberal nor Labor Councillors and did not go ahead.
Tree Canopy. Council staff recommended that we NOT proceed with the draft Sutherland Shire Development Control Plan which would mean that trees can be removed within 3m of infrastructure like swimming pools footings, fencing, driveways, and stormwater, and 91% of residents are AGAINST this proposal. I voted against vehemently against this proposed change and spending more ratepayers money on another report. We are already struggling with loss of canopy, anything that could add to that is something I won’t ever support.
Council will develop an Oyster Bay Dredging Management Plan and report the draft plan for consideration by February 2025, with an Oyster Bay Waterways Management Plan and report the draft Plan for consideration by August 2025 with community consultation. Council will also write to the NSW government about dredging in the Oyster Bay waterways. A huge thankyou to Oyster Bay resident Travis Read and his community committee for putting together a very detailed and competent plan for Council Staff to work with.
Despite being in caretaker mode, the Draft Planning Proposal – Foreshores was approved by Liberal Councillors, championed by Mayor Pesce and Cr Carol Provan. This will now go to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination. I spoke against this proposal because I would like to see wider community consultation and more consideration of the impact of additional foreshore development on traffic, parking and infrastructure, resident’s views and our environment.
As you know I’ve been passionate about improving safety of e-bikes for pedestrians and riders. Council will provide a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of E-Scooters, E-Bikes and Related Mobility Options
Following an incorrect public statement by Mayor Pesce in regards to my attendance, I had requested that Council officers provide to the next Council Meeting the attendance records for this Term of Council for all Councillors for Council Meetings, Council Committee Meetings and Monday night Briefings. After votes were tied, Councillor Pesce, used his casting vote to vote AGAINST the MOTION.
You can watch the Council Meeting and see the behaviour of your Councillors on display from the 3hr mark on the Sutherland Shire Council’s YouTube channel here.