Randwick Councillors met at Randwick Town Hall on Tuesday 25 June 2024 for their June Council Meeting. Councillors discussed a range of important matters including the budget for the year ahead, free venue hire for environmental programs, simplified applications for footway dining and improved access at Little Bay Beach.

Council papers, agendas and minutes can be accessed on Council’s website and live audio is available on Council’s Youtube channel.

Summary of key decisions:

2024-25 Budget and Operational Plan endorsed
More than 3km of footpath and 3.5km of road will be upgraded as part of Council’s 2024-25 Budget and Operational Plan formally endorsed by Council. The $203M budget will see $42M spent on direct capital improvements including seven playground upgrades, town centre improvements in Matraville and Maroubra Junction, a new bike park and creative spaces at Blenheim House. The plan was exhibited for public feedback in May receiving more than 3,100 site visits and 59 submissions. It comes into effect 1 July 2024.

Venue hire fees waived for environmental programs
Randwick Council is waiving venue hire fees for environmental programs. Community groups can now access 350 hours of free venue hire at the Randwick Sustainability Hub for programs that align with the Council's environmental strategies. The initiative, endorsed by Councillors, is funded by the Environmental Levy, and adds to the existing fee waiver programs already in place for creative and community activities. Interested groups can apply through the Council’s Community Investment Program.

Accolades for retiring planning director
The Mayor and Councillors commended retiring Director City Planning Mr Kerry Kyriacou. The June meeting marked Mr Kyriacou’s last Council meeting after a career spanning 34 years with Randwick. Starting in 1990, Mr Kyriacou has held positions in records and development assessment before being appointed manager in 2002 and director in 2018. He has significantly contributed to shaping the built urban environment of Randwick. Ms Meryl Bishop from Georges River Council has been appointed as the new Director City Planning.

Council to look into menstrual and menopausal leave
Randwick Council staff could be provided with paid menstrual and menopausal leave. Councillors resolved to support a Mayoral Minute to call for a report on the idea. Industry discussions have been ongoing for a number of years with surveys showing that many women say their work is impacted by these specific health experiences.

Council seeks lower heights for UNSW’s Kensington development
Building heights for a UNSW proposal for 881 student rooms on Anzac Parade could be reduced from 16 storeys to 6-7 storeys. UNSW plans to redevelop the car park next to NIDA for student housing, however Council is concerned about the height, density and need, with 3,000 student rooms already approved or under construction nearby. Council’s new height proposal of 6-7 storeys will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning for approval to proceed to public consultation.

Emergency access path planned for Little Bay Beach
Visitors to Little Bay Beach will benefit from a new $500,000 project endorsed by Councillors to create an emergency access path to the beach. The new driveway will allow ambulance and police direct access to the beach and rocks in emergencies. It will also provide access to support Lifeguard patrols, beach cleaning, and servicing beach toilets. Council will also investigate options for providing disability access to the beach including a mat on the sand. The project is scheduled for 2025-26.

New $1.2M Clovelly pocket park moves to construction
A new park and extra car parking will be built at Clovelly Road and Burnie Street. The plan includes new paving, plants, trees, a stairway, seats, and a retaining wall. Feedback from local businesses led to Council adding 20 new parking spots on Burnie Street to make up for the 10 spots removed for the park. Another pocket park on Clovelly Road (intersection of Carrington Road) opened in May 2024. Construction of the Burnie Street pocket park is set for 2024-25.

Simplified footway dining application process
Local cafes and restaurants will see a significant reduction in the time it takes to process footway dining applications. The average wait time, 101 days, is estimated to reduce to just 11 days – a 90% improvement – after a service review identified 29 ways to simplify and enhance the process making it easier and more affordable for businesses. Changes include removing the need for structural engineering reports, development applications (DAs) in residential zones, and upfront bonds. Council is supportive of outdoor dining as it can add to the liveliness of an area and local economy.

Council honours Lynne Spender
Randwick Council has extended its condolences to the family of Lynne Spender, who peacefully passed away at Prince of Wales Hospital on May 31. Council held a minute's silence in her memory. Lynne, a dedicated feminist and Coogee local, was renowned for her advocacy in women's education and literature. As a teacher and author of 30 books, she mentored influential Australian writers and pioneered women and the law courses. Despite battling pancreatic cancer, Lynne continued to inspire with her humour and love. She is survived by her family and leaves a lasting legacy as a mentor and advocate for women.

Media enquiries
Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au
Matthew Phillips – 0408 541 717 or matt.phillips@randwick.nsw.gov.au