You may {or may not} be aware that part of The Concourse project was to reinstate the Wurlitzer Organ that came from the old Acadia Theatre. The organ had been installed in the old Town Hall. In fact, this project had a budget in excess of half a million dollars.

We asked Clr. Saville to get us an update on progress (the organ should have been operational when The Concourse was opened). Clr. Saville has reported as follows:

“I have been advised as follows because of slowness of the contractors, the health of one contractor and access to the building. Council is working through a new project plan to complete the installation and will report back in the New Year”.

Moves are afoot at Willoughby Council to introduce significantly more paid parking meters in residential areas of the city. .

Along with parking meters comes increased fines.

A recent article in The Daily Telegraph listed Willoughby Council in 6th spot (out of the 42 Sydney Councils) for parking fine revenue.

The downside of this initiative is having parking meters in residential areas. The upside (unless you are one fined) is more revenue for Council to spend on public services

There will be a future article outlining the proposed changes to parking across Willoughby.

Councillor L Saville has indicated her intention to move the following Notice of Motion.

THAT Willoughby city Council holds a Renewable Energy Scoping meeting, and that it invites a consultant/specialist in renewable energy related to Local Government.

Amongst reasons given in support of this motion are that with advances in technology, there may be further opportunities to advance renewable energy initiatives locally. Leichhardt has set a target of becoming 100% renewable by 2025.

The General Manager’s position on the motion is: Council has already committed to a renewable energy target of 20% by 2020 as resolved at the meeting of 20 February 2012. That target was determined after careful consideration of the practicalities of implementing the target as well as the state of technology and market conditions for energy costs. A progress report was presented to Council on 17 June 2013 (both reports attached). In that latest report Council is making significant progress in the implementation of renewable energy.

Indeed, other Councils, including Leichhardt, have approached our staff to learn about our successes and experiences.
At this stage a Renewable Energy Scoping meeting is not necessary, however, the Sustainable Environment Branch will continue to report to Council on any advances into the future

.OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That Council not proceed with the proposal for a scoping meeting.

Some time ago, after extensive analysis, Council decided to proceed with the closure of Spring St due to the number of accidents (including pedestrian) at Victoria Avenue.

Staff have now refined the design to maintain the four disabled parking spaces. The amended proposal also retains the 3 existing loading zone spaces, 2 motorcycle parking bays and 2 No Parking zones. The number of 1/2P spaces is increased from 11 to 14 spaces which addresses concerns raised originally by shopkeepers in regard to a lack of short term parking.
Further consultation has not been undertaken with the shopkeepers. The design being recommended to Council in this report has not changed from the concept which received the support of the shopkeepers /. landowners and which was originally adopted by Council.

OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That:
1. The amended parking arrangements in Spring Street be approved as per details on the tabled plan.
2. That the pedestrian refuge in Spring Street be removed and replaced by a marked foot crossing

For many years Council has been trying to restrict brothels to Industrial Areas. However they are also allowed in Business Zones. After investigating the situation further, Council has decided to PROHIBIT any new brothels in Industrial Zones.

The Detailed Report can be read here.

We recently ran a short report outlining Council’s strong financial results.

A full copy of the report can be found here.

Council recently moved:

1. That the General Manager bring back in 3 months a draft report to Council for discussion, that will look in detail as to whether it’s in Willoughby City’s interest to amalgamate with neighbouring councils. The report will detail the potential benefits and the negatives of amalgamation for Willoughby City residents and ratepayers.
2. Council note and endorse the NSROC submission to the Independent Local Government Review Panel.

COMMENT BY THE GENERAL MANAGER Report to Council on 11 November 2013.

On 22 March 2010 Council Item 15.1: Notice of Motion – Facilitation of Tourism in Willoughby That the Officers be requested to prepare a report on:

• the conduct of research to ground possible future tourism in the fields of the natural environment, built environment, any recognised religious destinations, the possible development of local items of interest of indigenous history and white settlement, local retail and restaurant operations and The Concourse venues in relation to inbound tourism
• the marketing to Inbound Tour Operators for tour packages that might arise from the research outlined in the last dot point; packages to our region from European destinations, Canada, the Americas, S.E. Asia and particularly China.
• seeking guidance as to whether Chatswood can gain China Approved Destination Status as a locality.
• scoping out the potential for an event(s) to be developed as a centrepiece for tourism
• ascertain the potential for a regional approach to tourism in terms of marketing and synergy of effort.

Council staff are currently working within Destination NSW’s guidance to further develop Chatswood as a tourism destination. This will involve working with CBD stakeholders (The Concourse, Westfield, Chatswood Chase) to develop large events that attract inbound tourism. It will also look at international marketing opportunities particularly focused around business events. Staff will work through the Destination NSW toolkit in order to develop a strategic program of activities for 2014.

At a recent Council meeting queries were raised regarding vegetation removed at Chatswood High School for the installation of demountable classrooms for Chatswood Public School year 3 and 4 classes.

Council’s Bushland Manger informed committee that vegetation was assessed by an experienced arborist and the Blue Gum High Forest remnant was not impacted.