Randwick City Councillors met on Tuesday 17 September 2019 to consider a range of issues. Below is a summary of some of the matters considered. Council will next meet on Tuesday 24 September 2019 at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Council to meet again to consider Vision 2040 Plan

Council resolved to defer exhibition of its Vision 2040 Plan to allow more time to consider the impact of housing growth on local schools and suburbs. However, following the meeting, a rescission motion was lodged by three Councillors which suspends the decision and requires it to come back to Council for reconsideration. The Vision 2040 Plan includes a Housing Strategy and Local Strategic Planning Statement which outlines how Council will manage the housing growth projected for Randwick City by 2036.

Council backs constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Randwick Council has again strongly supported a national referendum to formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and the key principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Statement calls for Indigenous constitutional recognition and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to facilitate agreement-making between government and first nations. Council will write to the Prime Minister, the Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Premier of NSW, the Opposition Leader NSW, local Federal and State MPs, the President of Local Government NSW and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to express this support.

Council calls for more support for light rail affected residents

Randwick City Council has again called on the NSW Government to support long-suffering residents affected by the construction of light rail by providing double glazing, air-conditioning and tree planting. Council is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Minister for Planning and Environment and local residents to discuss the ongoing concerns.

Council backs Filipino Cultural and Arts Festival

Council is supporting the Filipino Cultural and Arts Festival to be held on Sunday 20 October 2019 at Alison Park in Randwick. The event brings the traditional music, dance and food of the Philippines to Randwick and entertains up to 1000 people.

Council to donate plants for hospital memorial

Council will donate plants to the Prince of Wales Hospital for a memorial on hospital grounds to murdered hospital worker Gihan “Gigi” Kerollos. The memorial will honour the memory of Gigi, a victim of domestic violence, by installing a seat and engraved memorial stone. Council’s Nursery will supply an appropriate tree or plants for the area, preferably with pink flowers - Gigi’s favourite colour.

Council and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter celebrate 10 years

Randwick Council and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service are this month marking the 10^th anniversary of an ongoing partnership. Council is a sponsor of the charity rescue service which is based in the Randwick City area at La Perouse. It is estimated that in its 46-year history, more than 25,000 lives have been saved as a direct result of the helicopter service.

Plans progress for Coogee park upgrade

Landscape concept plans are being drawn up for Coogee’s Neptune Park incorporating more native shrubs and plants and an outdoor gym. Councillors resolved to proceed with the project following community consultation which found strong support for more native planting and support for an outdoor gym. Other ideas proposed included more seating, a playground, shade and BBQ facilities. The plans will be further consulted with the community in the coming months.

Native plant giveaway to increase small bird habitat

Residents will be able to claim two free native plants at Council’s regular mulch give-away days as part of a plan to increase habitat for small native birds. As well as picking up free mulch, residents will receive same-day vouchers to Council’s Community Nursery where they can get expert advice on choosing the best species for their home. Watch our website or Randwick eNews to find out the next free mulch and native plant giveaway.