Randwick City Councillors met on Tuesday 25 February 2020 to consider a range of issues. Below is a summary of some of the outcomes.

Fines to be scrapped at all Randwick City libraries

Fines for overdue library items will be scrapped from 1 July 2020 under changes to Randwick City library’s borrowing system. An Amnesty on all fines and overdue items will begin on Sunday 1 March and last until Thursday 30 June, allowing library members to return overdue items and have any previously accrued fines waived.

Vision 2040 Plan endorsed

Randwick City Council’s 20-year vision for the future of Randwick’s City land use and growth and change was endorsed by Council. The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) and Housing Strategy, also known as the Vision 2040 plan, sets out the strategic land use planning priorities and actions to guide and manage growth across the City.

Addition of Tim Hawkins’ name to Bali memorial

The name of a Tasmanian man who was killed in the 2002 Bali Bombings in Kuta, Indonesia, will be added to the Bali Memorial at Dolphin Point in Coogee. Tim Hawkins was a 28-year-old lawyer who was born and raised in Lindisfarne, Tasmania and who lost his life in the terror bombings. His family travel to Coogee every year to participate in the annual Bali Commemoration Ceremony to remember their son and connect with other families who have been affected by the tragedy. Hawkins was the only Tasmanian victim of the bombings, there is no memorial in that state.

Section of Kensington Park to be named Brereton Place

Council will recognise the contribution of the Brereton Family to Randwick City by naming a section of the Kensington Park grounds adjacent to the community centre as ‘Brereton Place’. The Brereton family has served the Randwick City community as elected representatives for five decades, making significant contributions to community at the Local, State and Federal levels of Government.

Investigate automatic sunscreen dispensing machines

Vending machines that dispense sunscreen may appear at Randwick City beaches, encouraging visitors to slip, slop, slap. Council will investigate the feasibility of installing pay per use sunscreen dispensers, similar to those being trialled at Coffs Harbour City Council. The stations operate on a 'pay as you go system', dispensing 10ml to 50ml amounts via a touchscreen, with payment made via debit or credit card. Australia also has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, and skin cancer represents the largest cancer in Australia by diagnosis each year.

Leete Park may become a wildflower reserve

Bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects may soon find a new home in Leete Park. Council will assess the feasibility of converting Leete Park in Coogee into an Australian wildflower meadow. It is currently an informal grassed area with some seating and shade but no facilities.