Chairperson’s Report – Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
The Chair of Mosman Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, Mrs Louise Scambler, presented her first report on the operation of the Committee since being elected to the position of Chair in November 2018.
Ms Scambler reported on key areas of focus for the Committee in 2019, these being Fraud and Corruption, Review of the Development Applications process, Internal Controls as assessed by the Audit Office of NSW and Internal Audit reviews.
Ms Scambler stated that, in her view, “Mosman Council is well run with a strong commitment to probity, good management and good governance. The ARIC and the associated internal audit function were established by the Council of its own volition and their existence demonstrate that commitment to probity. The involvement of Councillors as Committee members and Council executive as attendees and contributors provides a very sound framework for the Committee to effectively provide advice to the Council.”
Allan Border Oval Pavilion
A report was presented to Council detailing estimated costs for the Allan Border Oval Pavilion redevelopment project. It was resolved by Council that this matter be deferred pending a Councillor workshop.
Retail Land Uses – Military Road Conservation Area and Neighbourhood Centres
Council was provided with an update on proposed action regarding retail land use planning in business zones. It was subsequently resolved that a review of the objectives for B1 and B2 zones to strengthen the small scale nature of the neighbourhood centres and the local character and village atmosphere in Mosman Junction form part of the Mosman LEP 2012 review to be undertaken during 2020-2021. Council also resolved that a comprehensive urban design study and heritage review of the Mosman Junction business centre be considered during the next MOSPLAN review and budget preparation process. For the purposes of this work the study area for Mosman Junction is to be extended along Military Road to Spit Junction, stopping at the lights at the intersection of Spit Road.
Memory Park Fencing
The results of recent community consultation on fencing options for Memory Park were presented to Council. After considering feedback from the community and the relative merits of fencing options, it was resolved by Council that fencing be provided around the full perimeter of the new children’s playground only, with access to this play area through one gate and the new lengths of fencing to match that already existing on the playground’s southern and western boundaries.
Transport Planning
Council discussed various issues relating to the proposed Beaches Link Tunnel, as well as the Western Harbour Tunnel. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Harbour Tunnel is currently on public exhibition. Having regard to information presented to Council, it was resolved that Council prioritise a submission to the State Government on this EIS. The submission will raise Council’s concern that the closure of the Ernest Street ramp to traffic seeking access to the Harbour Bridge will have impacts for Mosman residents and would also be greatly exacerbated by a failure to proceed with the Beaches Link Tunnel. Further, the submission will raise concerns about air quality and the current absence of filtering technology. A letter will also be provided to the RMS indicating that a post Beaches Link Tunnel strategy will be presented to them by Council.
