Randwick Council Meeting wrap-up for November 2023

Randwick Councillors met at Randwick Town Hall on Tuesday 28 November 2023 for their monthly Council Meeting.

Councillors discussed a range of important matters including new markets in Maroubra, more off-leash dog parks, new homes for Randwick WIRES and Randwick SES, and Council's concerns about a proposed hotel at Royal Randwick Racecourse.

Markets are coming to Maroubra in 2024

Markets providing fresh produce, artisan and general goods will be held monthly on Sundays at Heffron Park and Maroubra Beach in 2024. Council recently consulted with the community about their preferred locations and found strong support for both locations. The markets are planned to run at Maroubra Beach from March 2024 to August 2024 and Heffron Park from September 2024 to March 2025.

New off-leash dog parks for South Coogee and Kingsford

The number of off-leash dog parks in Randwick City will increase to 16 after Councillors resolved to add two new parks. Community consultation found general support for the proposals to permit dogs off-leash at Emily McCarthy Park in South Coogee and Kensington Rotary Reserve in Kingsford. The changes will come into effect following the installation of signage.

Council raises questions about racecourse hotel proposal

Building bulk, signage impacts, vehicle access and lighting impacts on the Grey-headed flying fox are among the concerns raised by Randwick Council about a proposal to build a hotel at Royal Randwick Racecourse. The proposal by the Australian Turf Club seeks consent for a 7-storey 190 room hotel including a registered club and function space. Council's submission will be lodged with the Minister for Planning who is the consent authority for the proposal.

Float to survive

Randwick and Waverley Councils are teaming up again this summer to promote a new water safety message. 'Float to survive' encourages people to relax, float and signal for help if they get into trouble in the water. Research conducted by the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group found strong recall, understanding and support for the campaign potentially becoming a national water safety message alongside the established 'Swim Between the Flags' message. Given coastal drownings most often occur at unpatrolled beaches and that 95% of Australian beaches are not patrolled, 'float to survive' could become a critical safety message.

Bushcare turns 30

Councillors officially congratulated local Bushcare volunteers who this year are marking 30 years of service. Since 1993 more than 500 volunteers have been involved in Randwick Bushcare providing more than 30,000 hours of voluntary service. Currently there are 15 sites across Randwick City that are being restored and revegetated. Want to join? We're recruiting volunteers now!

Vale Helena Carr

Councillors held a minute's silence to honour the life of Helena Carr who passed away suddenly on 26 October 2023. Helena was an accomplished businesswoman, a much loved and compassionate person and respected by all who knew her. Helena and her husband Bob, a former NSW premier and local member, are long-term residents of Maroubra. Council passes on its deepest condolences to Bob and Helena's family and friends.

New location identified for Randwick SES headquarters

Randwick SES could be moving to a new facility to be built along Botany Road in Matraville. Randwick Council has been working closely with the volunteer emergency services organisation to find new premises to best meet their organisational needs for the future. Randwick SES is currently co-located within the Randwick Council Works Depot at Storey St, Maroubra. Council will now prepare a planning proposal to progress the proposal.

Randwick WIRES upgrade one step closer

A new home for Randwick WIRES at Randwick Community Centre is one step closer after Councillors resolved to increase its funding contribution to cover the $1.2M new facility. WIRES has been operating for 15 years out of makeshift facilities with volunteers caring for injured native wildlife. The new facilities would be designed to blend into the adjacent Environmental Park. A DA will now be prepared for public consultation.

Maroubra Beach masterplan progresses

A plan for the future of Maroubra Beach will be put out to community consultation in the coming months. The plan, as endorsed by Council for feedback, proposes a range of upgrades including demolishing and rebuilding the Paddy Bastic Pavilion, creating a Youth recreation zone, additional outdoor showers, a whale watching platform on Mistral Point and additional tree plantings.

Residents asked for feedback on Coogee amenities

Two options to improve the amenities and café building on Arden St in Coogee will be put to the community for feedback. One option proposes a $4M refurbishment keeping much of the external structure but doubling the amount of female toilets. The second option proposes a $6.75M knock-down rebuild with a new building connecting the different functions, also doubling the female toilets and providing more storage for Lifeguards and Coogee Surf Club.

Burrows Park upgrade

Detailed site investigations will commence into extending the playing field and upgrading an amenities building at Burrows Park in Clovelly. Councillors considered feedback from the community and sports club which found support for the building upgrade but mixed views on the playing field. A masterplan and concept design will be developed providing more details on the options and implications for upgrading the field. It will be reported back to Council.

No change to parking arrangements on Broadarrow Reserve

Occasional parking will continue to be permitted on Broadarrow Reserve at Maroubra Beach to support major events occurring nearby. Council recently conducted a consultation with the local community to canvas views on permitting additional parking on hot days between November and March. The consultation found 34% support for intensifying parking while 24% supported the current arrangement and 31% wanted no parking.

Grants for community groups

Eighteen community groups will be given cash and inkind support totalling almost $90,000 as part of Council's latest round of funding for its Community Investment Program. The activities receiving grant funding include a dine and dance event for International Disability Week, a seniors carnivale, an RSPCA healthy pet day, a Greek exhibition, sewing skills workshops and a First Nations artwork project at Matraville Sports High.

Last Updated: 29 November 2023

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