Randwick Council Meeting wrap-up for April 2024

Randwick Councillors met at Randwick Town Hall on Tuesday 30 April 2024 for their April Council Meeting.

Councillors discussed a range of important matters including the draft Budget and Operational Plan for 2024/25, choosing a site for a new BMX track, opposing overdevelopment of the NIDA car park and helping apartment owners access renewable electricity.

Minute's silence for victims of Bondi Junction attack
Councillors held a minute's silence for the six people who died in the recent Bondi Junction attack and commended the actions of police, ambulance, doctors, nurses and civilians who responded in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Two of the victims were Randwick City residents.

2024-25 Budget endorsed for exhibition
Councillors endorsed the draft 2024-25 Budget and Operational Plan to proceed to public consultation. The draft Budget includes $42M in capital expenditure on new and improved community facilities including seven playground upgrades, transforming Blenheim House into a creative arts space, upgrading Matraville and Maroubra Junction town centres and building a BMX pump track. Council's finances are in a sound position with rates proposed to rise by the rate cap of 4.9% and waste charges up $26.55. Community comment is invited on the Budget and Operational Plan commencing 2 May 2024.

Calling for action to end domestic, family and gender based violence
Randwick Council will write to the Premier and Prime Minister to call for extra funding for frontline domestic violence services. Councillors supported a Mayoral Minute addressing this national emergency and welcomed opportunities to work with all levels of government on ways to provide further support to the community.

Renewables trial for apartments
Residents and businesses currently locked out of accessing rooftop solar could soon have access to renewable electricity under a trial program between Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils. Owners of houses and semis have long enjoyed the ability to install subsidised solar panels to reduce their reliance on grid-generated electricity, however apartment owners and renters currently don't have the same ability. Councillors agreed to commence an Expression of Interest process with the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) to market test the scheme.

Site chosen for BMX pump track
Randwick City's first BMX pump track will be built in Cromwell Park North in Malabar. Councillors chose the site after considering three options. Draft concept plans indicate it could include an asphalt pump track, large skills area featuring stone and timber obstacles, a dirt jump zone with takeoff ramps and a range of trails. Read full story.

Council opposes UNSW redevelopment plans for Kensington
Randwick Council will continue to oppose plans by UNSW to turn a car park next to NIDA on Anzac Parade into 1066 student rooms in towers up to 74 metres high. Councillors resolved to prepare its own Planning Proposal that would see heights limited to 24 metres, including setback controls and vehicle access requirements.

Council backs retention of Moore Park Golf Course
Councillors resolved to oppose a NSW Government proposal to turn part of Moore Park Golf Course into a public park. Council will lodge a submission with the Greater Sydney Parklands supporting the retention of the full 18-hole golf course.

Call to save Kensington Post Office
Council will write to the Federal Ministers for Finance and Communications urging them to save Kensington Post Office from closing. With the population of Kensington increasing with more homes and student accommodation, there is a strong need for a continuing post office service for the local community. The post office is due to close on 31 May 2024.

Call to pause Eastgardens redevelopment plan
A planning proposal to redevelop Westfield Eastgardens located on Randwick's border with three new commercial buildings and 37,500sqm of extra retail space should be put on hold, according to a Randwick Council submission endorsed by Councillors. Randwick Council's submission proposes that Randwick and Bayside Councils work in partnership to develop a planning strategy to guide future development to get the best outcome out of any proposed development. Randwick Council will now lodge the submission with Bayside Council.

Council supports Blue Groper fishing ban trial
A NSW Government decision to ban fishing for Blue Groper as part of a 12-month trial has been welcomed by Randwick Council. Blue Gropers are a much-loved aquatic species and swimming with 'Bluey' is a popular past-time for swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Council's submission recommends the Government undertake extensive engagement, including sharing studies and data, prior to any proposed permanent change coming into effect.

Resilience and Recovery Framework
Randwick Council will develop a Resilience and Recovery Framework to help our community plan and mitigate a range of shocks and stresses. This includes extreme weather events, infrastructure failure, digital network outages, pandemics and cyber or terror attacks. A comprehensive engagement strategy will help build community confidence, capacity and coping tools in times of crisis.

Community backs 'unsolved' Maroubra Rubik's cube
A community consultation has found 83 per cent public support to return the Maroubra Rubik's Cube back to its original 'unsolved' state. The cube was mysteriously 'solved' in December 2023 generating significant public interest and prompting Council to undertake a formal consultation. Council will now consult with the original artists to communicate the community feedback.

Last Updated: 2 May 2024

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