At its meeting last night, Liverpool Council decided to ask for an extra hearing date by PAC, the NSW Planning Assessment Commission, before it decides the future of the application by Moorebank Recyclers for a concrete recycling plant on the banks of the Georges River.
The council, which reiterated its strong opposition to the proposal, will also notify residents of the June 1 public hearing in Bankstown. But it will also request a second meeting, at Casula Powerhouse, if it’s available, to allow enough time for all the submissions.
In a nine point resolution, the council also voted to support a call from Councillor Peter Harle for the installation of a pollution monitoring station east of the Georges River, to cover Moorebank and Chipping Norton. And, finally, council gave notice that if PAC approves the application, it will challenge the decision in the Land and Environment Court.
♦ In other matters, the council voted to support plans to revert to two way traffic in two major CBD thoroughfares: George Street and Northumberland Street. During debate, former mayor Wendy Waller warned that this could eventually cause traffic chaos in the CBD, but Cr Tony Hadchiti told council: “the system doesn’t work now, so let’s change it to two way.’’
♦ Council’s 2015-16 budget will have an operating deficit of just $345,000, a substantial improvement from $3.3 million in the current financial year. According to figures tabled last night, Liverpool Council will spend more than $102 million on capital works in 2015-16. Major works included in the draft budget:
• Carnes Hill recreation and community centre;
• The new look Macquarie Mall;
• Completion of Kurrajong Road extension;
• Investigation and design and land acquisitions for Warwick Farm bypass road;
• City centre flow changes;
• Construction of CBD trunk drainage.
It was noted that Liverpool’s population is nudging the 200,000 mark.
♦ Council last night also voted to support a $50,000 program to combat child obesity via sport. Councillor Peter Harle, who supported the program, nevertheless, was scathing in his criticism of the state and federal governments and their lack of action in this area.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It is their responsibility and if the State and Federal governments did more it would save the ratepayers a lot of money,’’ Cr Harle said.[/social_quote]
♦ And, finally, there was some debate about a plan to start the next council meeting, on Wednesday, June 17, an hour earlier at 5pm. “State of Origin is an Australian institution,’’ said Councillor Peter Ristevski, “and it’s reasonable that we start a little earlier on that night so everyone can watch the game.’’ But Cr Waller wasn’t overly impressed by the proposed change, saying “it’s only a game of footy’’. Council voted for the 5pm kick off.
