Supplementary Agenda of General Meeting - Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Mayoral Minute No. MM12/25

Date of Meeting: 10/12/2025

16 1 & 3 JOHNSON ROAD, GALSTON UPDATE

Council is the owner of land at 1 & 3 Johnson Road, Galston. 1 Johnson Road is currently used as a materials storage depot for Council purposes and includes the Galston RFS. 3 Johnson Road was previously used by the Arcadia Pony Club however has been vacated since the Club relocated to the Galston Equestrian Facility when it was opened in 2009.

The underutilisation of this asset for council purposes is currently being reviewed with work to date that has included financial assessments and a draft Planning Proposal. This draft Planning Proposal currently considers light industrial use across the site.

The Council has previously sought community input on this Planning Proposal. I recently attended a family BBQ at the site, where I discussed related issues with local residents.

Prudent financial governance requires that Council maximises the value of its assets before considering rate increases beyond the annual cap established by IPART, in order to address rising Council costs.

To strike this balance between effective financial stewardship and community concerns on the draft Planning Proposal this Mayoral Minute seeks an independent evaluation by the Acting General Manager on this matter. Specifically, I seek clarity if a smaller light industrial footprint predominately on 1 Johnson Road, Galston while balancing greater levels of passive open space would still be financially viable and attractive to the market.

The Council is committed to allocating resources in a manner that delivers optimal value to the community while preserving financial sustainability. Accordingly, the evaluation is to provide advice that increased open space embellishments on this site can be achieved through revenue generated from light industrial activities also from the site.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The Acting General Manager coordinate an independent evaluation of the completed financial assessments that have been conducted to date for light industrial use at 1-3 Johnson Road, Galston with consideration of the following:

a) A reduced layout of industrial use limited to predominately 1 Johnson Road, Galston while accommodating greater passive open space.

b) An assessment of reduced traffic impacts be provided.

c) The financial viability of a reduced layout and appeal to market participants.

d) The reasonableness and risk of any payback period from investment of capital compared to current invested returns.

e) Open space embellishments on this site can be achieved through revenue generated from light industrial activities based on a reduced layout.

2. A report be provided to Council following the conclusion of the evaluation

Cr WARREN WADDELL

Mayor

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference: F2023/00047-003

Document Number: D09279677

Mayoral Minute No. MM13/25

Date of Meeting: 10/12/2025

17 GRAFFITI REMOVAL ON PRIVATE ASSETS

The Council is in the process of developing a comprehensive graffiti strategy, which will address several key areas including prompt removal of graffiti, community participation, educational initiatives, accessible reporting mechanisms, coordination with public art projects, collaboration with other NSW Government agencies, and the identification of potential funding sources.

While the predominate focus of this comprehensive graffiti strategy is towards council owned assets, it is important to address graffiti on assets in private ownership within our local government area. The presence of graffiti on privately owned buildings, fences, and infrastructure not only detracts from the visual appeal of our neighbourhoods but also impacts community pride and perceptions of safety.

I have received numerous complaints from residents and business owners regarding unsightly graffiti on private property assets. The prevalence of graffiti in certain hotspots has led to increased concern about antisocial behaviour and a negative impact on local businesses and property values.

This mayoral minute asks the acting General Manager to identify major graffiti hotspots on private property as part of the December Quarterly Budget Review process, so that these areas can be considered for remediation in response to concerns raised by residents. It is intended that a modest budget be allocated which can be considered by councillors as part of the December Quarterly Review process at the relevant General Meeting of Council.

Council will seek appropriate advice to ensure that the removal of graffiti from private assets is undertaken with the consent of property owners and in compliance with privacy and any relevant property legislation.

By adopting this Mayoral Minute, Council can take a proactive step towards the removal of graffiti in high visible areas within our local government area and restore civic pride.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The Acting General Manager prepare information on graffiti hotspots on private assets for consideration by Council.

2. The Acting General Manager assess identified graffiti hotspots during the December Quarterly Budget Review as a one-off budget allocation and report the findings to a General Meeting of Council.

3. The high-profile graffiti hotspots are addressed with private landowners to stop further spread, with ongoing cleanup managed by those landowners after the initial assistance provided by Council.

Cr WARREN WADDELL

Mayor

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference: F2008/00359-005

Document Number: D09279785