The Georges River Record

The decision opens the plan to community feedback before any further steps are taken.

The item was pulled out of the Environment and Planning Committee report for separate discussion. Councillor Marnie moved the endorsement for public exhibition, seconded by Councillor Lansbury.

Councillor Lansbury said councillors had no input into the shaping of the master plan, and that the same issue had arisen with Riverwood and other plans. The motion was carried with 15 votes in favour.

In other business, Councillor Domoski moved a motion on a permanent shade structure at Beatty Street Reserve in Mortdale Heights, seconded by Councillor Lu. Councillor Domoski said the reserve is a popular playground that lacks adequate shade, leaving children and families exposed to the sun and weather.

The motion asks the council to investigate practical shade options as part of the planned playground renewal, consider the cost, explore grant opportunities and identify realistic delivery timeframes. Councillor Lu said he supported it and looked forward to a detailed report back to council.

Councillor Lu then moved a review of parking provisions under the Road Rules 2014, seconded by Councillor Domoski. Councillor Lu said residents had emailed about heavy or long vehicles parked in residential streets for extended periods, leaving limited parking, and that some vehicles obstruct visibility near driveways and intersections.

Councillor Lu said the motion was not directed at any particular business, industry or individual, but asked whether current state legislation still provides the right balance between heavy vehicle operators, road safety, parking availability and residential amenity. Councillor Domoski added support, saying councils often cannot assist residents because their hands are tied by state registration rules.

Councillor Lu also moved the Georges River Community Innovation Partnership Program Pilot, seconded by Councillor Domoski. He said the idea came from meeting a local entrepreneur who demonstrated a solution to improve multilingual access to council services through AI, and asked how many good ideas already exist in the community waiting to be heard.

Councillor Lu said the pilot would run for 12 months with proper governance and transparent processes, and would be recalled to council before any long-term decisions are made. Councillor Domoski congratulated him on the idea, saying it provides inclusion and will benefit the community and the council.

The mayor closed the meeting at 9.35pm, telling councillors, staff and members of the public gallery that questions on agenda items can be submitted through to council staff.