Ordinary Council Meeting
6:00pm, 25 February 2025
Council Chamber (Level 1), Civic Centre,
23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo
wanneroo.wa.gov.au
Notice is given that the next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held in the
Council Chamber (Level 1), Civic Centre,
23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo on Tuesday 25 February 2025 commencing at 6:00pm.
B Parker
Chief Executive Officer
20 February 2025
CONTENTS
MN05-02/25 Cr Miles - Review of District Boundaries
MN07-02/25 Mayor Aitken - Provision of Bin-Mounted Dog Waste Bag Dispensers
MN08-02/25 Cr Bedworth - Bookable Bulk Verge Collection
MN09-02/25 Cr Wright - Position Statement on Political Figures and Political Parties
CITY OF WANNEROO Late Items Agenda OF Ordinary Council Meeting 25 February, 2025 0
Item 9 Motions on Notice
File Ref: 14553V017 – 25/58351
Author: Cr Paul Miles
Action Officer: Chief Executive Officer
Disclosure of Interest: Nil
Attachments: 1
Issue
To initiate a review of the City of Wanneroo district boundaries.
Background
Since its 1998 establishment and delineation of boundaries, the former Shire and subsequently City of Wanneroo (the City) has experienced rapid growth resulting in significant demographic, economic and social change. The information used to inform the decisions that established the boundaries of the district has therefore changed.
Detail
At its separation from the City of Joondalup, the City’s population was just over 70,000. In the ten years to 2009 this more than doubled to 146,000 and at the last estimate had reached approximately 230,000. This growth has been accompanied by significant social and economic change, with entire local communities featuring residential, employment, retail and leisure opportunities being born within the district and growing to maturity.
Given the rapid and significant change that the City and its neighbouring local authorities have experienced since the City’s establishment, a review and possible adjustment of the district boundaries is required. This review would provide an opportunity to address the following:
· Whether the current district boundaries support and reflect the economic, social, and leisure realities of its community’s day-to-day activities; and
· Whether there is an opportunity for subdivision of the district to energise and encourage the development of local communities.
Consultation
Population figures are drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population Growth report.
Comment
The role of Council under the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) includes “planning strategically for the future of the district”. Ensuring that the district is appropriately formed and resourced to provide the best outcomes for its community addresses this responsibility.
Schedule 2.1 of the Act describes the provisions for creating, changing the boundaries of, and abolishing districts.
Under Schdule. 2.1, one or more affected local governments may separately or jointly make a proposal for a change to district boundaries to the Local Government Advisory Board (Board). If supported, the proposal will then proceed to a formal inquiry and a recommendation to the Minister.
Administration is requested to initiate the process of reviewing the district boundaries and to bring a report to Council outlining the options and considerations no later than August 2025.
Statutory Compliance
Section 2.7, “Role of Council” and Schedule 2.1 provisions about “creating, changing the boundaries of, and abolishing districts” of the Local Government Act 1995.
Strategic Implications
The proposal aligns with the following objective within the Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031:
7 ~ A well governed and managed City that makes informed decisions, provides strong community leadership and valued customer focused services
7.1 - Clear direction and decision making
Risk Appetite Statement
In pursuit of strategic objective goal 7, we will accept a Medium level of risk as the City balances the capacity of the community to fund services through robust cost-benefit analysis and pursues evidence-based decision making to be effective stewards of the Council and City for future generations.
Risk Management Considerations
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
ST-S12 Economic Growth |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Chief Executive Officer |
Manage |
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
ST-S26 Resilient and Productive Communities |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Director Community & Place |
Manage |
Policy Implications
Financial Implications
Administration is requested to provide an estimate for the costs associated with a review.
Changes to Reports arising from Agenda Briefing
This Motion in Notice was not presented or discussed at Agenda Briefing.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority
Recommendation
That Council:-
1. REQUESTS Administration to develop a proposal for a review of the district’s boundaries; and
2. REQUESTS Administration to present a report detailing the proposal to Council no later than the August 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.
A local government district’s boundaries are among its most important attributes, contributing significantly to its character, culture, viability, and identity. Accordingly, the process of proposing, scrutinising and implementing changes to a district’s boundaries is rigorous and transparent.
Among the responsibilities of a local government under the Local
Government Act 1995
(the Act) is to “promote the economic, social and environmental
sustainability of the district”
(S. 3.1(1A)(i)). Ensuring that the district is appropriately constituted to
meet these priorities is therefore a function of local government.
Schedule 2.1 of the Act sets out the process for proposing, assessing, and making a change to a district’s boundaries. In summary, the steps are as follows:
· A proposal is submitted to the Local Government Advisory Board (Board). This may originate with the Minister, one or more affected local governments, or a group of electors.
· The proposal is considered by the Board who will either make a recommendation to the Minister to reject the proposal or initiate a formal enquiry.
· The inquiry will be conducted in compliance with the Act, including notices and the opportunity for public submissions.
· At the conclusion of the inquiry, the Board will make a written report to the Minister recommending either that the proposal be rejected or that an order be made (which may be in accordance with the proposal or may differ from it)
Additional steps can include public hearings, a poll of affected electors, the making of recommendations in respect of naming, wards and representation, assessment of any compensation that may be required, (if the proposal is accepted) the making of transitional arrangements, and other actions arising depending on the specifics of the proposal.
The factors that will be considered in assessing a proposal to change a district’s boundaries will include but are not limited to:
· Community of interests;
· Physical and topographical features;
· Demographic trends;
· Economic factors;
· The history of the area;
· Transport and communication;
· Matters affecting the viability of local governments; and
· The effective delivery of local government services.
The Board provides guidelines (Attachment 1) clarifying each of these factors.
The structure and boundaries of the City of Wanneroo were examined in detail as part of the State Government’s Local Government Reform program in 2011/2012, with a submission being made to the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel in January 2012. The conclusion of this submission, endorsed by Council, was that the ongoing growth within the district was best addressed by a single integrated local authority having the resources, expertise, and capacity to implement a consistent set of strategies across the district.
Noting the range of factors that apply, as well as the range of stakeholders who will need to be consulted and informed, Administration assesses that planning and undertaking a comprehensive review of the district’s boundaries will require significant resource from every part of the organisation. It is recommended that an assessment of the required resource, along with likely costs and timescales, and the potential impact on other initiatives and operations, be undertaken prior to committing to a review.
A limited review of locality (suburb) boundaries within the City is already in planning, with the recruitment of a Project Officer to progress this work being considered for the 2025/26 Workforce Plan. This limited scope review is proposed to assess the options for addressing those localities that currently or in future projections will exceed the optimal sizing established by the Geographic Names Committee (GNC) Policies and Standards for Geographical Naming in Western Australia (GNC Standard) and could provide input to a district-wide review.
Administration further recommends that any proposal affecting neighbouring local governments should be developed and presented as a joint proposal.
Reports into three previous inquiries taking place within the last ten years are published on the Board’s page within the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) website: Lower Donnelly River (Shires of Nannup and Manjimup); Cockburn, Fremantle; and Wattle Grove. All three proposals were rejected following inquiry.
Any proposal for a change to the district’s boundaries should, as far as possible, be expected to be enduring. Council should take into account the ongoing active development of major areas of the City and consider whether a district boundary change during this period of development and rapid change is appropriate, or whether the City should be allowed to reach a more stable state before its boundaries, communities, economic and social features and relationships with neighbouring districts are assessed and alterations proposed.
Attachments:
1⇩. |
Attachment 1 - Information Sheet - LGAB Guiding Principles - Schedule 2.1 Create, Change or Abolish a Local Government District |
25/57471 |
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CITY OF WANNEROO Late Items Agenda OF Ordinary Council Meeting 25 February, 2025 0
MN06-02/25 Cr Huntley - Advocate to WALGA for the Establishment of a Translocation Centre for Mass Wildlife Displacement
File Ref: 14553V017 – 25/58498
Author: Cr Jacqui Huntley
Action Officer: Chief Executive Officer
Disclosure of Interest: Nil
Attachments: Nil
Issue
To advocate to the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) for urgent support for the establishment of a translocation centre for mass wildlife displacement.
Background
The scale of urban expansion in Wanneroo presents an unprecedented and immediate threat to wildlife. With the expansion of the city to 600,000 people, the sheer destruction of thousands of hectares of pristine to good habitats will without intervention mean that thousands of animals will face injury, starvation, or death.
Detail
Local wildlife charities have developed a proven and humane translocation strategy, but this initiative requires a permanent facility and funding to meet the expected surge in displaced animals in an area of over 3,000 hectares from 2026/27 onwards.
Council’s endorsement is sought for a request to WALGA that it advocates for the required resources and funding to implement mass wildlife translocation.
Consultation
Nil
Comment
While the issue of wildlife displacement is not limited to the City of Wanneroo(the City), its planned development over the next ten to fifteen years makes it a particular concern in the district.
WALGA’s advocacy and support is sought to bring State-level and national attention to the issue and to clarify the limits of current provisions, primarily relying upon the efforts of not-for-profit wildlife charities.
Statutory Compliance
Nil
Strategic Implications
The proposal aligns with the following objective within the Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031:
4 ~ A sustainable City that balances the relationship between urban growth and the environment
4.2 - Manage and protect local Biodiversity
Risk Appetite Statement
In pursuit of strategic objective goal 4, we will accept a Medium level of risk. The nature of the City being ‘pro-growth’ means that commercial opportunities will be explored in areas identified for development, potentially challenging perceptions of the City as an environmental steward.
Risk Management Considerations
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
CO-O22 Environmental Management |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Director Planning & Sustainability |
Manage |
Policy Implications
Nil
Financial Implications
Nil
Changes to Reports arising from Agenda Briefing
This Motion on Notice was not presented or discussed at Agenda Briefing.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority
That Council REQUESTS that the Western Australian Local Government Association advocates to the State Government for a translocation centre for mass wildlife displacement in the WA Northern Urban Growth Corridor.
The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (the Act) is the State legislation that determines who may, and under what conditions, undertake any course of action with respect to native fauna. The City does not have jurisdiction to manage wildlife. The position of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) who is the responsible body under the Act is that it is not the City’s responsibility to take on or advise on the management of native fauna. The legislation requires landowners to protect and do no harm to native fauna occurring on any landowner’s property.
In this regard, Council has adopted Local Planning Policy 3.3: Fauna Management (LPP 3.3). LPP 3.3 seeks to ensure the effective management of fauna, sets out general guidance and confirms that it is the responsibility of landowners and/or developers.
Attachments: Nil
CITY OF WANNEROO Late Items Agenda OF Ordinary Council Meeting 25 February, 2025 0
File Ref: 4107 – 25/58493
Author: Mayor Aitken
Action Officer: Director Assets
Disclosure of Interest: Nil
Attachments: 1
Issue
To investigate the installation of dog waste bag dispensers in parks of all sizes, should the community consultation identify this as needed.
Background
As noted on the City of Wanneroo’s (the City) website, “dog waste can be an unpleasant experience for users of our parks, beaches and other public spaces, and can have detrimental health and environmental impacts.”
On many occasions the City receives feedback from community consultation about what we provide in our parks and there are requests for Dog waste bag dispensers.
In instances where community consultation indicates the need
for dog waste bag dispensers, this Motion requests
that the City should consider the installation of dog waste bag dispensers on
park bins, similar to how this is done at the City of Mandurah (refer photo in
Attachment 1).
Detail
To support dog owners to clean up after their dog, the City provides courtesy dog waste bag dispensers at some City locations, a list of which appears on the City’s website. Signage on paths and in parks also reminds dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their pet. Regardless, dog waste remains a present nuisance and hazard in particular to park users.
As an example, two rounds of community consultation have been conducted in respect of the upgrade of Celebration Park, Clarkson with one of the issues arising in the most recent consultation (25 November to 9 December 2024) being the issue of dog waste. Respondents directly requested a dog waste bag dispenser in their feedback. This request could conveniently and cost-effectively be met by taking advantage of the park upgrade to install a general waste bin that includes a dog waste bag dispenser (as opposed to a separate standalone bag station).
Increasing the availability of courtesy dog waste bags would give dog owners more opportunity to assist in keeping the City clean and safe by cleaning up after their dog.
Dog waste bag dispensers mounted on a standard municipal park bin would be conveniently situated for disposal as the bag once used can be immediately and correctly disposed of in the bin. Bins are also more visible and obvious than a pole-mounted bag dispenser may be.
This Motion on Notice proposes that the City investigate making it standard practice that when a park general waste bin is installed or replaced, the new bin features an integrated dog waste bag dispenser. The investigation will require a review of the Local Planning Policy 4.3: Public Open Space.
Consultation
Nil
Comment
The City places significant emphasis on the quality of its parks and open spaces, encouraging all residents and visitors to use and enjoy them. They are shared community assets that need to be accessible and suitable for use by all. Encouraging the proper disposal of dog waste is an important part of maintaining that accessibility and safety.
Statutory Compliance
Nil
Strategic Implications
The proposal aligns with the following objective within the Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031:
7 ~ A well governed and managed City that makes informed decisions, provides strong community leadership and valued customer focused services
7.1 - Clear direction and decision making
Risk Appetite Statement
In pursuit of strategic objective goal 7, we will accept a Medium level of risk as the City balances the capacity of the community to fund services through robust cost-benefit analysis and pursues evidence-based decision making to be effective stewards of the Council and City for future generations.
Risk Management Considerations
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
CO-O22 Environmental Management |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Director Planning & Sustainability |
Manage |
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
CO-O23 Safety of Community |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Director Community & Place |
Manage |
Policy Implications
Nil
Financial Implications
Administration is requested to provide guidance on the cost implications of purchasing bins featuring integrated dog waste bag dispensers when installing new and replacement park general waste bins, including savings from reducing the requirement for separate dog waste bag stands.
Changes to Reports arising from Agenda Briefing
This Motion on Notice was not presented or discussed at Agenda Briefing.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority
That Council REQUESTS Administration to investigate and prepare a proposal, including the proposed changes to the Local Planning Policy 4.3: Public Open Space, for new and replacement park general waste bins as standard to feature integrated dog waste bag dispensers and provide an update to Council Members by September 2025.1.
Specific Park and street infrastructure such as bins, bin enclosures, and dog waste bag dispensers would be addressed in the City’s Waste Operational Guidelines currently being prepared by Administration for discussions at a forthcoming Waste Management Advisory Committee meeting. The proposed Waste Operational Guidelines will allow Administration to proactively and quickly address community concerns and issues.
An update as requested in this Motion on Notice can be made available to Council Members by September 2025.
Attachments:
1⇩. |
Attachment 1 - Example Bin-Mounted Dog Waste Bag Dispenser - City of Mandurah |
25/60544 |
|
CITY OF WANNEROO Late Items Agenda OF Ordinary Council Meeting 25 February, 2025 0
File Ref: 46343 – 25/58136
Author: Cr Bedworth
Action Officer: Director Assets
Disclosure of Interest: Nil
Attachments: Nil
Issue
To consider a request for a review of the Bookable Verge Collection System.
Background
The City of Wanneroo (the City) has previously utilised a scheduled verge collection for bulk household disposal, allowing residents to place bulk items on their verges for collection. From 1 July 2024, this system was replaced with the bookable verge collection system to streamline operations and improve efficiency. However, many residents have expressed concerns about the new system, citing difficulties with booking collections, limited availability, and inconvenience for those who may not have access to online booking tools. Concern has been expressed as to the aesthetics of bulk collections out on verges for many more weeks of the year than the previous model.
Detail
Numerous residents have provided feedback indicating a preference for the scheduled verge collection system, highlighting its ease of use and accessibility. The scheduled verge collections allowed for more convenience and certainty, particularly for residents who may have larger items to dispose of or limited ability to schedule specific collection times. The bookable verge collection system has been in place since 1 July 2024 and residents have expressed dissatisfaction. Whilst it is acknowledged that the bookable verge collection was intended to explore potential improvements to waste management that could enhance service delivery while maintaining environmental sustainability. Other waste collection options may need consideration.
Consultation
Community feedback has been received indicating dissatisfaction for the bookable verge collections and supporting a reconsideration.
Comment
A thorough review and consideration of the benefits and challenges associated with each collection option will enable the Council to make an informed decision that best serves the needs of the community. In view of the community feedback, it will be appropriate for Administration to undertake a review of the Bookable Verge Collection and provide an update to Council Members by December 2025. It is expected that the proposed review will cover the performance of the current system, identify changes if any, and make recommendations on the implementation of any identified changes.
Statutory Compliance
The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007 confers the Minister for the Environment the ability to require any local government to provide waste services to its community, in line with the State Waste Strategy:
· Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030; and
· Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007
Strategic Implications
The proposal aligns with the following objective within the Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031:
4 ~ A sustainable City that balances the relationship between urban growth and the environment
4.4 - Manage waste and its impacts
Risk Appetite Statement
In pursuit of strategic objective goal 4, we will accept a Medium level of risk. The nature of the City being ‘pro-growth’ means that commercial opportunities will be explored in areas identified for development, potentially challenging perceptions of the City as an environmental steward.
Risk Management Considerations
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
ST-S23 Stakeholder Relationships |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Chief Executive Officer |
Manage |
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
CO-O22 Environmental Management |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Director Planning & Sustainability |
Manage |
The above risks relating to the issue contained within this report have been identified and considered within the City’s Strategic and Corporate risk registers. Action plans have been developed to manage these risks to support existing management systems.
It is noted that the Audit and Risk Committee at its meeting on 19 November 2024 recommended that Council endorses the inclusion of Waste Management as a Strategic Risk in the City Strategic Risk Profile.
Policy Implications
The City provides its Waste Services as per the City’s Waste Management Services Policy and Waste Plan.
Financial Implications
Subject to the outcome of the proposed review of the Bookable Verge Collection system, the financial implications of any identified changes would need to be determined, noting that all waste services provided by the City are funded through the annual Waste Service Charge collected from the City’s residential properties.
Changes to Reports arising from Agenda Briefing
This Motion on Notice was not presented or discussed at Agenda Briefing.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority
That Council REQUESTS Administration to undertake a review of the Bookable Verge Collection System and provide an update to Council Members by December 2025.
The Bookable Verge Collection system was implemented from 1 July 2024 in line with the Council decision made at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 February 2023 (refer Item AS01-02/23 Bulk Waste Review – Community Engagement Outcomes).
The report considered by Council advised that “following implementation, Administration will continually review and monitor efficiencies as the service progresses. The data will help advise and measure success of the recommended service model and inform on future changes. Further changes can be considered, should the review indicate any finding contrary to the assumptions made in the Bulk Waste Review.”
In preparing the implementation plan for the Bookable Verge Collection system, it was intended to undertake a review after a period of 12 months from the commencement date. This is to allow sufficient data for analysis and enable the identification of any changes that may be required to the service.
In the meantime, during November 2024, Administration undertook an analysis of the first 4 months of collection data of the Bookable verge collection service which indicated 12,847 waste collections completed and high levels of compliance. It was noted that whilst there was high demand for bulk hard waste collection in the initial implementation of the service, collection wait times have dropped to within 4 weeks for all waste streams in all areas.
Administration will schedule of review of the available data (between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025) during July/August 2025. A report will be prepared for discussion at the City’s Waste Management Advisory Committee. An update as requested in this Motion on Notice can be made available to Council Members by December 2025. The review will analyse if the transition to the Bookable verge collection service has providing the following intended benefits and associated challenges:
· Increased customer convenience;
· Increased material recovery;
· More cost effective;
· Improved visual amenity;
· Increased operational efficiency;
· Improved safety; and
· Alignment to the State Waste Strategy objectives and targets.
File Ref: 14553V017 – 25/65892
Author: Cr Jordan Wright
Action Officer: Chief Executive Officer
Disclosure of Interest: Nil
Attachments: Nil
Issue
To introduce the Council’s first Policy Statement which seeks to clarify matters involving political figures and political parties.
Background
The City of Wanneroo (the City) strives to maintain a politically neutral stance, ensuring fairness and transparency in all its dealings. Currently, there is no formalised position statement guiding interactions with political figures and parties. This lack of a clear framework can lead to inconsistencies and potential misunderstandings, particularly during election periods. A dedicated discussion paper exploring the creation of such a position statement would provide valuable guidance for Administration and Council Members, promoting consistent and equitable practices. This will also assist in mitigating any perceived or real bias in the City’s operations.
Detail
This motion seeks to address the need for a documented position statement concerning the City of Wanneroo's interaction with political figures and political parties. The discussion paper should explore best practices and legal considerations, drawing upon examples from other local governments. It should also consider the potential challenges and opportunities associated with developing and implementing such a position statement.
The paper should further investigate the implications of caretaker conventions for State and Federal politicians, especially in regard to the resourcing of responses to MP enquiries. Current issues that cause confusion include the definition of ‘exhibiting’ at an event, the handling of requests for information during caretaker periods, and the acceptance of funding commitments outside of established planning frameworks.
Consultation
No consultation has occurred with Council Members or Administration but will be presented to the next Concept Forum for immediate discussion due to the upcoming Federal and State elections.
Comment
The timing of such a position statement is critical. Currently, issues are unfolding where candidates are being able to exhibit at City of Wanneroo events; recent examples include the Labor Candidate for Wanneroo being able to exhibit a stall at the Wanneroo Christmas Fiesta in early December 2024 and more recently the Liberal Candidate for Landsdale at the Landsdale Sunset Sounds event in late January 2025.
These exhibits allow candidates and members of parliament to encourage residents to support them in upcoming elections, encourage residents to sign petitions and fill in surveys which allow for data harvesting for political purposes and give away free prizes or branded merchandise promoting their party or self. The City of Wanneroo as a local government authority needs to remain a-political and continue to support the community’s aspirations and needs without involving itself with Members of Parliament or Political Candidates.
Council needs to provide a clear position on what is acceptable and unacceptable during caretaker modes and elections as well as what business as usual looks like.
Statutory Compliance
Nil
Strategic Implications
The proposal aligns with the following objective within the Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031:
7 ~ A well governed and managed City that makes informed decisions, provides strong community leadership and valued customer focused services
7.1 - Clear direction and decision making
Risk Appetite Statement
In pursuit of strategic objective goal 7, we will accept a Medium level of risk as the City balances the capacity of the community to fund services through robust cost-benefit analysis and pursues evidence-based decision making to be effective stewards of the Council and City for future generations.
Risk Management Considerations
Risk Title |
Risk Rating |
ST-S23 Stakeholder Relationships |
Medium |
Accountability |
Action Planning Option |
Chief Executive Officer |
Manage |
Policy Implications
This Motion on Notice seeks to establish a formal policy position in respect of political figures and political parties.
The Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates Code of Conduct sets out expected standards in respect of representation of the City and interaction with third parties.
Financial Implications
Nil
Changes to Reports arising from Agenda Briefing
This Motion on Notice was not presented or discussed at Agenda Briefing.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority
That Council:- 1. REQUESTS Administration prepare a discussion paper for Council to consider, outlining options for the creation of a position statement on Political Figures and Political Parties; 2. REQUESTS this discussion paper be presented to a Concept Forum for discussion with Council Members within 4 months; and 3. REQUESTS the final position statement be presented to the next available Ordinary Council Meeting in line with the Council Policy Framework Policy and Ordinary Council Meetings and Forums of Council Policy after the forum for endorsement.
|
Administration Comment
Pending Council’s decision on this Motion on Notice, Administration will prepare a discussion paper as requested.
Attachments: Nil