MINUTES OF Traffic Committee MEETING
HELD ON Tuesday, 9 March 2021 AT 9:30am
Traffic Committee
- The following information is provided so that you may be aware of the structure and operation of the Randwick City Traffic Committee.
- The Randwick Traffic Committee is a Committee of Randwick City Council but not one set up under the Local Government Act.
- Council has been delegated certain powers from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), with regard to traffic matters upon its local roads. A condition of this delegation is that Council must take into account the Traffic Committee recommendations.
- Recommendations in this document may either activate the formal delegation from Transport for NSW to the Council, or not activate this delegation. Items which activate the delegation are indicated with the initials (AD) below the heading.
- There are four permanent members of the Traffic Committee, each of whom has a single vote only.
- The members are: the NSW Police Service, Transport for NSW, the Local State Member of Parliament (for the location of the issue to be voted upon) and Randwick City Council.
- Randwick City Council welcomes the public to register to speak at its Traffic Committee on issues of concern.
- If the Local Member disagrees with any of the Traffic Committee recommendations, they may appeal to Transport for NSW or the Minister for Roads.
- If the Police or Transport for NSW disagrees with any of the Traffic Committee recommendations, or Council’s resolution on any Traffic Committee recommendation, they may lodge an appeal with the Sydney Regional Traffic Committee for determination. The appeal must be lodged in writing within 14 days of the notification to the members of Council’s decision on the recommendation.
- Any action relative to any issue under appeal must cease until the matter is determined.
- The Sydney Regional Traffic Committee is chaired by an independent chairperson and submissions and representations are welcomed from all interested parties.
Acknowledgement of Country
Cr Kathy Neilson volunteered to acknowledge the lands upon which this meeting is being held:
“I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the land of the Bidjigal and the Gadigal peoples; being the traditional owners who, for thousands of years, occupied and cared for vast areas along the Sydney Coast.
On behalf of the participants of this meeting I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and also to those Aboriginal people participating today.”
Participants:
Mr Tony Lehmann Randwick City Council (Chairperson)
Mr Steven Nguyen Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
Acting Sgt Corrine Dawes Eastern Beaches Police Area Command
Cr Dylan Parker Representative for Member for Maroubra
Mr Bushara Gidiess State Transit Authority
Cr Lindsay Shurey Councillor Delegate for Traffic Committee
Cr Kathy Neilson North Ward
Mr Max Tuffano South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Health NSW
Mr Anthony Ryan Resident
Mr Paul Chilcott Resident
Mr Leon Marskell, Mr Sebastien Le Coustumer, Ms Despina Kalavas, Ms Dilruba Akhter, Mr Hong-Sanh Hua, Mr John Gill & Ms Jai Sue - RCC
Apologies
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Apologies were received from: · Representative for the Member for Coogee · Representative for the Member for Heffron. |
Pecuniary interest declaration
a. Resident Anthony Ryan declared a non-pecuniary interest regarding Item TC33/21 Howard Street, as he is a friend of Ms Gibbs who instigated this matter.
b. Chairman Tony Lehmann declared a non-pecuniary interest regarding Item TC35/21 Prince of Wales Hospitals, Randwick - Covid-19 Special Temporary Parking Permits as he has a close relative who may benefit from the outcome of this item
Matters Arising from the Minutes OR from Council Resolution
Nil.
Traffic Committee Reports
TC28/21 Endorsement of the Traffic Facilities for the Kingsford to Centennial Park cycleway (C, H & M).................... 3
TC29/21 Alison Road / King Street, Randwick (C)............................... 3
TC30/21 Coogee Bay Road, at Vicar Street, Coogee (C)..................... 4
TC31/21 Darling Street, Kensington (H)............................................. 5
TC32/21 Dolphin Street, opposite Glenwood Avenue, Coogee (C)....... 7
TC33/21 Howard Street, Randwick (C).............................................. 9
TC34/21 Keith Street, Boundary Street, and Ocean Street, Clovelly (C) 9
TC35/21 Prince Of Wales Hospitals, Randwick - Covid-19 Special Temporary Parking Permits - Extension until end of June 2021 (C)................................................................................... 11
TC36/21 Kennedy Street, at Meeks Street, Kingsford (H).................. 11
TC37/21 4 Hour Parking Time Limits - Dacre Street, Bay Parade, Malabar and Endeavour Avenue, La Perouse (M)........................ 13
TC38/21 Fitzgerald Avenue, at Anzac Parade, Maroubra (M)............. 13
TC39/21 Hastings Avenue, Chifley (M)............................................. 14
TC40/21 Minor Signage Items - Parking and Regulatory - March 2021 (C, H & M)........................................................................ 15
TC41/21 Works Zone - Installation of Signage - March 2021 (C)........ 20
TC42/21 Parking Control Signage at Intersections - No Stopping (C & M).................................................................................... 20
TC43/21 Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Funded Project Status - March 2021 (C, H & M)................................................................ 21
General Business
TC44/21 Dolphin Street, Coogee (C)................................................ 22
TC45/21 Barker Street, Randwick (C)............................................... 23
TC46/21 Frenchmans Road / Clovelly Road, Randwick (C)................ 23
TC47/21 Anzac Parade, La Perouse (M).......................................... 23
TC48/21 Elaroo Avenue, Phillip Bay (M)........................................... 23
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The purpose of this report is to endorse the traffic facilities proposed for the approved Kingsford to Centennial Park Cycleway and Streetscape Improvements project.
In August 2018, following extensive community consultation, the Council resolved (Matson/Neilson) - in part - ‘That Council adopt the concept plans for the Kingsford to Centennial Park Cycleway and Streetscape Improvements as the foundation to finalise design development and proceed to construction of the project, when funded……’.
On 29 June 2020 the Federal and State Governments announced that they would be making some $20M of funding available to implement the Kingsford to Centennial Park Cycleway and Streetscape Improvements (along Doncaster / Houston / General Bridges / Sturt). At that time one third of the cycleway had progressed to Stage 3 design (Alison to Anzac) and the rest was only at Stage 2 design (Anzac to Sturt).
As a result of this funding being announced, the Stage 3 detailed construction and implementation plans were further developed and will soon be finalised. One layer of these detailed plans are the traffic facilities (signs / lines etc.) which are required to be implemented as a component of the project. It should be noted that the traffic facilities to be endorsed by the Traffic Committee are consistent with the concept plans approved by the Council. The plans detailing the traffic facilities will be distributed to the Police and Transport for NSW representatives, prior to the meeting. A copy of the plans will also be tabled at the meeting.
Mr Lehmann tabled the plans detailing the traffic facilities along the 2.8km length of the project and explained that there were still some minor corrections required to the plans. It was agreed that, once the final plans are prepared, they will be referred to the technical sub-committee (Police, TfNSW and Council officers), for consideration. The final plans would also be referred to BIKEast for their information.
Recommendation That:
1. once the final plans detailing the traffic facilities required for the Kingsford to Centennial Park Cycleway and Streetscape Improvements project are received: a. they be referred to the technical sub-committee for assessment, modification (if required) and endorsement; b. they be referred to BIKEast for their assessment and possible feedback and,
2. the traffic facilities indicated on the final amended plans are endorsed for implementation.
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Eastbound Alison Road motorists, wishing to turn left into King Street, are confronted with a No Left Turn, Buses and Authorised Vehicles Excepted traffic control sign. This sign is proving to be not so effective.
It is proposed that the abovementioned sign be replaced with a No Entry, Buses and Authorised Vehicles Excepted, traffic control sign. With the larger, bright red, No Entry roundel, greater compliance with the intent of these signs could well be expected.
Mr Nguyen, TfNSW, explained that the current No Left Turn signs are positioned facing west, toward approaching motorists. He stated that No Entry signs would have to be positioned facing south and that they would be less visible to approaching motorists.
Mr Gidiess, STA, sought a review on the direction of flow of this King Street slip lane, as the inability of buses to use the slip lane was resulting in significant delays when buses depart the King Street bus depot in the morning and afternoon peak periods. Mr Lehmann explained that this Committee was not able to make determinations of this sort but that the Council, in support of efficient public transport operations, was willing to participate in any future discussions on this matter, with TfNSW.
Following some further discussion, it was agreed that this matter be referred to the Police for the consideration of Highway Patrol enforcement.
Recommendation
That the information be received.
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Council has received complaints of vehicles parking illegally in the intersection of Coogee Bay Road and Vicar Street, Coogee. To further highlight the existence of No Stopping zone at the intersection, it is proposed that the No Stopping, unbroken (C3) yellow line marking as detailed in the concept plan below be approved for installation. It should be noted that this proposed linemarking applies with the current ‘one-way’ configuration and will apply when the street reverts back to two-way.
Recommendation
That the parking restriction as detailed in the attached plan be approved for installation.
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Council is reviewing the parking arrangement on Darling Street, Kensington. Given the retail activity on Anzac Parade, the parking restrictions proposed in the concept plan below are recommended for approval.
Mr Lehmann advised that, following release of the Agenda, he had reviewed this proposal and would asked that consideration be given to a ‘swapping’ of the Mobility Parking Space with the proposed Motorcycle Parking Space. This would relocate the mobility impaired persons’ parking space closer to the medical centre and the DDA compliant kerb ramp. Following is an image detailing Mr Lehmann’s suggested change to the parking layout.
Recommendation
That the parking restrictions, as detailed in the plan tabled by Mr Lehmann, are approved for installation.
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In order to address concerns raised by local residents the Coogee Beach Club has proposed some modifications to some parking controls in Dolphin Street.
The issue of taxis / ride-share operators double parking in front of the Coogee Beach Club (nos 51-61 Dolphin Street, Coogee) was raised by residents. Accordingly, a dedicated pick-up / drop-off area has been recommended to minimise instances of double parking, and disruptions to nearby residents.
It is proposed that ‘No Parking, 9pm-12:30am, Thursday-Sunday’ be installed along with the extension of the existing ‘Loading Zone, 6am-12:30pm’ to improve parking compliance arising from these change (see diagram detailing this proposal attached).
Councillor Neilson was unsure if this proposal would achieve the proposed outcome and she suggested that this proposal be trialled for a six-month period.
Mr Nguyen, TfNSW, suggested that the signage configuration be amended (‘landscape vs portrait orientation’). This change is now reflected in the above image.
Recommendation
That, for a six-month trial period:
1. an 18m ‘No Parking, 9pm-12:30am, Thursday-Sunday’ parking zone be installed on the northern side of Dolphin Street, opposite nos 76A and 78 Dolphin Street, Coogee; and
2. the existing 7m ‘Loading Zone, 6am-12:30pm’ on the northern side of Dolphin Street, opposite no. 76A Dolphin Street, Coogee, be extended to 18m.
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At the February 2021 meeting of this Committee, the matter of the proposed pedestrian refuge outside 47- 49 Howard Street, Randwick (east of Lee Street) was discussed. It was mentioned that alternate locations for the proposed pedestrian refuge, further east, are being investigated.
Recently an on-site meeting was held between Council officers and some residents regarding the relocation of the proposed pedestrian refuge to a position adjacent to 80 - 82 Howard Street (west of Sully Street).
A dimensioned concept plan will be tabled at the meeting showing the critical measurements of this proposal.
It is proposed to subsequently refer the detailed construction plans to the Technical Advice Sub -Committee of the Traffic Committee (i.e. the Police representative, the Transport for NSW representative and Council’s Manager Integrated Transport) for final approval (NB: the final detailed construction plans would be brought back to a subsequent meeting of this Committee for recording purposes).
Mr Lehmann tabled the detailed concept plan of the proposed Howard Street pedestrian refuge. Mr Ryan, resident, queried on behalf of Ms Gibbs, as to the sequence for implementing this device. Mr Lehmann advised that it was his understanding that the device would be implemented within weeks, not months. And, he agreed to forward to Ms Gibbs an indicative sequence for the introduction of the pedestrian refuge.
Recommendation
That:
1. the proposed Howard Street, Randwick, pedestrian refuge (adjacent to nos 80 & 82), as shown in the tabled concept plan, is approved for further detailed design and, ultimately, construction; and
2. provided that the Traffic Committee supports the recommendation detailed in (1) above, the Technical Advice Sub-Committee is delegated authority to consider and endorse the construction of the proposed pedestrian refuge, following consideration of the final, detailed, construction plans - which are currently under development.
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Mr. Bushara Gidiess, Traffic and Services Manager, Eastern Region, State Transit Authority (STA) approached the Council seeking improvements to several bus stops within Clovelly. He has noted that bus-stops along Boundary Street, Keith Street and Ocean Street are lacking ‘Bus Zone’ signage. This has resulted in vehicles illegally parking within these areas in contravention of NSW Road Rule 195. The signposting of Bus Zone restrictions at various locations has been proposed to reinforce these No Stopping requirements. This will reduce the likelihood of motorists ‘accidentally’ parking too close to the Bus Stop, will better allow buses to pull up immediately adjacent to the kerb (significantly improving access for all residents - but especially for those who have mobility challenges), will ensure that buses are better able to stop without blocking local traffic flow and will likely improve the reliability of these bus services.
It is also proposed to signpost the statutory No Stopping restrictions at these locations to better improve draw-in distances and compliance with Road Rule 195. Furthermore, STA have raised concerns regarding bus turning paths at the intersection/bend of Boundary Street and Ocean Street in both directions. The No Stopping restrictions recommended below are considered appropriate for buses to safely navigate around the bend.
With regard to ensuring safe and efficient operation of bus services in Clovelly, the Council has two options to deal with illegally parked vehicles. The Council visit the neighbourhood regularly and issue infringement notices to illegally parked vehicles. Or, the Council could install signage more clearly indicating the length of the bus zone so that residents (and others) have a much better understanding of the parking controls. Accordingly, the following recommendations are proposed.
Recommendation
That:
1. the Bus Zones submitted by the State Transit Authority (STA), be approved for installation along Keith Street, Boundary Street, and Ocean Street, Clovelly;
2. No Stopping restrictions are installed as per the specifications above; and
3. Notifications informing residents of the reasons for the signs being installed be distributed to nearby residences.
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(Note: Having declared an interest, Mr Lehmann vacated the Chair and logged out of MS Teams at this point in the meeting. Council’s Transport Engineer - Integrated Transport, Ms Kalavas, assumed the Chair.)
In April 2020 during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Randwick City Council sought to support the frontline Prince of Wales / Sydney Children’s hospital personnel, of both Emergency Departments (ED) and both Intensive Care Units (ICU), by introducing Special Temporary Parking Zones and Permits. This was approved through the Traffic Committee processes.
For the last 13 months the Council has had special parking restrictions in place, in various streets near to the Prince of Wales Hospital campus, to assist front-line staff dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the December, 2020 meeting of this Committee, it was recommended to extend these arrangements until the end of March, 2021. Whilst, thankfully, there has not been a full-blown outbreak of the pandemic in the eastern suburbs, it is considered appropriate to again retain the existing parking controls until, at least, the end of June 2021.
Mr Tuffano, Health NSW, informed the Committee that the Health Minister had recently advised all hospital CEOs to take appropriate action to cease special car parking arrangements… with local councils effective early April.
Ms Kalavas thanked Mr Tuffano for this advice and stated that Council will consider the information.
Recommendation
That, in consideration of the Health Minister’s advice, the special temporary parking permits which were given to the hospital management, in March 2020, to be distributed to the Prince of Wales / Sydney Children’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care unit (EDIC) staff, be considered active until the end of April, 2021.
(Following the meeting, in consideration of the Health Minister’s advice, it was deemed appropriate to report on this matter at the April meeting, so as to confirm the details of all proposed changes to parking restrictions.)
(Note: At the conclusion of the above matter, Council’s Transport Engineer - Integrated Transport, Ms Kalavas, vacated the Chair and Mr Lehmann logged back into the meeting and resumed the Chair.)
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Car sharing service, GoGet, has made a request to Council to install an additional car-share bay on Kennedy Street, between Meeks Street and Bow Lane, Kingsford, to meet an increasing demand for its services. The existing bay has 73 members within a 250m radius and is utilised approximately 30 to 50 times per month
Minor adjustments to the current parking arrangements have been proposed to minimise parking loss as a result of the new bay. This includes reducing the No Stopping and Mail Zone distances, and relocating the existing car-share bay to the western side of Kennedy Street, Kingsford.
That:
1. The existing No Stopping restriction, on the western and eastern side of Kennedy Street, Kingsford, be reduced to 10.0m;
2. The existing Mail Zone restriction, on the eastern side of Kennedy Street, Kingsford, be reduced from 6.0m to 5.4m; and
3. The existing ‘No Parking, Council Authorised Car Share Vehicles Excepted” be extended from 6.0m to 11.4m and relocated to the western side of Kennedy Street, 10.0m south of Meeks Street, Kingsford.
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As reported at the last meeting of this Committee, in October last year, given the (then) very concerning situation regarding the pandemic, a report was put to the Traffic Committee to apply a four-hour parking limit (4P) to Randwick’s coastal areas. The objective was to increase turnover of people on our beaches and coastal open space areas. This would assist in managing the numbers on our beaches and along our coastal areas.
Following installation of the 4P signage, a number of community members raised concerns with the Council about the impacts of the new time limits - especially along the residential streets fronting the coast. Thankfully, the current health order has now been revised and does not have the previous capacity limits and our beaches are operating on as close to “business as usual” as possible. Given the easing of the public health order, and, given the concerns raised by some community members about the new time limits, some adjustments to the 4P time limits were approved at the February, 2021, Traffic Committee meeting.
As further concerns have now been received from residents of Dacre Street and Bay Parade, Malabar, as well as residents of Endeavour Avenue, La Perouse, it is now proposed to remove the 4P time limits from these streets.
Recommendation
That the 4P time limits recently imposed upon Dacre Street and Bay Parade, Malabar, and Endeavour Avenue, La Perouse, be removed.
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Concerns have been raised, with the Council, suggesting that westbound Fitzgerald Avenue motorists sometimes seem to be unaware that two lanes merge into one, west of the Anzac Parade intersection.
To better alert motorists of the need to merge, and to reduce the likelihood of collisions, improved signage and linemarking (as detailed in the following diagram) is proposed.
He further explained a proposal to improve the linemarking to the west of the intersection (which TfNSW would implement) and advised that this site would likely be reviewed in the near future with regard all aspects of the intersection.
Recommendation
That the advice from Transport for NSW is noted.
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A local motorist has reported that the “No Stopping (L)” sign is too close to the end of the double BB centreline opposite Chifley Sports Reserve. It is forcing cars to cross the double BB centreline when passing parked cars. The location is opposite House Nos. 39A and 41 Hastings Avenue.
The proposal is to replace the existing No Stopping (L) sign with a No Stopping (LR) sign and install a new No Stopping (L) sign 10m north of the new No Stopping (LR) sign. This will allow vehicles to pass a car or bus parked beside the sports reserve south of the Bus Stop without having to cross the BB centreline.
Sydney Buses has confirmed that the length of the Bus Stop (J-stem) immediately north of the No Stopping signs must be 30m. The distance between the new No Stopping (L) sign and the existing J-Stem will be about 36m.
There has been no resident consultation as this is a safety issue to allow northbound vehicles on Hastings Avenue to pass parked vehicles without having to cross the double BB centreline. There is also a sight distance issue for northbound vehicles as the double BB centrelines terminate just after the crest on Hastings Avenue so northbound vehicles are sometimes confronted by southbound vehicles when they cross the double BB centreline.
Recommendation
That, in order to improve motorist road safety, adjacent to Chifley Sports Reserve, on Hastings Avenue, Chifley:
1. the existing No Stopping (L) sign be replaced with a double arrow No Stopping sign; and
2. a new No Stopping (L) sign be installed 10m north of the new No Stopping (double arrow) sign, opposite nos. 39A and 41 Hastings Avenue, Chifley.
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The following Minor Signage matters are listed for the Committee’s consideration.
Recommendation
That the recommendations listed in the Minor Signage items table, are approved for implementation / action.
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Construction sites often involve the use of trucks, cranes and other large vehicles. Without special parking provision, the positioning of such vehicles, close to these sites, can cause significant problems for local residents or businesses. It is for this reason that the Council requires the creation of Works Zones at construction sites. Once the project is completed the Works Zone is removed (see Works Zone Conditions of Use detailed elsewhere within this document).
Accordingly, it is recommended that Works Zones be installed, or removed, at the locations detailed within the following table:
Works Zones Table
(Reference NSW Road Rule 181 )
Recommendation
That the Works Zone listed in the Works Zones Table, be installed, as detailed.
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The Council regularly receives requests for action to be taken with regard to vehicles being parked illegally at intersections. Such vehicles block sightlines to and from vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or bike riders. They can also obscure motorists’ views of approaching vehicles, and, they can create difficulties for fire engines, garbage trucks or other large service vehicles which need to access the neighbourhood.
To ensure compliance with the legally mandated parking prohibitions at intersections, it is recommended that No Stopping signage be installed as per the following table:
(Reference NSW Road Rule 170 )
Recommendation
That the No Stopping signage proposals, listed in the Parking Control Signage at Intersections table, be approved for installation.
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This table will be updated each month and will be reported upon, at each Traffic Committee meeting.
Mr Nguyen, TfNSW, reminded Council to submit the monthly reports to TfNSW, in a timely manner.
Recommendation
That the information be received. |
General Business
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Urgent Matters OR Matter for Future Investigation
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Cr Neilson queried whether there was benefit in installing the proposed Dolphin Street bus zone, given that the Coogee Bay Road Activation Project is being removed after April, 2021. Mr Bushara Gidiess, STA, stated that, given the complexities involved in establishing or removing bus stops, it now takes up to three weeks to effect any changes.
It was agreed that the installation of the proposed Dolphin Street bus zone should not go ahead.
Recommendation
That the information be received. |
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It was agreed that a report be prepared for the next meeting of the Traffic Committee with regard to these concerns.
Recommendation
That a report be prepared for the next meeting of the Traffic Committee with regard to Barker Street congestion issues.
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After some discussion, it was agreed that the Council would install non-enforceable linemarking as a reminder to bus drivers as to the extent of the No Stopping restriction, to the north of the La Perouse bus terminus.
Recommendation
That the information be received.
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Mr Lehmann informed the Committee that following a recent onsite meeting between residents, Police, the local Member for Maroubra and Council officers, it had been agreed that traffic devices similar to those being installed in Yarra Road, should be considered for installation along Elaroo Avenue. He further advised that a report would be made to the next Traffic Committee meeting, detailing the next steps with regard to the introduction of such traffic control.
Recommendation
That the information be received.
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The meeting closed at 10.35am.