AGY-2521 | Works Committee [Municipality of Balmain]

Full description

The Works Committee was one of four standing committees established at the second meeting of Balmain Municipal Council on 13 April, 1860 under s. 69 - 70 of the Municipal Institutions Act 1858 (22 Victoria Act No. 13) which allowed for the appointment of general or specific standing committees. Each Committee was to meet as required, and report their findings to the General Council at the earliest opportunity. Initially there were three members of the Committee although the size of the Committee gradually increased. The committee met regularly (mostly fortnightly) The main responsibilities of the Committee included the construction and maintenance of Council 's own premises and authorising the infrastructure works essential to perform Council responsibilities (including pavements, street lighting, roadways, and facilities in parks and reserves.) It negotiated with related authorities including the NSW Public Works Department , NSW Department of Transport, Sydney Harbour Trust and private transport companies regarding overlapping responsibilities. The Committee, examined unsafe, unsightly or insanitary premises and enterprises which were considered a 'nuisance' because of noise, fumes, or other factors. The Committee could authorise the erection or alterations to some buildings major decisions were referred to the full Council. The Committee received reports form the Building Inspector, Health Inspector and the Engineer and on occasion referred matters to these officers. The Committee continued to operate until 21 December, 1948 some weeks after the formal abolition of the Council in order to complete outstanding business before the functions were transferred to Leichhardt Council.