September 24 Ordinary Council Meeting notes

Mayor and Deputy Mayor election

Councillor Greg Conkey was re-elected as Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga for a further two years. He was elected six votes to three ahead of Cr Vanessa Keenan.

Cr Dallas Tout was re-elected Deputy Mayor for a further two-year period.

Cr Tout received six votes with Cr Dan Hayes receiving two votes and Cr Tim Koschel one vote.

Invitation to join Regional Cities NSW

Wagga Wagga has been invited to join a new regional alliance called Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW), to share opportunities and challenges for growth and investment with cities that expand outside of the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

Council has resolved to approve joining the alliance with a review of its membership within the first 24 months of the formal commencement of RCNSW, to ensure it is meeting its stated objectives.

Sixteen councils have been invited to join RCNSW with a minimum of nine councils required to establish the alliance.

RCNSW will be dedicated to achieving change in regional NSW through policy development and active implementation of those policies, with a focus on improving infrastructure and liveability.

Road closure – Dampier Street Bomen

The part road closure of Dampier Street at Bomen has been approved. The closure forms part of the incorporation into the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub.

Renewal of community, cultural and sporting agreements

Several community, cultural and sporting organisations will have their lease and licence renewal agreements negotiated for use of Council land and buildings. The following organisations are included:

• Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club Inc – Wagga Beach clubhouse
• Wagga Wagga Swimming and Lifesaving Club Inc.- office space at the Oasis
• Wagga Wagga Art Society – Small Street studio
• Amy Hurd Early Learning Centre Inc. – Kulgoa St early learning centre
• North Wagga Australian Football Netball Club Inc. – McPherson Oval clubhouse
• Girl Guides Association of Australia (Turvey Park) – Sunshine Ave clubhouse
• Scouts Association of Australia (Wagga Rover Crew and Kooringal) – Mathoura Ave and Marloo Cres clubhouses
• Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad – Bolton St clubhouse
• KU Children’s Services – Kangaroo, Kookaburra and Kingfisher Preschools – Marloo Cres, Mount Austin Ave and Coleman St preschools
• The Quinty Men’s Shed – Connorton St clubhouse
• Wagga Wagga City Pistol Club Inc. – Tasman Rd clubhouse

Stronger Country Communities Fund – Round 2

Council has received a funding offer from the NSW Government for three sporting and community projects across the Wagga urban area.

Council has accepted the $1,633,249 through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The three projects include female change facilities at Parramore Park ($370,801), upgrades at French Fields, McDonald’s Park and Harris Park ($1,189,073) and a new roof and car parking at Wagga Boat Club ($73,375).

Upgrades for the playing/sporting fields include:

• McDonalds Park: Expanded spectator seating to 450 seats.
• French Fields: Upgrade amenities block, lighting, car parking and levelling of playing fields.
• Harris Park: Lighting upgrade.

Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex funding

Funding for the proposed Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex has been accepted from the NSW Government for the implementation of the project. The State Government offered $6,922,347 towards the $9.2 million project. Council will co-fund the facility with a contribution of $2,307,449.

The cycling complex will be the primary centre for the co-location of cycling sports within the region with capacity to host events and recreational use for all levels from beginners learning to ride, up to and including international events. The facilities will also cater for a wide range of other sporting and recreational pursuits.

It is estimated the project will attract an additional 8,700 visitors to Wagga Wagga each year delivering additional spending of $11.8 million per annum to the local economy.

Ashmont Preschool lease

Council has resolved to accept a submission from KU Children’s Services to lease the Ashmont Preschool.

The property in Moxham Street Ashmont will be leased to KU for a period of five years, starting 1 November 2018. Initial annual rent of $620 per annum including GST will be charged as per Council’s Fees and Charges 2018-19.

The preschool was offered for lease via an Expression of Interest to attract an early childhood education provider.

Floodplain risk management

Council has resolved to accept a tender from GRC Hydro Pty Ltd for the Tarcutta, Ladysmith and Uranquinty Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans.

The document will assist Council to develop strategic plans for mitigating and managing the effects of existing, future and continuing flood risk.

Major events funding

Council has approved sponsorship of two major events in Wagga Wagga next year.

Sponsorship for Wagga Mardi Gras (ACON Health) ($15,000) and Gamma.con Wagga ($10,000) was approved through the 2018-19 Major Events Sponsorship budget.

Gamma.con is a pop culture festival including video games, table top gaming, movies, TV costuming and fashion, writing, drawing/artwork and performance. Wagga Mardi Gras is a new event for the city.