Summary of Council’s 3 April 2023 Ordinary Meeting

Published: 05 Apr 2023 8:34am

Council to seek assurance from Federal Government against a bail-in of bank deposits

Council resolved to authorise the General Manager to write to the Federal Treasurer seeking an assurance in writing that this council’s bank deposits are safe in the current banking crisis and also to write to the Australian Local Government Association for consideration in the upcoming annual conference looking for support in seeking clarification from the Federal Government.

NOM-1 SEEKING ASSURANCE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGAINST BAIL-IN OF COUNCIL’S BANK DEPOSITS IN THE EVENT OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CRISIS

Traffic Management in the Northern Growth Area

Council has resolved to support the project variation and resulting budget changes to upgrade existing road infrastructure to adequately service the northern growth areas of Boorooma, Estella and Gobbagombalin.

In this meeting Council adopted the proposed funding methodology for the rehabilitation of Pine Gully Road and Estella Road. Council also noted the roll out of roads infrastructure to manage increased traffic flows in the northern growth area. Works are also required on Boorooma Street to service this growth.

In rezoning the Local Environmental Plan to establish the northern growth areas of Wagga Wagga, the Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan was updated to collect contributions from developers to upgrade existing road infrastructure to adequately service the growth.

RP-2 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN THENORTHERN GROWTH AREA

Airport fees and charges to increase

Council resolved to adopt the proposed Airport Fees and Charges for the 2023/24 financial year, to commence from 1 July 2023, after being on public exhibition. New Passenger Service Charges will commence from 1 August 2023.

RP-3 2023/24 AIRPORT FEES AND CHARGES

Council’s Operational Performance Report received

Council has received and noted the Operational Performance Report 2022/23 six-monthly progress update for the period 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Council is required to report its progress against the Delivery Program at least every six months. The Operational Performance Report 2022/23 six-monthly progress update provides an overview of Council’s activities and performance between 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Through this report, Council looks at what has been accomplished throughout the first half of the financial year and the progress made in implementing Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2022/23.

The five strategic directions as set out in the Community Strategic Plan 2040 provide the structure for the report demonstrating our commitment to achieving our long-term objectives and ultimately our community’s vision for the future.

Progress of majority of actions identified in the Operational Plan are progressing according to schedule, with 248 (87.3%) of the actions having a status of ‘On track / Completed’.

RP-4 OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - 1 JULY 2022 TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

Supplier of Council’s insurance products and risk advisory services appointed

Council approved the recommendation to appoint a supplier for the placement of Council’s insurance products and the provision of risk advisory services.

CONF-1 RFT 2023-13 PLACEMENT OF INSURANCE AND PROVISION OF RISK ADVISORY SERVICES

Planning to begin for a City Centre Masterplan

Council resolved to enter a contract for the provision of a masterplan for the city centre.

The aim of the Central Business District (CBD) Masterplan is to provide a clear strategic planning and place-based approach for the future of the Wagga Wagga CBD. Wagga Wagga City Centre hosts a strategically significant cluster of retailers, professional and government offices and business-to-business services that play a key role in the economic and employment life of the Riverina-Murray, as well as contributing to Wagga Wagga’s standing as the regional capital of southern NSW that serves a population of over 175,000 people and 1.4 million visitors (on average per year).

The need to provide an up-to-date vision and strategic direction for the CBD is well documented, with funding allocated in the council budget to undertake a Masterplan in 2023/24. Key drivers that underpin the need for this strategy include the current housing crisis in regional NSW, and the need to enable growth, attract investment and contribute to a vibrant and thriving city.

The adopted Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement (February 2021) specifically identifies the need to prepare a masterplan for the CBD (Action ECON2). The LSPS also identifies the need for a vibrant, strong and prosperous CBD as critical for the longer-term success of the city and the broader region (Principle 4: The southern capital of New South Wales).

Council officers are currently engaged in forming an engagement strategy for both the Housing Strategy and the CBD Masterplan. The engagement process will involve reaching diverse stakeholders which includes but is not limited to youth, schools, industries, business groups and consideration of future residents.

CONF-2 RFQ2023-516 CITY CENTRE MASTERPLAN

Creation of a Wagga Wagga Housing Strategy to commence

Council resolved to enter into a contract to develop a strategy for the mix and provision of housing to Wagga Wagga.

The adopted Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement (Feb 2021) identifies the need to prepare a Housing Strategy for the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA). The recently adopted Riverina-Murray Regional Plan 2041 – prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment – also emphasises the importance of preparing housing strategies across the region.

In late 2022, the NSW State Government commenced Round 1 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, aimed to assist councils with funding to prepare strategic documents that will enhance housing supply. Council was successful in securing funding through this Fund which, alongside increased staff resourcing, has enabled the prioritisation of preparing the Housing Strategy.

Creating a Housing Strategy for Wagga Wagga will enable Council to address key housing issues within the LGA across the short, medium and long-term. The Housing Strategy will create a clear evidence base for housing supply, demand, diversity and affordability across Wagga Wagga, and will identify suitable areas for additional housing into the future. It is critical to address these issues to enable Council to provide a high quality of life for residents of all backgrounds, ages and incomes.

CONF-3 RFT2023-23 WAGGA WAGGA HOUSING STRATEGY

Old Narrandera Road Upgrade

Council resolved to enter a contract for an upgrade to a section of the Old Narrandera Road from Pine Gully Road to near the Olympic Highway.

RFT2023-022 OLD NARRANDERA ROAD UPGRADE