Summary of Council’s 11 December 2023 Ordinary Meeting
Published: 12 Dec 2023 2:21pm
Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre commended for 16 Days of Activism
Council has commended the Wagga Women’s Health Centre for their leadership in facilitating the 16 Days of Activism in Wagga Wagga.
This will occur through a formal written acknowledgement from the mayor’s office on behalf of Council and the community.
Council will also receive a report from staff that outlines Council staff involvement and activities that support prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and noted Council’s adopted Advocacy Plan statement of commitment to the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence being:
“We will advocate for resources and funding levels that support the front-line services and other organisations addressing coercive control, abuse and violence and their delivery of preventative programs to address gender equity and respectful relationships”.
MM-1 MAYORAL MINUTE - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM IN WAGGA WAGGA
Council condemns violence of all kinds
Council has endorsed condemning violence of all kinds and condemns attacks on the civilian population in any conflict/ war.
Further, Council condemns any army, and the controlling government of that army, who use the civilian population as a shield for their activities both in the conduct of war/conflict and in the build-up to potential war/conflict and calls on the initiator of all current wars/conflicts in the world to cease fighting immediately and withdraw from the area of conflict.
Council calls on all parties currently involved in wars/conflicts to enter immediate negotiations for a permanent and peaceful resolution.
Council delegates authority to the mayor to write to the relevant Federal Minister regarding this motion and this country’s obligations to uphold the Rome Statute.
This motion is a declaration of support for the goal of universal peace and goodwill, and for all levels of government to do everything in their power to help bring about this goal.
NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - SUPPORTING PEACE IN GAZA
Development Application deferred – Brindabella Drive, Tatton
Council has endorsed deferring the consideration of DA22/0725.01 for the Use of an Existing Shed and Removal of Building Envelope at 108 Brindabella Drive, Tatton NSW 2650 (Lot 224 DP1247818) pending a site visit and additional information being provided to Councillors.
RP-1 DA22/0725.01 - USE OF EXISTING SHED AND REMOVAL OF BUILDING ENVELOPE
Development Control Plan amendments endorsed
Council adopted changes to the Development Control Plan as per ‘Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 Amendment 27 – Administrative and Policy Position Review’.
RP-2 WAGGA WAGGA DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2010 AMENDMENT 27 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICY POSITION REVIEW
Development Application approved – 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga
Council endorsed the approval of DA22/0009 for alterations and additions to the existing pub at 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga, subject to the conditions contained within the s4.15 Assessment Report.
Council acknowledged the right of the applicant to lodge a further development application or modification application to vary the times of operation of the beer garden.
RP-3 DA22/0009 - ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO EXISTING PUB (SPORTSMENS CLUB HOTEL), 107 KINCAID STREET, WAGGA WAGGA
Petition noted; existing policy to be reviewed
Council endorsed receiving and noting a petition received and dated 23 October 2023 from 62 signatories “seeking the introduction of a Council Policy which would provide for the removal of naming plaques and / or signage recognising a person or persons in circumstances where such a person or persons have subsequently fallen from grace through inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviours”.
Council noted that it can already remove naming plaques and signage, the action of which would predominately fall under two existing policies within Council: the Parks Naming Policy – POL 055; and the Plagues Policy – POL 028. Both policies already have provisions which allow for the removal of a plaque, name or signage under a variety of circumstances.
Following the submission of the petition, Council endorsed receiving a further report following a review of the Plaques Naming Policy (POL 028)
RP-4 PETITION - REMOVAL OF NAME PLAQUES AND SIGNAGE
Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management endorsed
Council endorsed submitting the Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (NSW DPE) for review.
Once endorsed by NSW DPE, Council have endorsed placing the Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management on public exhibition for a period of 42 days and will receive a further report following the public exhibition period detailing submissions.
Council noted that the proposed additional annual maintenance budget outlined in the financial implications section of this report will be considered during the draft 2024/25 Long Term Financial Plan process.
RP-5 MARRAMBIDYA WETLAND PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
Lake Albert water treatment trial for blue-green algae
Council endorsed noting the information in a report regarding a possible algae treatment for Lake Albert and will consider funding a trial of the algae treatment at the February 2024 Councillor budget workshop, in conjunction with other budget considerations.
Council noted that the expected potential future operating costs are likely to exceed $1 million annually for the algae treatment and pipeline, excluding any costs attributable to the pipeline construction and that these operational costs would require the identification of a funding source that could include a special rate variation.
Lake Albert (Lake) is a 121-hectare lake that has been a significant recreational, economic, and environmental asset to the city for more than a century. The Lake suffers recurring periods of drying out and Blue Green Algae (BGA) outbreaks limiting its use during times when it contains water.
As part of its work on mitigating these ongoing issues, Council was successful in obtaining a 1.8 gigalitre specific purpose water licence to support the Lake volume.
In relation to blue green algae (BGA), staff have been reviewing several emerging products which are marketed as a preventative and or treatment of BGA. Three possible products have been investigated over the past 12 months.
Council received a report that provides information on the budget implications of continuing the pipeline, operating the pipeline and trialling the BGA treatment in the Lake. The pipeline from the river to the Lake is being designed now.
The purpose of the report is to identify the forecast annual costs for inclusions in 2024/25 budget process and ongoing costs.
RP-6 LAKE ALBERT WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY
Trial for Pot-Hole Pro machine
Council received and noted a report into the JCB Pot-Hole Pro machine and its suitability for Wagga Wagga’s road network.
Council agreed to engage Roadworx Industries to wet-hire a Pot-Hole Pro machine for a minimum one-week demonstration.
Following the trial, Council will receive a further report following the demonstration that provides an evaluation of this machine against Councils current pothole filling and repair practices.
This is a response to the Notice of Motion adopted at the 18 September 2023 Council meeting, providing an analysis and recommendation in relation to a trial of the JCB Pothole Pro machine.
RP-7 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - CALL FOR A TRIAL AND DEMONSTRATION TO FIX POTHOLES PROPERLY AND FAST
No changes to parking arrangements for special events at the Victory Memorial Gardens
Council endorsed receiving a report that provides details of the parking arrangements and drop off zones in the streets surrounding the Victory Memorial Gardens and provides a list of all the events that have booked with Council in the Victory Memorial Gardens for the last three years.
The report was referred to the Local Traffic Committee at its meeting on the 16 November 2023.
The report does not recommend any changes to parking arrangements or drop off zones around the gardens.
RP-8 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - SPECIAL EVENTS AND VICTORY MEMORIAL GARDENS
Facility Fees and Charges
Council received a report that proposes to add a number of new fees for 2023/24 for Estella Public School, Duke of Kent Hall, McPherson Oval lighting and Oasis Aqua/Fitness classes.
Council will place the new fees and charges on public exhibition for an extended period and invites public submissions.
Following the public exhibition period Council will receive a further report addressing any submissions made in respect of the proposed new fees.
Further, Council proposed the adoption of the new fees and charges unless there are any recommended amendments that will require a further public exhibition
RP-9 FACILITY ADDITIONAL FEES & CHARGES
Council’s 2023/24 budget balanced, and variations approved
Council approved the proposed 2023/24 budget variations for the month ended 30 November 2023 and noted the balanced budget position as presented in the report. Council approved the proposed budget variations to the 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program including new projects and future year timing adjustments.
Some of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget Variations for 30 November 2023 which affect the current 2023/24 financial year are listed below:
Festival of W ongoing funding: As per the Councillor Workshop held on Monday 16 October 2023, this project was put forward for ongoing annual base funding of $350,000 for the proposed events beyond 2025 for nine years as part of the Long-Term Financial Plan budget process to ensure the longevity and sustainability of this event.
GWMC Cell Extension: Funds are required for the extension of an existing waste cell at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC).
Bus Shelter Installations: Council has been successful in securing Transport for NSW grant funding under the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) for the installation of three bus shelters within the LGA.
Bushfire Hazard Mitigation: Council has been successful in securing grant funds for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for Bushfire Hazard Mitigation. The funds will allow Council Officers to undertake Transport Corridor Fire Break works at 13 locations.
RP-10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2023
Investment Policy reviewed, approved
Council endorsed the approval of the reviewed Investment Policy, noting the recommendation from the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, noting only minor changes were proposed to POL 075 – Investment Policy. Council’s Investment Policy is required to be reviewed annually with any amendments approved by Council.
RP-11 POL 075 - INVESTMENT POLICY
Council Audited Financial Statements received
Council approved receiving the 2022/23 Audited Financial Statements, together with the Auditor’s Reports on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 and will receive a further report if any public submissions are received.
Council resolved to sign the 2022/23 Financial Statements at the 27 November 2023 Extraordinary Council Meeting, enabling Council officers to lodge the financial statements with the Office of Local Government (OLG) prior to the 30 November 2023 approved extension due date.
Council’s external auditors, NSW Audit Office have completed their Auditor’s Report, and have provided this to Council for their information.
RP-12 PRESENTATION OF THE 2022/23 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Sale of land for unpaid rates
Council noted the results of the Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates Auction held on 28 October 2023, pursuant to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 – Regs 131 (3) and 4(b) and will write off rates and charges of $817.16 for the property at 32 Tichborne Crescent Kooringal NSW 2650.
RP-13 2023 SALE OF LAND FOR UNPAID RATES - UPDATE ON PUBLIC AUCTION AND SALE PROCESS
Code of Conduct statistics reported
Council received and noted the Reporting Statistics on Code of Conduct Complaints about Councillors and the General Manager, in accordance with Part 11 of the Administrative Procedures of the Code of Conduct.
Council is to provide the Office of Local Government NSW (OLG) with a report containing the statistics referred to in clause 11.1 within three months of the end of September of each year.
RP-14 CODE OF CONDUCT STATISTICS
Public Interest Policy endorsed
Council endorsed adopting the Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097), noting there was one submission received during the public exhibition period for the draft policy.
RP-15 PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE POLICY (POL 097)
Bomen lease renewed
Council approved the delegation of authority to the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate entry into a commercial lease agreement at 57 Dampier Street, Bomen (being Lot 23 DP 1227522) with Austrak Pty Ltd ACN 008 925 031.
CONF-1 PROPOSED RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL LEASE - 57 DAMPIER STREET, BOMEN
Wagga Tigers and Netball Club lease renewed
Council approved the delegation of authority to the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a Crown Lease agreement with Wagga Tigers Australian Football and Netball Club Incorporated over the land located at 23 Fitzhardinge Street, Wagga Wagga (being Lot 336 DP 1034475).
CONF -2 PROPOSED RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL LEASE - 23 FITZHARDINGE STREET, WAGGA WAGGA
Council renews lease for Museum of the Riverina site
Council approved the delegation of authority to the General Manager or their delegate to exercise the option to renew Council’s lease from Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society Inc. ABN 88 838 712 334 at 127 Lord Baden Powell Drive being Lot 1 DP 747896, known as the Museum of the Riverina.
CONF-3 RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT - 127 LORD BADEN POWELL DRIVE, TURVEY PARK
RiFL EOIs outcomes
Council endorsed noting the report and recommendations within the Expression of Interest Evaluation Report which provided Council the outcomes of the Expression of Interest land sale process for the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub and Special Activation Precinct (SAP) Stage A industrial subdivisions.
Council authorised the General Manager or delegate to enter negotiations with the parties as recommended in the report, including entering into contract of sale for Part Lot 11 DP 1223041.
Further to this, Council authorised the General Manager or delegate to extend Colliers International Pty Ltd engagement until December 2024 to market any remaining unsold land parcels in accordance with their existing contract terms.
Council will receive a further report on any future proposed sales of the remaining lots within Lot 11 DP 1223041 the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RIFL) Hub industrial subdivision for Council endorsement.
CONF-4 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST OUTCOME REPORT - BOMEN LAND SALES
Gravel contract awarded
Council endorsed accepting the offer of EB Mawson and Son Pty Ltd (ABN: 14 004 519 617) for the winning and crushing of gravel in the schedule of rates submitted with their offer and authorised the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a contract with EB Mawson and Son Pty Ltd (ABN: 14 004 519 617) for the winning and crushing of gravel.
CONF-5 RFT2024-01 WINNING & CRUSHING OF GRAVEL
Contract awarded for design and construction of Jubilee Park Athletics Centre
Council endorsed accepting the offer of Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (ABN: 90 111 057 606) in the lump sum amount of $3,854,056.35 for the Design and Construction of the Jubilee Park Athletics Centre (RFT2024-02).
Council will decline all tenders for the delivery of Bulk Earthworks and Stormwater for the Jubilee Park Athletics Centre (RFT2024-12) in accordance with Clause 178(1)(b) of the Local Government (General Regulation) 2005, and pursuant to clause 178(3)(e) of the Local Government (General Regulation) 2005, authorise the General Manager, or their delegate, to enter into negotiations with the intention of entering into a contract for the Bulk Earthworks and Stormwater for the Jubilee Park Athletics Centre.
Council noted that the reason for entering into negotiations is that a change to the scope of works is required following receipt of the design and construction tenders.
Additionally, Council endorsed accepting the offer of JRC Electrical Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 11 600 156 349) in the lump sum amount of $381,114 excluding GST, for Lighting Design and Construction for the Jubilee Park Athletics Centre (RFT2024-14).
CONF-6 JUBILEE PARK ATHLETICS CENTRE PROJECTS - RFT2024-02, RFT2024-12 & RFT2024-14
Livestock Marketing Centre upgrades
Council has endorsed declining all tenders for the design and construction of the cattle delivery ramps and sheep draft ramps at the Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC), and entering into negotiations with the intention of entering into a contract for the design and construction of the cattle delivery ramps and sheep draft ramps at the LMC.
Council noted that the reason for entering into negotiations is that the tender bids submitted do not meet the available budget, and modifications required cannot be undertaken without negotiation. Council noted the reason for not inviting fresh tenders is that it is expected negotiation will provide a satisfactory outcome.
The LMC provide facilities and infrastructure to support the sales of sheep and cattle on a regular weekly basis.
This project sets out to replace 15 livestock loading ramps within the existing footprint. Six adjustable cattle ramps will be replaced with transport industry endorsed fixed under/over ramps in alignment with the same ramp and nine sheep ramps will be replaced and re-aligned from 90 degrees to 45 degrees from the front of the sheepyards to facilitate ease of docking for larger configured transport vehicles.
These works will improve accessibility and animal flow within the LMC with the intention to increase efficiency during these associated activities.
CONF-7 RFT2024-07 REALIGN CATTLE DELIVERY RAMPS & SHEEP DRAFT RAMPS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LMC
Active Travel network Stage 3 designs to progress
Council endorsed accepting the offer of Westlake Punnet and Associates Pty Ltd (ABN: 38 120 322 536) in the lump sum amount of $739,200 excluding GST for the provision of detailed plans for Active Travel Plan 3.
The Active Travel Plan is a series of shared pathways and Active Travel facilities that link the outer suburbs of Wagga Wagga to the central business area and end of trip facilities.
Stage 3 of the ATP consists of eight new links of shared pathways and crossing treatments.
These links are spread across the city of Wagga and will involve the design of new and shared pathways, the upgrade of existing pathways, crossing treatments, line marking and signage and the design of a new major bridge structure crossing the Murrumbidgee River.
In total, there is approximately 15km of new shared pathways to be designed under this package of works and one major bridge structure.
CONF-8 RFQ2024-509 ATP3 DETAILED DESIGN