Aerial image of Wollundry Lagoon, Wagga Civic Centre building and front of Wagga Civic Theatre building.

Council

Summary of Council’s 28 October 2024 Ordinary Meeting

Published: 29 Oct 2024 10:26am

On-site sewage management plan

Council has requested a report on how this term of Council can review the On-Site Sewage Management Plan 2024-2028, including but not limited to: a draft risk-based management regime for all on-site sewage management systems; and a comprehensive consultation program to enable the community to have input into the draft risk-based management regime

NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Forest Hill Community Hall progress

Council has requested a report on the progress of constructing a Community Hall in Forest Hill to replace the community space lost when the Forest Hill Tennis Courts club house was demolished.

The notice of motion asked for details on what plans are currently in place to construct a community hall, and funding sources available including any government grants.

NOM-2 NOTICE OF MOTION - FOREST HILL COMMUNITY HALL

Reconnecting Rivers Country program

Council has agreed to take up the request to receive an in-person update and workshop on what the Reconnecting Rivers Country Program involves and the effects on our Local Government Area (LGA) and our residents.

Following the workshop Council will write to:

The NSW Minister for Water, Housing and Homelessness the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC; all other members of RAMJO and any other Councils located on the Murrumbidgee River; and, the Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke MP.

Council will receive a report on the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Rivers Country Program that includes a complete list of where proposed consultation for the Landholder Negotiation Scheme was advertised.

NOM-3 NOTICE OF MOTION - RECONNECTING RIVERS COUNTRY PROGRAM

Annual financial statements

Council has noted the resolution from the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee meeting held on 17 October 2024 regarding the 2023/24 Financial Statements and approved the signing of the 2023/24 Financial Statements pursuant to Section 413 (2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

It will receive a report on the audited financial reports and auditors report at the 25 November 2024 Council Meeting.

RP-1 2023/24 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Council committees

Councillors supported the formation of, and election of members to, Council committees. For further information visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/committeeswhich will be updated with the new details shortly.

RP-2 COUNCIL COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

Budget variations approved

Council approved the proposed 2024/25 budget variations for the month ended 30 September 2024 and noted the balanced budget position presented in the report.

Various funding opportunities for Council works and projects were also approved in the Financial Performance Report to 30 September 2024. The budget variations approved include:

  • Pomingalarna Shed Construction - $235,000
    Funds were approved for construction of a new maintenance shed at the Pomingalarna Cycling Complex to accommodate the existing plant and resources that are used to maintain the cycling complex and surrounding suburbs.
  • Bushfire Hazard Mitigation - $48,000
    Council has been successful in securing funds from the NSW RFS for Bushfire Hazard Mitigation. These funds will allow Council Officers to undertake Asset Protection Zone Maintenance at 13 locations.
  • Airport Screening - $60,000
    Funds were approved to increase the Airport maintenance agreement for the Screening Equipment from Bronze to Gold. This is due to the ageing of the current Screening Equipment and increased system failures which has resulted in higher corrective maintenance costs.
  • Civic Theatre Structural Assessment - $30,000
    Funds were approved for the Civic Theatre to undertake a structural assessment of the building to obtain the load limits on the superstructure over the stage for the current fly system to ensure compliance of load limitations. It is proposed to fund the variation from the Civic Theatre Reserve.
  • Washbay Waste/Oil Separator Pit - $65,000
    Funding for the Alan Turner Depot Washbay Project Upgrade was approved. Additional funds were requested due to the quotes for the project, including project management and contingency, being higher than originally estimated. This project includes wastewater disposal, a new water/oil separator processing unit and internal pit upgrade to ensure regulatory and environmental compliance within the wash bay area.
  • Safety Upgrades to Community Centres - $46,000
    As part of Council’s annual asset management audit of community buildings two Council owned buildings, being Ngurra Hub at 15 Blakemore Avenue, Ashmont and the Senior Citizens Centre at 240 Tarcutta Street, were identified as requiring upgrades to their external security systems. These upgrades will include access control and external CCTV cameras connected to Council’s Central CCTV system.
  • Ivan Jack Drive Bridge Structural Rectification - $623,000
    Additional funds were approved for structural rectification of the Ivan Jack Drive Bridge, located near Johnston and Trail Streets. Council’s Operations team have identified required road works that intersect the bridge structure, from Johnston Street to The Esplanade/Best Street intersection, however the bridge works are required to be completed first.

RP-3 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Waste disposal subsidies

Council has endorsed a further $750 in Financial Assistance for the waste disposal subsidy for the Men’s Shed Wagga Wagga, bringing the total allowable subsidy for 2024/25 up to $1,000.00 for this group.

RP-4 APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FOR CHARITY ORGANISATIONS

State of the City report

Council has received and noted the State of the City Report which provides a summary of the progress on the implementation and effectiveness of the Community Strategic Plan 2040 and focuses on the period 1 July 2021 through to 30 June 2024.

RP-5 INTEGRATED PLANNING AND REPORTING (IP&R) - STATE OF THE CITY REPORT