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Agenda and
Business Paper

 


Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday 26 July 2021

at 6.00pm

 

 

 

Civic Centre cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets,
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (PO Box 20)
P 1300 292 442
P council@wagga.nsw.gov.au


wagga.nsw.gov.au


NOTICE OF MEETING

 

In pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1993 and the Regulations there under, notice is hereby given that an Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Corner Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga, on Monday 26 July 2021 at 6.00pm.

 

Council live streams video and audio of Council meetings. Members of the public are advised that their voice and/or image may form part of the webcast.

 

 

2Peter_500px

 

Mr Peter Thompson

General Manager

 


WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCILLORS

 

 

Councillor G

Mayor

Councillor Greg

Conkey OAM

Councillor D

Deputy Mayor

Councillor Dallas Tout

Councillor Y

Councillor Yvonne Braid

Councillor D

Councillor Dan Hayes

Councillor V

Councillor Vanessa Keenan

Councillor R

Councillor Rod Kendall

Councillor T

Councillor Tim Koschel

Councillor K

Councillor Kerry Pascoe

 

 

QUORUM

The quorum for a meeting of the Council is a majority of the Councillors of the Council who hold office for the time being who are eligible to vote at the meeting.


COUNCIL MEETING ROOM

 


Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 26 July 2021.

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 26 July 2021

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE               PRECIS                            PAGE

PRAYER                                                                                                 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                    3

APOLOGIES                                                                                           3

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1           Ordinary Council Meeting - 12 July 2020                                                                          3

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                              3

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1        NOTICE OF MOTION - TURVEY PARK AND MT AUSTIN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS                                               4

Councillor Report

CR-1           NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION                                                  6

Reports from Staff

RP-1           Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 - Increase to Wagga Wagga LEP Height of Buildings standard at 63-65 Johnston Street                                       15

RP-2           Planning Proposal LEP20/0007 - Land zoning boundary adjustments to lands nearby Pine Gully Road, Avocet Drive and Rainbow Drive, Estella        28

RP-3           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Rural Halls                                                             41

RP-4           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Arts, Culture and Creative Industries         44

RP-5           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Recreational Facilities                          49

RP-6           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Events                                                          54

RP-7           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Youth Led Initiatives                                             59

RP-8           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Natural Environment                              64

RP-9           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Local Heritage                                                       68

RP-10          Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Neighbourhood and Rural Villages   73

RP-11          Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Small Business                                                       78

RP-12          RRL DEED OF AGREEMENT EXPIRY DATE AND WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS                         83

RP-13          Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Community Programs and Projects    94

RP-14          APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FOR CHARITY OGANISATIONS    99

RP-15          COMMUNITY@WORK FUND - OUTCOME OF GRANT FUNDING SUBMISSIONS                  101

RP-16          2020/21 WORKS IN PROGRESS AND REVOTES, 2021/22 BUDGET VARIATIONS AND 30 JUNE 2021 INVESTMENT REPORT           106

RP-17          SECTION 356 REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE                                                128

RP-18          Proposed New and Amended Fees and Charges for 2021/22                                136

RP-19          IMPLEMENTATION OF INLAND WATER SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE       139

RP-20          Funding Offer - Renewal of Wagga Wagga Kart Club Facility                    197

RP-21          PROPOSED ALL ABILITIES WHARF AT LAKE ALBERT                                                        201

RP-22          Proposed Extension of Area Licensed to Shaw Street Children's Centre Inc.                                                                      207

RP-23          PETITION - WAGGA WAGGA RAIL TRAIL     212

RP-24          2021 CARETAKER PERIOD                           224

RP-25          RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS                                                   226

RP-26          RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE                                                         228

RP-27          GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT - RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - 31 MARCH 2021                          230

Committee Minutes

M-1             RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - 31 MARCH 2021     234

M-2             TRAFFIC COMMITTEE - ELECTRONIC MEETING - 13 MAY 2021 & 8 July 2021       246   

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE                                               256

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       RFQ2021-542 SUPPLY, SUPPLY & LAY DENSELY GRADED ASPHALT                      257

CONF-2       RFQ2021-552 ATP II LAKE ALBERT LINKS ASPHALT CONCRETE                                   258

CONF-3       RFT2021-24 ATP 1 CONCRETE SECTIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCT                                259

CONF-4       RFT2021-22GWMC GAS TURBINE AND LEACHATE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION                                           260

CONF-5       PROPOSED SUB-LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT CAR HIRE DESK 3                         261

CONF-6       PROPOSED ASSIGNMENT OF AIRPORT SUB-LEASES - LIGHT AIRCRAFT PRECINCT HANGAR SITE 17                                          262

CONF-7       PROPOSED SUB-LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT CAR HIRE DESK 4                         263

CONF-8       Funding Proposal for Pomingalarna Stage 2 Works                                          264

CONF-9       PROPERTY ACQUISITION - 54 JOHNSON ST, WAGGA WAGGA                                           265

CONF-10     Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 - Proposed Fee Waiver                                                                      266

 


 

 

PRAYER

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

 

 

APOLOGIES

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1            Ordinary Council Meeting - 12 July 2020         

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 12 July 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Minutes - 12 July 2021

267

 

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

NOM-1

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1         NOTICE OF MOTION - TURVEY PARK AND MT AUSTIN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Author:        Councillor Dan Hayes

 

 

Summary:

The purpose of this Notice of Motion is to call for a report on improving pedestrian safety in Turvey Park and Mt Austin.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive a report outlining:

a      any possible pedestrian safety improvements along Mitchelmore Street and Northcott Parade

b      investigate improvements for pedestrian access to the Botanic Gardens facilities along Macleay Street from Urana Street and Hodson Avenue

c      consideration of any improvements to be included in any grant or funding opportunities and additions to future works plans

 

Report

Mitchelmore Street and Northcott Parade have become busy roads, especially during peak times. Oddly though, from the intersection of Fernleigh Road to Leavenworth Drive the ability to safely cross the road is significantly less than parts of the Mitchelmore Street that precede it. Northcott Parade ultimately ends with poor accessibility for pedestrians to cross Northcott Parade safely and easily to access the pedestrian crossing to the school.

 

The intersection at Fernleigh has also increased in traffic as well as the popularity of the shops at the Turvey Tops Shopping Centre and surrounds has led to increased pedestrians, yet the intersection provides significant dangers to cross safely.

 

One of Wagga’s best attractions is the Botanic Gardens, yet pedestrian access is limited. Currently access to the facilities is only available to able bodied people unless you are prepared to share the roads with traffic. It is recognised the roads in the Botanic Gardens are 15kms to provide a safe and possible shared road, but access to them is difficult if not dangerous.

 

We all recognise that as Wagga continues to grow improvements are needed in places where the current infrastructure has been sufficient for decades. Eventually though they become not fit for purpose. By creating plans for these areas of high use and adding them to work plans or as part of grant and funding applications we can ensure their suitability for the decades to come.

Financial Implications

N/A

 

 

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Safe and Healthy Community

Objective: We are safe

Outcome: We create safe spaces and places

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-1

 

Councillor Report

CR-1            NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Author:        The Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM

                    Councillor Rod Kendall

                    Councillor Dan Hayes

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report by the Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, Councillor Dan Hayes and Councillor Rod Kendall regarding the 27 National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association.

 

Report

The Wagga Wagga City Council was represented by the Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, Councillors Dan Hayes and Rod Kendall and the General Manager, Peter Thompson at the 27th National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association was held in Canberra from June 20 to 23.

 

Report from The Mayor Councillor Greg Conkey OAM

 

Speakers included the then Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, the then Minister for Local Government, Mark Coulton, Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, Shadow Minister for Local Government, Jason Clare, Resilience Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, Coordinator of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, Shane Stone, Network Ten’s Political Editor, Peter Van Onselen, Prof Mary-Louise McLaws, Prof Gigi Foster, Prof Sanjaya Senanayake, Craig Foster and Prof Tom Calma.

 

Ten’s Political Editor, Peter Can Onselen, spoke about his poor track record in predicting political outcomes which included (in his opening remarks) Michael McCormack retaining his position as Deputy Prime Minister.

 

He went on to predict the conservatives winning the next federal election and believes the next election will be held before the end of this calendar year.

 

Three speakers addressed the conference on the impacts of COVID-19.

 

Prof Mary-Louise McLaws and Prof Sanjaya Senanayake said:

 

·    The COVID war was still very much an issue with the globe now experiencing a third wave;

·    There have been 175m cases of COVID 19 worldwide with 3.8m deaths;

·    The world can expect more strains with the Delta strain 70 to 80 percent more contagious than previous strains;

·    Every time Sydney or Melbourne is locked down the cost is $1b a week;

·    Eighty percent of the population needed to be vaccinated;

·    135 vaccines are currently in trials;

·    25 percent of Australia’s population has received one vaccine, only three percent have received two.

 

Prof Gigi Foster put forward a different viewpoint.

 

The Professor spoke about the huge economic impact on the country (despite there being less than 1000 deaths), the disruptions to children’s education, the mass loneliness and the reductions to general wellbeing.

 

Whilst the Professor said there was a need to protect the most vulnerable and to adopt strict hygiene methods, she argued against mass lockdowns and the closure of borders.

 

The Shadow Minister for Local Government, Jason Clare, said when Labor gets re-elected, he will advocate for the inclusion of a Local Government representative in the National Cabinet and will support the constitutional recognition of local government.

 

The regional director of CyberArk, Thomas Fikentscher, gave a grim picture of the extent of what he described as the Cyber Pandemic.

 

He said there has been a 102% increase in ransomware attacks this year compared to 2020 and highlighted one international company in recent weeks paying more than $14m to hackers to have their data reinstated.

 

He said the average cost of a cyber breach in Australia was $3.3m; there were 59,806 reported cybercrimes in Australia last year; and there has been a 23% increase in government breaches.

 

Mr Fikentscher said it was a question of when, not if, individuals, companies and government bodies were attacked.

 

His top three recommendations for Local Government were:

 

1. assign accountability and make cyber risk management a standing agenda item;

2. run a security assessment; and

3. apply a programmatic approach (Blueprint) and focus on rapid risk mitigation.

 

Report from Councillor Rod Kendall

 

Planning a Prosperous Future

 

Danielle Wood, CEO, Grattan Institute

 

COVID and the Economy

 

·    The recovery is going well with the country containing the economic hit well and illness and deaths.

·    The recovery has been a “V” shape and the forecast is that growth will continue. All governments spent big.

·    Household income increased but consumption decreased resulting in household savings increasing. The prediction is that the savings will be spent as consumer confidence is high.

·    Vaccination hesitancy is 26%. A well targeted campaign will be required to get vaccination rates up.

·    Lockdowns have had a big impact on GDP. Boarder closures have a social and economic effect.

·    The longer we wait to reopen international boarders the more our competitors have a jump on us.

·    Federal government policy continues to support the economy. This is a big shift away from balance budgets to reducing unemployment.

·    The US is also adopting a jump start the economy strategy.

·    This strategy has its critics, overheating the economy is a risk and that would lead to high inflation. But economists generally support the strategy.

·    We will see at least a decade of budget deficits.

·    The size of government has increased, this may be permanent. Debt has significantly increased.

·    Expect more debate on tax cuts.

·    We will know more in a week when the government releases its Intergenerational report.

·    LG remains constrained by rating constraints.

·    Large businesses are open to hybrid work models.

·    Online Medical services and consumption will continue to grow.

 

What does it mean?

·    There will be an attraction for people living up to 200km from their workplace. Areas with public transport links will benefit most.

·    The rise in the circular economy will support local economy growth.

·    There has been little progress on moving to a net zero carbon economy.

·    Green Steel is the biggest opportunity for Australia. Hydrogen energy will be critical.

 

Marlene Karosviskiy

 

Every age counts

·    Minimising the value of older citizens is causing major harm to society, the economy and individuals.

·    The elimination of ageism will result in major social capital gains as a broader community and for individuals.

·    We are living longer and healthier than any previous generation.

·    Romilly Madew, CEO, Infrastructure Australia:

·    Strengthening Social Capital.

·    Infrastructure is fundamental to our wellbeing.

·    We need an adaptive approach to infrastructure planning- place based planning.

 

Hon Scott Morrison, PM

 

The Prime Minister spoke in regard to the pandemic and the response to unexpected events that all LGs continue to play a critically important role. He highlighted the current government programs that assist LG.

 


 

Michael McCormack. Dep PM

 

Thanked all of us in LG for the work we do. Acknowledged the difficulties and challenges that communities have experienced and continue to experience with both natural events and the pandemic.

 

Intimated that some of the COVID responses had caused unnecessary difficulties in regional areas.

 

Spoke to the current program of regional infrastructure improvement programs.

 

The next regional infrastructure fund will include a decentralisation component.

 

Linda Scott, President ALGA

 

Working together for our communities. Linda emphasised the importance of jobs in our local communities. The response to unexpected events and difficulties is a hallmark of Local Government’s abilities to support local communities.

 

The importance of being financially sustainable has been highlighted by the pandemic shutdown, particularly highlighting the importance of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).

 

LG must have a seat at the national cabinet so that the other levels of government understand the local effects of the decisions that are made at that level. The exclusion of LG indicates a lack of fundamental understanding at a federal level of the work undertaken by LG in local communities and the broad range of functions that LG has assumed by necessity.

 

What can we do going forward?

 

“We must advocate for a common set of priorities combined with local issues. FAGs must increase, growing local jobs is critical.”

 

Peter Van Onselen, Political Editor The Australian

 

Peter firstly outlined the difficulty of predicting political outcomes.

 

The future:

 

·    Scott Morrison will win the next election. The government needs to win seats. The result will be narrow. It’s difficult to see how Labor can win the seats it needs to win especially in Qld and Vic.

·    The result will come down to NSW. The Libs have a real chance to pick up 4 to 5 seats. Albanese is not seen as an alternative PM. The timing of the election will be critical. The gut feel is that the end of the year was the original plan. Delaying past the end of the year gives no added favourable issues but does introduce more risk.

·    The big thing the government has in its favour is fund raising.

·    The impact of COVID and the processes. The exclusion of LG from national cabinet speaks to the risks of increased centralisation of power and decision making both at a federal level and at state level. Process is the key to good outcomes; the centralised process increases the risk of poor outcomes.

 

COVID-The long goodbye

 

Prof Mary Louise Mclaws

 

A lot of the world is in the 3rd wave. India is only in its second wave. The vast majority of the world is still at significant risk. Virus evolution continues. We now have 4 variants of concern, none yet of high concern. All variants have crossed continents.

 

Vaccine efficacy is reduced with the variants. Delta is the current dominant variant.

Current quarantine needs improvement. Home quarantine needs to be developed, utilising both antigen and antibody testing. None of us are yet safe enough. We need 80% vaccinated.

 

Prof Gigi Foster

 

Gigi gave an economics realist view point which basically outlined how the COVID response has led to long term damage to the world GDP, individual health outcomes and disrupted education. Gigi is firmly of the belief that future responses should be based around more wholistic advice.

 

Prof Sanjaya Senanayake

 

Vaccine landscape: COVID viruses normally mutate at a slower rate than we are seeing. The big variant of concern is Delta it’s more infectious and more vaccine resistant. The vaccine development has been extremely quick, and this is of significant help to the world. MRN vaccines only take about 6 weeks to create a variation as against 6 months traditionally. All vaccines will have some side effects.

 

We have the Nova vaccine on the horizon, protein based.

 

Hon Jason Clare. Shadow minister for Regional Services, Territories, and LG

 

When the shadow cabinet visited the south coast after last year’s fires, they were particularly struck by the personal toll taken by the people generally but the front-line workers in particular.

 

LG is often forgotten as a first responder body.

 

Not having LG on the national cabinet is a big mistake and will be corrected by Labor if they get the chance.

 

It important that higher levels of Government must work in a true partnership with LG.

 

There is a genuine housing crisis across Australia. Labor will establish a $10B futures housing fund.

 

Resilience and recovery.

 

Shane Fitzsimmons, NSW Resilience and Recovery Agency

 

His new role is both prevention and recovery. We need people who have planned and are prepared. Prevention and mitigation programs will be critical. Betterment is now embedded in recovery.

 

Regional Forum

 

Gabriel Chan

 

Rusted off, Why country Australia is fed up.

 

Politics and the bush: Can localism fix politics?

 

Press gallery conversations do not match the Main Street.

 

Place is very important to people. Local government role is massive in local communities.

 

Political trends:

 

1.   The Rusted Off factor continues.

2.   Agriculture and the environment come together because global markets are moving. How we use our natural capital will be critical.

3.   Food demand and natural capital markets could increase the trend towards scale. Remote land management will pose significant challenges for local communities.

4.   We need a national conversation about how we live on and in the landscape. That means landscape, food and resource management will be at the intersection of politics in the next few decades.

5.   Gabriel Chan’s book “Why you should give a fu+k about farming” will be released in August.

 

Dr Kim Houghton: Regional Awareness

 

Regionalisation is our vision for an Australia that is more balanced more sustainable more equitable and more prosperous.

 

Regional rediscovered: are we ready?

 

Housing: Regions popular again; there is a net inflow to regions. Rentals continue to tighten, where are the investors? There is an immediate need for housing.

 

Planning: Pessimistic state government population forecasts. Distrust of growth with amenity. Please include a growth scenario in your next review! Right time now for regionalisation to take a big step forward.

 

People and jobs: Regions rebounded faster than cities. Most jobs vacancies are high skilled and professionals. Too many regional kids with too low expectations of what the regions offer. 1 in 5 metro residents are considering a regional move. There is an immediate need for workers.

 

Rachael Bacon, Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication

 

·    6 drivers support regional growth:

·    Building and maintaining strong infrastructure connectivity.

·    Human capital and skills

·    Supporting local industry and commerce.

·    Networks of expertise

·    Building community fabric.

·    Resilience of natural resources.

 

Capacity and resilience of Local Government is integral to regional growth.

 

Rural Health.

 

Prof David Perkins. Centre for Rural Mental Health. and Dr Gabriel O’Kane. Nation Rural Health Alliance.

 

Regional Australians have greater levels of life satisfaction and avoided the majority of COVID impacts.

 

But regional Australians have a greater health burdens, a lessor life expectancy and a $4B rural health deficit.

 

Report from Councillor Dan Hayes

 

The federal local government minister also spoke and said that asking to be on national cabinet needs supports from the premiers.

 

And that chasing the 1% revenue goal from the federal government is hurting ALGA’s advocacy. He incorrectly stated that it would have been less money to local government last financial year if it was implemented.

 

During the “policy sprint” with federal department representatives I asked about grant funding better recognising that estimated costs of projects as compared to going to the market can vary and leave local government holding the bag.

 

While they recognise this discrepancy, their current guidelines do not manage it.

 

It was also discussed about emergency mobile coverage during and after disasters, and that concerns were raised that after the disaster has passed telecommunications remain down and the emergency ones (often satellite related systems) start charging commercial rates which are very expensive.

 

Motion:

 

Motions adopted at the conference included calls to the Federal Government:

 

·    For Local Government to be represented on the National Cabinet;

·     To increase the Financial Assistance Grants to one percent of Commonwealth tax revenue;

·     To provide grant funding to Regional and Rural Councils in advance and not in arrears;

·     To either cease the practice of expecting council co-contribution when applying for Federal Government Grants or allow council’s in-kind contributions to be eligible as the co-contribution from councils;

·     To introduce funding opportunities for regional airports to offset reductions in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure regional communities are not further disadvantaged;

·     To formally recognise the world was in a state of climate emergency;

·     To establish a National Climate Change Taskforce to enable a whole-of-government approach to climate action;

·     To endorse the Racism Not Welcome campaign as a symbol of Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism, inclusivity and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;

·     To ensure local government receives an appropriate and equitable share of Federal arts and cultural funding;

·     To retain and expand the JobKeeper and JobSeeker Programs to support ongoing and recovery efforts to the COVID-19 Pandemic throughout local communities for at least the duration of 2021;

·     To undertake a nationwide education program on cybersecurity, in particular, to help protect vulnerable members of the community against online fraud;

·     To hold a referendum to amend the Constitution to recognise local government as an important, legitimate and essential element in Australia’s system of government;

·     To commit to a net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement;

·     To fund ABC transmission black spots;

·     To investigate the failings of the NBN in rural and regional Australia and the exorbitant cost of connection for some businesses and residents;

·     To dedicate funds to increase drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation options in rural and regional areas as a matter of priority;

·     To invest further in social and affordable housing;

·     To provide funding support to Councils across Australia for conducting citizenship ceremonies that have become a significant cost burden to local communities for undertaking a role of behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Payment of Expenses and Provision of facilities to Councillors Policy - POL 025

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

 

Internal / External Consultation

National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association

 

 

  

Reports from Staff

RP-1             Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 - Increase to Wagga Wagga LEP Height of Buildings standard at 63-65 Johnston Street

Author:        Adam Wood 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

Council has publicly exhibited Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 to amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan. The Planning Proposal seeks to increase the Height of Buildings Map as it applies to Lot 1 DP 1028542 at 63-65 Johnston Street. This would allow new or refitted buildings up to 25 metres tall, as opposed to the current 16 metres limit.

 

This report revisits the key considerations in assessing the planning proposal and the findings and outcomes of the public consultation process.

 

Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 is recommended for adoption by Council. It is recommended that Council use its delegation as the local plan making authority to approve the change to the Wagga Wagga LEP and notify the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to gazette the instrument.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      note the outcomes of public exhibition of Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 including submissions provided to Council

b      adopt Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 to amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

c      use its delegation as the local plan making authority to approve the legal instrument and notify the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to gazette the instrument

 

Planning Proposal details

Proposal:

Amendment to the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 to increase the LEP Height of Buildings standard as it applies to Lot 1 DP 1028542

Applicant:

This is an externally-initiated planning proposal developed by the land owner.

Land Owners

Wollundry Investments Pty Ltd.

Director: Rodney Kendall

Director: Robert Davies

Referrals:

Internal referral during development of proposal.

 

Council staff have previously conducted assessment of a planning proposal submitted by Wollundry Investments Pty Ltd. The planning proposal intends to increase the LEP Height of Buildings Map HOB_003C as it affects Lot 1 DP 1028542. The increase proposed is from the present 16 metre height limit to a new 25 metre height limit.

The proposed change has since received Gateway Determination from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and been exhibited to obtain public comment.

The change to Wagga Wagga LEP Map HOB_003C is illustrated as follows.

The subject land is located within the northern portion of the Wagga Wagga CBD, overlooking the Wollundry Lagoon from the northern, opposing side of Johnston Street. This location is approximately 120 metres from Fitzmaurice Street, the northern part of the main street of Wagga Wagga. Occupying a centrally located position within the city, the subject land is nearby to various key locations and amenities and already embedded within the established infrastructural networks of the city.

The planning proposal is limited to only the step increase to allowable building height as detailed above. No change to other provisions including zoning and floor space ratio are proposed. As a result, the interaction of the proposed height limit with these other continuing provisions has formed a key consideration in the assessment of the planning proposal.

Review and restatement of Key Considerations

1.  Public exhibition of the planning proposal

 

Council provided initial endorsement to proceed to Gateway Determination on 22 March 2021 and received Gateway Determination from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on 30 April 2021. The planning proposal was publicly exhibited from 14 May 2021 to 25 June 2021. Direct notification and subsequent reminder notices were provided to more than 200 property owners in the surrounds of the subject site to generate awareness of the proposal.

 

A total of six submissions were received during the course of the exhibition period. This is a relatively small response rate in view of the volume of direct notification provided in support of the public exhibition. A summary of the issues presented in submissions, combined with commentary provided in consideration of those issues, is provided within the following section ‘Internal/External Consultation’. In respect of some issues raised, this report provides discussion in this section ‘Review of Key Considerations’ and the following section ‘Risk Management Issues for Council’ which is then referenced in the summary responses to submissions.

 

Of the six submissions, one submission was provided by an agency, that being NSW Crown Lands, which noted the planning proposal but offered no further comment. The remaining five submissions were from private individuals who own property in the surrounding area.

 

Of those remaining five submissions, four registered opposition to or raised concerns with the planning proposal, while one submission expressed support for the planning proposal.

 

2.  The Local strategic Planning Statement, strategic significance of the Wagga Wagga CBD and the upcoming Wagga Wagga CBD Master Plan

 

Council has endorsed the Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement. This document provides a pathway to guide the continued growth and development of the city and local government area through to 2040. The Wagga Wagga CBD is one of six key sites to provide the foundation for the future economic activity and growth of the city and region.

 

Principle 9 of the LSPS details aspirations for the future success of the Wagga Wagga CBD area. This section includes discussion and guidance concerning key aspects to accomplishing this success. In this instance, urban design and activation are both central to the merit of the planning proposal.

 

The planning proposal adheres to the LSPS’ direction for the Wagga Wagga CBD, by enabling the development of additional floorspace. This facilitates the placement of additional activities within the confines of the CBD, in close proximity to a variety of other activities occurring in the central city. This aggregation of activities of various kinds, occurring at various times of the day, boosts the overall level of activity occurring within the city. Planning Proposal LEP20/0010 elevates development potential within the B3 Commercial Core zone and will increase the contribution of the subject land to overall activity levels within the city.

 

While the CBD Master Plan is yet to be completed, it is noted that the CBD Master Plan, like all strategic planning directions, must correspond to the overarching direction provided by the LSPS, whilst providing finer-grain detail on how land use strategy will be implemented within the core of the city. The implications of proceeding with the planning proposal ahead of the completion of the CBD Master Plan are discussed at greater length in the following section ‘Risk Management Issues for Council’.

 

3.  Future development potential within proposed and continuing development standards

 

The increase of an additional 9 metres in permissible building height implies future development of two additional storeys to the existing four storeys. The provisions applying to the site would also continue to permit the complete redevelopment of the site. This would likely result in a new structure of up to 6 storeys, designed in accordance with contemporary DCP requirements and the State Environmental Planning Policy No 65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development.

 

A key part of the suitability of the planning proposal is the compatibility of the new building height control with the continuing provisions applying to the site and with pre-existing development within the local precinct. This informs the parameters within which an eventual development may take place and gives an indication about the likely form that development will take. Influential in this regard is the floor space ratio, which is presently 2:1 across the subject land. The implications of this control were detailed in Council’s assessment report.

 

The assessment report found that development up to the new height limit, within the existing building footprint only, would approximate the maximum floor space allowable under the current floor space ratio. Therefore, the new height limit appears well calibrated on this measure, as it allows the existing floor space ratio, to be utilised. If the site were redeveloped with a larger base footprint, the upper floors of that structure would need to be reduced from existing to meet the confines of the floor space ratio requirement.

 

4.  Site consideration in precinct context and heritage considerations

 

Assessment of the planning proposal explored the impact of additional building height on the adjoining area and view scapes within the Johnston Street area and surrounds. While the increase to building height will be visible from the surrounds, the change is incremental to the development already existing in the area. To the east and south, commercial buildings and tree canopy associated with Wollundry Lagoon largely obscure the subject site unless in close proximity to the site. From the west, additional height will be more readily visible. Despite this, the subject site is setback into the subject city block from Trail Street to the west, which reduces the imposition of taller development upon streetscapes to the west.

 

The B3 Commercial Core zone currently permits shop-top housing where residences may be located above ground floor commercial floorspace. Further, Council intends to develop a CBD Master Plan. It is conceivable that this will open opportunities for additional residential development in high density, inner city contexts. The serviced apartment development foreshadowed by the planning proposal is not entirely dissimilar to development for other, more permanent lodgings. Council’s assessment report provided commentary against the SEPP 65 Principles for higher density residential design. It finds that the new height limit provides the opportunity for future development to perform well against the design principles and deliver high-quality development outcomes to the site.

 

The site is within the Wagga Wagga Heritage Conservation Area, but the significance of features in the immediate vicinity of the subject site varies. The subject site itself does not greatly contribute to heritage values, but a development that is not of significance itself may successfully coexist within a heritage area. The site is visible from some parts of two notable locations for the city’s heritage, those being Fitzmaurice Street and the Wollundry Lagoon, an Aboriginal Place.

 

The subject land and surrounds to the north of Wollundry Lagoon have already been extensively developed. To date this has not diminished the significance of the Wollundry Lagoon, which will remain a key location both as an Aboriginal Place and as a public space within Central Wagga Wagga. Future redevelopment will not alter this significance. Concern was raised in the course of consultation that a future development under the new provisions would have a ‘spoiling’ effect upon the significance of the lagoon though excessive scale or shadowing. This will meet with further consideration of these point as a part of any development approval process that arises in future. Measures that are available to ensure a design of appropriate standard for the location are the use of proper building articulation in the design, ensuring adequate setbacks relative to building height and the quality of materials and finishes used. Any development application would be expected to make appropriate use of these measures.

 

Previous consideration of the sites relationship to key heritage locations has been restated below. Fitzmaurice Street is the heritage main street of the city. A direct view line to the subject land can be achieved from the junction of Fitzmaurice Street and Johnston Street. This sightline to the existing development on site is mostly blocked by the office building to the east of the subject land. A future complete redevelopment of the site placing structures nearer to the frontage of Johnston Street would be more apparent from the Fitzmaurice-Johnston intersection, but this would be the case irrespective of any change to the LEP. In the event that this occurs, Council has sufficient ability through the guidance of the Wagga Wagga DCP, SEPP 65 and merit assessment to ensure that a suitable design outcome is obtained. The site is obscured from Fitzmaurice Street by varied two and three storey development along the main street. Viewed from the Fitzmaurice Street bridge spanning the Wollundry Lagoon, the site and existing development are also heavily, though not entirely, obscured by canopy foliage associated with the Wollundry Lagoon parklands.

 

5.  Commercial-to-residential zoning interface

 

Comments were provided during the public exhibition period regarding the relationship of a new development of greater height to the residential areas located to the west of the subject site. The subject site sits within the B3 Commercial Core zone, while lands west of Trail Street are within the R3 Medium Density Residential zone before land zoning transitions to the R1 General Residential zone one city block further west. Of particular interest was the potential for sightlines from the upper portion of a new development to locations on properties in the residential zones to the west and south and how this performed against objectives of WWLEP Clause 4.3 Height of buildings to preserve privacy to other properties. Submissions cited potential sightlines from a taller building on the subject site to private open space of residential properties in the surrounds.

 

To determine whether performance of potential developments in relation to privacy is adequate, it is necessary to establish both the reasonably expected level of performance in regard to the privacy and how far distant another property may be considered to be neighbouring development. To this end, the existing practices of development assessment for Wagga Wagga in relation to overlooking and privacy have been considered, as well as guidance in relation to these issues from the New South Wales planning system.

 

The NSW Apartment Design Guide has been considered as a basis to consider the performance of future development in relation to privacy impact. The Guide would be considered in the development and assessment of shop-top housing or residential flat building development which, as noted in Council’s assessment report, may be pursued on the subject land in future. Many of the design considerations and impacts of serviced apartment development, as foreshadowed by the proponent, are similar to these higher-density permanent residential land uses, Guidelines provide useful benchmarks in consideration of those potential developments.

 

Chapter 3F of the Apartment Design Guide contains guidance for visual privacy.  It makes specific reference to scenarios where there is a transition between a zone permitting higher levels of development and another zone providing for lower intensity of development. Setback distances are an accepted design measure within the Apartment Design Guidelines to protect a reasonable level of vidual privacy to surrounding private open space. In the case of development up to 25 metres tall, habitable rooms and balconies are to be setback 9 metres from other properties, with a further 3 metres setback provided to lower density development. This means that the upper floors of development on the subject land must be setback 12 metres from other properties. In the case of the subject land, the nearest residential land is located 70 metres from the property boundary. Submitted concerns relate to locations more than 100 metres from the subject land. This comparison to the requirements of the Apartment Design Guide suggests that a potential future development on the subject land will be within the bounds of generally accepted design standards.

 

In the context of Wagga Wagga specifically, development assessment of overlooking issues is a merit-based assessment process, with no prescriptive standards offered by Section 9.4.3 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan. The DCP directs the offsetting and orientation of habitable room windows or balconies, the use of screening between sensitive parts of dwellings and the use of setbacks to increase distance between sensitive locations of neighbouring properties. Avoidance of close distance sightlines direct to the interior of properties, particularly habitable rooms, is a key consideration. Sightlines to outdoor locations are given consideration also. By way of example, a balcony overlooking the neighbouring private open space at a close distance may be required to mitigate this effect through setbacks that increase the viewing distance or screening which obscures some viewing angles.

 

Notwithstanding these mitigation options there is acceptance within assessment of developments that the base case for development in populated urban locations is that it is not unreasonable to both see others and be seen by others whilst outdoors on a property. This understanding is self-evident in development featured in all residential zones and areas of Wagga Wagga and is particularly apparent in parts of the city that feature topography. This interpretation has been formed over the course of successive development assessments by Council over an extended period. It has been shaped by the overall level of community expectation expressed in the course of those assessments, and now forms a part of the balance struck between the interests of new development and incumbent occupants in assessing a development. This does not preclude the possibility for property owners to enhance privacy to outdoor locations through improvement within the bounds of their own property. Methods to achieve this can include plantings and landscaping, screening or building orientation if pursuing new development.

 

On the basis of these considerations it is considered that potential development possibilities on the subject land sit significantly within the bounds of consideration in relation to visual privacy. Whilst the concerns of submitters in relation to this issue are noted, this analysis concludes that this is not a reasonable basis upon which to refuse the planning proposal.


 

 

 

6.  Sightlines and shadowing to adjoining property

 

With respect to shadow casting, Council’s assessment considered the likely effects of shadow casting from an additional height increase at the adjoining lot. During the winter solstice, when denial of solar access is of greatest impact, the 9.00am interval diagram provided by the applicant indicates that shadowing already extends across the full rooftop of the structure. To increase the duration of this shadowing to 67 Johnston Street, the width of the structure at 63-65 Johnston Street would need to increase. However, Council’s assessment found that this would not be possible for the upper floors that cast the furthest shadow, as the floor space ratio control would not provide for this outcome.

 

In respect to the privacy concern, the relevant submission raised the prospect that a taller building would potentially allow for line of sight directly through a skylight installed to the accommodation unit at the rear of 67 Johnston Street.

 

The subject land and the adjoining property are within the B3 Commercial Core zoning. The consideration of overlooking in this instance is more relaxed than in a residential zone in view of the objectives of the zone in promoting activity, the nature of the land uses that feature within the zone and the timeframes in which activities are typically carried on in a business area.

 

In view of the zoning of the area, this report considers that the magnitude of change proposed and the potential impacts of future development under the new provisions are not unreasonable. Further, the potential impacts of a taller development are not unable to be moderated. A specific design for 63-65 Johnston Street may be able to substantially avoid overlooking through the placement of windows and balconies. There are also options available to improve privacy to the accommodations at 67 Johnston Street in response to ongoing development of the area, this includes screening or setbacks on future development to minimise overlooking.

Financial implications

The planning proposal has originated externally to the organisation. The planning proposal was identified as a medium complexity amendment to the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 using the 2020/21 financial year grading schema in effect at the time of submission. Council has levied planning proposal fees totalling $16,000, as per Council’s fees and charges.

 

The planning proposal provides for the intensification of development on the subject land with additional building storeys. This may be achieved through additional development on the site, improvement to the existing development or complete redevelopment of the site. In each instance a development consent would be required to proceed. This has some financial implications for Council into the future.

 

Section 7.11 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the City of Wagga Wagga’s Section 94 Contributions Plan 2006-2019 enables Council to levy contributions, where anticipated development will or is likely to increase the demand for public facilities. Section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 306 of the Water Management Act 2000 as well as the City of Wagga Wagga’s Development Servicing Plan for Stormwater 2007 and/or City of Wagga Wagga Development Servicing Plan for Sewerage 2013 enable Council to levy developer charges based on the increased demands that new development will have on sewer and/or stormwater infrastructure. The Section 7.11 and Section 64 contribution applies to any future development consent on the land. This will be applicable to future Development Applications applying to the subject land.

 

Policy and Legislation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

 

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: We plan for the growth of the city

Outcome: We have sustainable urban development

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

Previous reporting has noted the need for Council to implement measures consistent with the direction of the adopted Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement. Failure to do this may result in waning community confidence in the endorsed strategic directions of Council. This report reiterates this risk. In addition, it has been noted within Council’s assessment of the proposal and within community feedback that the Wagga Wagga CBD Master Plan has not yet been completed and that approval of the planning proposal may present the risk of undermining the CBD Master Plan. Council’s addendum to the planning proposal addresses this alternative risk in overview, assessing it as a minimal risk and determining to proceed.

 

An initial consideration is that the Wagga Wagga LSPS is the principal strategic land use planning direction for the city. Any forthcoming CBD Master Plan will need to align outcomes consistent with, and to operate within, the overarching parameters provided by the LSPS. Where a planning proposal aligns with relevant portions of the LSPS, as assessed in this instance, there is a high probability of a broad alignment with the upcoming CBD Master Plan, notwithstanding the noted potential for some variance to the exact details of that Master Plan.

 

Council has its principal strategic planning direction as set by the Wagga Wagga LSPS and is obliged to consider planning matters having regard to this document. The subject planning proposal has been assessed to be consistent with the intent of the Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement.  

 

A proponent has recourse to review processes both before and after Gateway Determination in which any refusal of the planning proposal may be tested. As noted, a refusal of the planning proposal may lead to questioning of Council’s commitment to implementing previously-endorsed strategic directions and overall community confidence in Council’s endorsed strategic documents. Council’s affirmative assessment of the planning proposal against the LSPS makes it improbable that refusal would be upheld by a review of the planning proposal. As the LSPS is the key strategic land use planning document or the city, potential non-adherence by Council to the adopted directions of the LSPS is viewed as a critical strategic risk if not supported.

 

Internal / External Consultation

The planning proposal has been subject to public exhibition consistent with the requirements of the Gateway Determination.

 

A total of six submissions were received during the course of the exhibition period. A summary of the issues presented in submissions, combined with commentary provided in consideration of those issues, is provided within the following table. In some instances, this table refers to relevant discussion in the previous sections ‘Review of Key Considerations’ and ‘Risk Management Issues for Council’.

 

The redacted submissions are provided in complete form.

 

a)  General support expressed for the planning proposal

 

Comments / issues

§ Support was put forward for the planning proposal and its potential to demonstrate Wagga Wagga as being a ‘progressive’ city and an attractive alternative for people to live in relative to the larger capital cities.

Planning response / amendments

§ Comments noted

b)  The planning proposal risks compromising outcomes of the CBD Master Plan

 

Comments / issues

§ Concern was expressed that proceeding with the planning proposal to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP ahead of the completion of the CBD Master Plan may undermine or otherwise pre-empt the outcomes of the CBD Master Plan.

Planning response / amendments

§ Refer to discussion provided within previous section ‘Risk Management Issues for Council’.

c)  Shadowing to Wollundry Lagoon parklands and heritage palms may result

 

Comments / issues

§ Concern was expressed that a taller structure located on the site at 63-65 Johnston Street would cause shadowing to the parklands at the surrounds of the Wollundry Lagoon.

Planning response / amendments

§ Reappraisal of materials provided to accompany the planning proposal does not support this as a cause for concern.

Shadow diagrams indicate that, for a structure of an additional two storeys in the same building footprint as that existing, shadow casting will not extend to the opposing side of Johnston Street during the 9.00am, 12.00am and 3.00pm intervals during the winter solstice, with lesser shadow casting evident during the rest of the year.

 

Consideration has also been given to the potential redevelopment of the site with a new, taller building built to the front boundary of the property. Shadow casting from this point, equivalent to that demonstrated by the planning proposal materials, would likely reach as far as the base of the palm trees to the opposing side of Johnston Street at the 9.00am and 3.00pm time intervals during the winter solstice, with shorter shadow casting at the 12.00pm time interval whilst the sun is higher in the sky.

 

In practice, it would be anticipated that an entirely redeveloped site would provide greater performance in relation to shadow casting than that indicated in the shorthand analysis above. This would result from the requirements of the Development Control Plan and other policies, which would include the Apartment Design Guidelines for any shop top housing or other multistorey residential development.

d)  The planning proposal could create a precedent for higher building heights

 

Comments / issues

§ A concern was expressed that the approval of the planning proposal would act as a precedent for the proliferation of taller buildings and height increases more generally.

Planning response / amendments

§ Any planning proposal to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP, including height of buildings standards, is assessed for its performance against the directions of the Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement and the merits of the proposal considering the specific circumstances of the subject site.

Any subsequent planning proposal to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP will be required to demonstrate its adherence to the directions of the Wagga Wagga LSPS and the merit of the proposed change in relation to the specific circumstances of that site. Reliance upon a purported precedent will be insufficient and will not satisfy either the Council or State Government assessments of such a planning proposal.

e)  The planning proposal could create pressure upon urban infrastructure

 

Comments / issues

§ Concern was expressed that the more intensive development of sites in the inner parts of Wagga Wagga may result in pressure to infrastructure in these areas.

Planning response / amendments

§ A key consideration of the LSPS is the need for the ongoing development of the city to account for the capacity of and requirement for infrastructure.

The LSPS directs that strategic planning should consolidate within key areas of the city like the Wagga Wagga CBD, making efficient use of the substantial existing infrastructure and service networks that already exist within the city and encouraging shorter journeys between locations that do not require use of vehicles, roads and parking facilities. The planning proposal is consistent with this outcome.

f)   Concerns about sightlines to residential areas to the west

 

Comments / issues

§ Concerns were expressed about the sightlines available from a taller structure towards residential areas to the west of the subject site citing the objective to preserve privacy within Clause 4.3 Height of Buildings.

Planning response / amendments

§ Refer to discussion provided within previous section ‘Review of Key Considerations’ under the subheading ‘Commercial to residential zoning interface’.

g)  Concerns about sightlines and shadowing to adjoining property

 

Comments / issues

§ Concern was registered about the impacts of a taller future structure in relation to the adjoining property, particularly for shadow casting and privacy.

Planning response / amendments

§ Refer to discussion provided within previous section ‘Review of Key Considerations’ under the subheading ‘Sightlines and shadowing to adjoining property’.

h)  Questioning of the style of building at 63-65 Johnston Street in the Heritage Conservation Area

 

Comments / issues

§ Comments from submissions note that the style of building existing at 63-65 Johnston Street does not conform or contribute to the style of the Heritage Conservation Area and that height limit should not increase as a result.

Planning response / amendments

§ The Heritage Conservation Area acts to preserve the heritage values that can be observed throughout the area. In preserving the specific features and attributes deemed as significant or contributing to an area, the Conservation Area does not exclude the possibility of new development taking place in the area. Nor does this require that new development has to mimic or copy original developments of the area. A high design quality which complements existing development is preferred.

 

The structure at 63-65 Johnston Street does not demonstrate particular architectural or historical value. It is not an object for conservation as some other structures and features in the vicinity are. This is also true of several other structures in the immediate surrounds, including the office structure directly east of the subject site and the supermarket development that comprises the larger portion of the city block.

 

It is certainly arguable that pursuing a higher design and presentation value at the time of construction would have benefitted these buildings, as well as the Fitzmaurice Street precinct as a whole. Despite this, the quality of historical development decisions does not inform the strategic merits or disadvantages of an increased height standard in the present.

 

It is possible that a future development proposal may be refused or modified due to inadequate consideration of heritage. By contrast, refusal of this specific planning proposal on heritage grounds would require demonstration that a greater height of building is inherently opposed to the preservation and retention of heritage items and attributes and therefore new taller development, of any kind, cannot successfully coexist amongst historic design. The basis for such a conclusion is not apparent, in Wagga Wagga or in other locations featuring historical development and design.

 

Any new development proposal at the site, whether within the existing LEP development standards or following an amendment, will be considered in the context of the Heritage Conservation Area. This will consider the preservation of those significant sites and attributes which have been retained in the area as well as the design and presentation quality of any new proposal.

 

i)   Concerns that the planning proposal process means that a later development assessment processes is weakened or partly evaded

 

Comments / issues

§ Concerns were expressed that the pursuit of the planning proposal separate from a development application was potentially an attempt by the developer to obfuscate or obscure the ultimate intent for the site from full scrutiny and, to quote one submission, that this did not pass the ‘pub test’.

Planning response / amendments

§ Any proponent is entitled to lodge a Planning Proposal with Council as a result Council is obliged to assess the planning proposals submitted.  In performing those assessments, Council tests the strategic merit of the specific amendment proposed. This does not preclude a full and thorough assessment of any future development application. To this end, Council’s assessment of the planning proposal has taken account of various development possibilities and scenarios that would emerge if the planning proposal is implemented, not only those foreshadowed by the proponent’s supporting materials.

Council’s assessment supports the increase to the height of buildings as being aligned with the Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement.  This does not at all imply that any or all development design of the increased height is suitable to receive development consent.

j)   Concern about applying the new height limit to only one property in the precinct

 

Comments / issues

§ Concerns were expressed about the fact that the proposed height increase would apply to only one property in the precinct, and whether it would be more appropriate to consider the change at a precinct scale.

Planning response / amendments

§ These concerns are noted and there is merit in considering a review of height limits across a broader area. This will be included in the CBD Master Plan project to be commenced this year. In relation to the scenario put forward by this proposal, it is still appropriate and relevant to consider as a standalone proposal in view of the existing character of the site, as well as the central location of the subject land and relevance of this location to objectives of the Wagga Wagga LSPS.

 

 

 

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Attachments

 

1.

LEP20/0010 Gateway Determination - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

LEP20/0010 Addendum to Planning Proposal as exhibited - Provided under separate cover

 

3.

LEP20/0010 Planning Proposal as exhibited - Provided under separate cover

 

4.

LEP20/0010 Redacted submissions - Provided under separate cover

 

5.

LEP20/0010 Assessment report - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-2

 

RP-2             Planning Proposal LEP20/0007 - Land zoning boundary adjustments to lands nearby Pine Gully Road, Avocet Drive and Rainbow Drive, Estella

Author:        Adam Wood 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

 

At the Ordinary Meeting on 9 November 2020, Council resolved to support planning proposal LEP20/0007 (the planning proposal) and seek Gateway Determination from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

 

The planning proposal sought to amend land zoning, minimum lot size and urban release area provisions for land located in the western portion of the suburb of Estella known as the Estella Development Area.

 

Council received a Gateway Determination on 26 March 2021 to proceed with the planning proposal subject to public exhibition and agency consultation.

 

The planning proposal was placed on public exhibition from 9 April 2021 to 21 May 2021 (inclusive). Two community submissions and one agency submission were received during the exhibition period.

 

The purpose of this report is to provide feedback on the public consultation and submissions received. A minor amendment to the RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary and a site specific provision requiring an active travel link be provided as part of any future development have been included in response to the submissions.

 

This report recommends adoption of the planning proposal (as amended within this report) and gazettal of the amendment to the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      note the outcomes of public exhibition of Planning Proposal LEP20/0007;

b      include (as contained in this report) a site-specific clause within Part 7 of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 to ensure an active travel link is provided with future subdivision of the land;

c      adopt Planning Proposal LEP20/0007(as amended within this report) to amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010;

d      use its delegation as the local plan making authority to approve the legal instrument, notify the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to gazette the instrument.

 


 

Proposal details

Proposal:

Throughout 2020 Council’s Regional Activation Directorate has collaborated with the land owner to develop a strategic planning framework for the remaining undeveloped part of Estella known as the Estella Development Area. The planning proposal considered by this report implements this planning, by amending the zoning in part of Estella.

Applicant:

This is a Council-initiated planning proposal and has been developed in collaboration with the land owner.

Land Owners

Gracelands Estates Pty Ltd.

Director: Juha Eerik Alatalo

Director: Antti Kullervo Alatalo

Director: Anni-Ilona Alatalo

Referrals:

Internal referral during development of proposal.

Referral to NSW Department of Education and Transport for NSW in accordance with the Gateway Determination.

 

Proposal intent

The planning proposal seeks the following outcomes:

 

1.   Rezone part of Lot 43 DP 1225666 from R1 General Residential zone to E2 Environmental Conservation zone. The extended E2 Environmental Conservation zone will enhance the protection of identified endangered species (Box-Gum Woodland) located at that northern part of Estella and also accommodate an active travel route linking Gobbagombalin in the west to the Estella public school, district park and Charles Sturt University campus in the north. The proposed rezoning is illustrated in Figure 1 below.

 

Figure 1: Rezoning of R1 General Residential to E2 Environmental Conservation


Source: LEP20-0007 Planning Proposal (as exhibited)

 

2.   Amend the land use zoning of parts of Lot 199 DP 1206757 and Lot 6013 DP 1209232 in the southern part of the Estella Development Area. The rezoning seeks to align the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land with the open space commitments outlined in Council’s Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy 2040 (ROSC 2040).  Notably, this involves rezoning a portion of the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land previously identified for open space which have been relocated to an alternate location within the suburb.

 

3.   A north-south active travel link connecting the B2 Local Centre with the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land to the south will be provided for through a site specific provision to be inserted within Part 7 of the LEP. The RE1 Public Recreation zone land boundary has been extended slightly north adjacent to 20 Comet Place in response to submissions and negotiation with the owner of the land.

 

An irregularly shaped portion of R5 Large Lot Residential zoned land to the south of the development area will be rezoned to R1 General residential to allow for the logical and orderly subdivision of land following the rezoning of the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land. The proposed rezoning as described is illustrated in Figure 2 below.

 

Figure 2: Rezoning of RE1 Public Recreation and R5 Large Lot Residential to R1 General Residential

Source: Post-exhibition revision

 

4.   Remove minimum lot size requirements applying to the land rezoned from R5 Large Lot Residential to R1 General Residential in accordance with the proposed rezoning. The proposed amendment is illustrated in Figure 3 below.

 

Figure 3: Revise the minimum lot size requirement to align with the rezoning of R5 Large Lot Residential to R1 General Residential

Source: LEP20-0007 Planning Proposal (as exhibited)

 

5.   Rezone part of Lot 199 DP 1206757 adjoining the southern side of Avocet Drive from RE1 Public Recreation and R1 General Residential to facilitate an expansion of the B2 Local Centre and a larger and consolidated area of RE1 Public Recreation zoned land for recreational purposes.

 

It is proposed to rezone land immediately south of the B2 Local Centre site from RE1 Public Recreation to R1 General Residential. A site specific provision in Part 7 of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 will be introduced to require an active travel link to be provided between the B2 Local Centre and to the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land to the south. The proposed rezoning is illustrated in Figure 4 below.

 

Figure 4: Reconfigured zoning of RE1 Public Recreation, R1 General Residential and B2 Commercial Core.

 

 Source: LEP20-0007 Planning Proposal (as exhibited)

 

6.   Revise the Land Reservation Acquisition Overlay to remove the requirement for Council to acquire part of Lot 199 in DP 1206757 and part Lot 6013 in DP 1209232 in accordance with the revised approach to the provision of recreational open space facilities as outlined within ROSC 2040. The proposed amendment is illustrated in Figure 5 below.

 

Figure 5: Revised Land Reservation Acquisition overlay.

 

Source: Post-exhibition revision

 

7.   Revise the Urban Release Area to correspond to the revised alignment of the R1 General Residential zoned land. The proposed amendment is illustrated in Figure 6 below.

 


 

Figure 6: Urban Release Area overlay.

 

Source: Post-exhibition revision

 

The RE1 Public Recreation zoned land to be rezoned to R1 General Residential is currently privately owned and not classified as community or operational and as such does not require reclassification.

 

Site and Locality

The development site (referred to here as the Estella Development Area) is located in the western, as-yet undeveloped, portion of Estella. It is bound in general by the Old Narrandera Road to the south, Pine Gully Road to the west, Estella Road to the north and the existing extent of the Estella neighbourhood to the east.

 

The extent of the Estella Development Area and the land subject to the planning proposal is illustrated in Figure 6 following. It includes:

•    Lot 199 DP 1206757

•    Lot 6013 DP 1209232

•    Lot 43 DP 1225666.

 

Figure 6: Site area with existing zoning

 

Source: LEP20-0007 Planning Proposal (as exhibited)

 

Gateway Determination

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued a Gateway Determination for the planning proposal on 26 March 2021 subject to public exhibition and agency consultation. A copy of the Gateway Determination is provided as Attachment 1.

 

Public Exhibition

The planning proposal (Attachment 2) and accompanying exhibition material was placed on public exhibition from 9 April 2021 to 21 May 2021 (inclusive).

 

During the exhibition period, three submissions were received. No other submissions were received following the public exhibition period.

 

Financial Implications

The planning proposal has been developed internally by Council with a view toward obtaining desirable strategic planning and neighbourhood design outcomes within the suburb of Estella. Support has been forthcoming from the landowner in order to achieve these outcomes, and this is reflected in the planning proposal. No application fees were levied for this planning proposal as Council is the proponent for the planning proposal.

The reconfigured zoning of the Estella Development Area within the suburb of Estella, as well as the anticipated submission of Development Applications will facilitate development of these lands for urban purposes. This has financial implications for Council into the future.

Section 7.11 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 - 2034 enables Council to levy contributions, where anticipated development will or is likely to increase the demand for public facilities.

Section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993, section 306 of the Water Management Act 2000 as well as the City of Wagga Wagga’s Development Servicing Plan for Stormwater 2007 and City of Wagga Wagga Development Servicing Plan for Sewerage 2013 enable Council to levy developer charges based on the increased demands that new development will have on sewer and stormwater.

The section 7.11 and section 64 contributions will apply to and can be levied against any future development on the land. This will be applicable to future Development Applications applying to the lands.

Policy and Legislation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

 


 

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: We plan for the growth of the city

Outcome: We have sustainable urban development

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

If the planning proposal does not proceed, there is risk of the land owner developing the land consistent with the current zoning configuration. This does not align with Council’s long-term vision for the area and endorsed strategic policy direction in relation to housing targets and recreational open space.

 

As an example of the consequences of this, land within the RE1 Public Recreation zone which is not required under the ROSC 2040 will under the current provisions of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 be required to be acquired by Council. Funding for this acquisition, and the subsequent development and maintenance of this open space, is not provided due to the proposed regional open space to the north.

 

Other potential consequences include the inability to deliver meaningfully improved neighbourhood design outcomes for residents and the inability to protect Box-Gum Woodland environmental assets currently within the R1 General Residential zone.

Internal / External Consultation

Council are working closely with the landowner to develop a masterplan for the Estella Development Area. It is anticipated this will comprise part of a future Concept Development Application submitted under Division 4.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. To ensure the provision of an active travel link following the rezoning of land from RE1 Public Recreation to R1 General Residential a site specific provision is proposed within Part 7 of the LEP requiring an active travel link be provided as part of any future subdivision of the land.

 

Councillor workshops have previously been held on 8 March 2020 and 19 October 2020. These workshops informed Councillors of the iterations of the planning proposal as the proposal and the accompanying master planning continued to develop.

 

The planning proposal (Attachment 2) and accompanying exhibition material was placed on public exhibition from 9 April 2021 to 21 May 2021 (inclusive) with engagement methods as per the table below.


 

 

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

 

 

 

 

ü

 

Involve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The planning proposal and accompanying exhibition material were made available for

viewing by the public on Council’s website and at Council’s Customer Service Counter

in the Civic Centre during the 28 day public exhibition period in accordance with the Gateway Determination and a concurrent period of 42 days was provided for the receipt of written submissions in accordance with Councils policy. Notices with factsheets were provided to adjoining and potentially affected landowners outlining the opportunities to discuss with Council staff and to make comment on the proposal.

 

During the public exhibition period, two community submissions were received along with one agency submission from Transport for NSW (TfNSW). The Department of Education reviewed the planning proposal but did not offer any comments. No further submissions were received following the exhibition period. The redacted submissions are provided at Attachment 3.  Council staff have met with both community submitters following the exhibition period to discuss their comments on the planning proposal.

 

The planning proposal was subject to public consultation where two community submissions were received objecting to the planning proposal. These submissions were from adjoining landowners and raised concerns in relation to the impact of the future development under the planning proposal on the adjoining heritage item ‘Estella Homestead’, a reduction in public open space and a loss of active travel links.

 

Further consideration of the potential impact of the planning proposal on the heritage significance of the adjoining Estella Homestead has concluded that the existing LEP and DCP controls will ensure appropriate heritage impact assessment is undertaken as part of any future development application for subdivision of land or future built form.

 

 


 

A summary of the submissions and responses is provided below:

 

Submission

Response

No. 1

Transport for NSW

Raises the following comments on the proposed zoning boundary adjustments for Councils consideration:

 

i.  Estella has frontage but not direct access to the Olympic Highway. The draft zone adjustments do not represent any changes to the current access arrangements to the Olympic Highway;

 

ii.  In the southern part of Estella, land is being rezoned from RE1 Public Recreation to R1 General Residential with a parkland area running north-south to remain in place. A portion of this land zoned RE1 between Comet Place and the above-mentioned B2 Zoned land should be retained by Council in order to provide an active travel link. This active travel link would then be able to connect the commercial land with the parkland area to the south;

 

 

 

 

iii. In the northern part of Estella, the current E2 Environmental Conservation to the eastern side of Pine Gully Road will increase in size through a rezoning of land currently zoned R1 General Residential. This additional green space will provide a corridor for a pedestrian and cycle pathway between the new school on Estella Road and residential land to the west. Council should consider extending the corridor south of Coopabella Drive to Cootamundra Boulevard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i.  Noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ii.  Retaining this portion of the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land is undesirable as it abuts the side and rear fences of existing residential properties and will be dissected by the planned extension of east-west roads.

To ensure the provision of an active travel link between the B2 Local Centre zone and the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land to the south of Comet Place, a site-specific provision is proposed within Part 7 of the LEP requiring future development to provide an active travel network. At this stage it is envisaged that this will be in the form of 2.5m wide shared path.

 

 

iii. The extended E2 Environmental Conservation zone will enhance the protection of identified endangered species (Box-Gum Woodland) located at that northern part of the Estella Development Area and also accommodate an active travel route linking Gobbagombalin to the south west of the Estella Development Area to the Estella public school, district park and Charles Sturt University campus to the north.

 

Extending the widened E2 Environmental Conservation zoned land south of Coopabella Drive to Cootamundra Boulevard would not result in retention of any additional significant vegetation. In addition, Council is proposing a pedestrian crossing further north of the intersection with Cootamundra Boulevard which will link to the active travel route through the E2 Environmental Conservation zoned land satisfying the intent of the TfNSW recommendation.

 

No. 2

Adjoining Land Owner

i.    Object to the proposed zone boundary adjustments.

 

ii.    State that they purchased their block of land because they understood it would overlook open space and not have neighbours on the western boundary.

 

 

 

 

 

iii.   Outline loss of amenity for existing dwellings abutting land identified to be rezoned from RE1 to R1. Amenity concerns outlined include a reduction in privacy, reduced views and reduced access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

iv.   Suggest the RE1 zone boundary be moved up to align with the Comet Place cul-de-sac, a strip of land adjoining the residential property be granted to the private land owner to provide a buffer and ensure access to existing side gates is retained.

 

v.   Raise that the proposal would not result in the objectives of the Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy 2040 being achieved. In particular, the deletion of the central shared pathway, shown in the ROSC to run north-south along the Comet Place open space area between Avocet Drive and the Olympic Highway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

vi.   Request further information be provided showing how the central shared pathway between Avocet Drive and Olympic Highway (following the Comet Place open space) would be provided to maintain accessibility and connection.

 

vii.  Emphasize the importance of lineal open space links with shared pathways and argue that the portion of the link that is bordered by rear fences can still be a safe and attractive open space corridor.

 

viii. Question whether the use of the existing sports oval north of Estella Road in lieu of providing a district park is in the public interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ix.   Request further details and calculations showing how the provision of public open space in Estella meets Council’s policy and requirements (including what spatial areas and assumptions were used in the calculations).

 

x.   Request to meet with Council’s strategic planners to further discuss minor changes that could be made to the planning proposal that would substantially minimise the impact of the proposal on our property and amenity.

 

 

i.   Noted.

 

 

ii.  In response to concerns raised in this submission and subsequent engagement between Council and the landowner the RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary has been extended slightly to the north adjacent to 20 Comet Place resolving the landowners concerns in relation to loss of views and amenity.

 

iii. Retention of this strip of RE1 Public Recreation zoned land would result in an undesirable outcome with the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land dissected by planned north-south roads and adjoining the rear and side boundaries of existing residences. Amenity concerns of the landowner of 20 Comet Place have been addressed through a minor amendment to the RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary.

 

iv. The RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary has been adjusted. The existing access to the property should at all times be via legal means such as the road reserve and not via adjoining privately owned land or future open space.

 

 

 

v.  Action BEG7 of the adopted ROSCS 2040 identifies the establishment a lineal park in south west Estella which will be retained under the planning proposal. The WWCC Integrated Transport Strategy identifies this strip of land as the preferred location of an active transport corridor. To ensure the provision of an active travel link running north-south between the B2 Local Centre zone and the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land to the south of Comet Place, a site-specific provision is proposed within Part 7 of the LEP. At this stage it is envisaged that this will be in the form of 2.5m wide shared path.

vi. See response above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

vii.  Retaining this portion of the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land is undesirable as it abuts the side and rear fences of existing residential properties and will be dissected by the planned extension of east-west roads.

 

 

viii. Councils agreement with Charles Sturt University to utilise their recreational assets and provide a precinct park to the north of Estella Road in proximity to the new public school are actions identified within the ROSC 2040. A portion of the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land in the southern portion of the Estella Development Area which was previously set aside for a precinct park/sports fields has been made redundant with a lineal park and local playground proposed instead (consistent with ROSC 2040). The RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary amendments proposed within the planning proposal respond to these actions.

 

 

ix.   The ROSC outlines at a high level how precinct open space is calculated and the 2040 targets. Council has provided the landowner further information in response to this submission.

 

 

 

 

x.   Council officers have met with the landowner and addressed their concerns through an amendment to the RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary and inclusion of a site specific provision ensuring the provision of an active travel network.

No. 3

Adjoining Land Owner

i.    Raise concerns regarding the proposed zone adjustment in the Southern part of proposal from RE1 and R5 to R1 and the impacts this will have on the curtilage of Estella Homestead.

 

ii.    Outline that negotiations were undertaken in 2012 with the developer and Council to ensure the heritage value of Estella Homestead was respected in the future development. The proposal will undermine the previous discussions and result in a detrimental outcome.

 

iii.   Seek to understand Councils heritage advisors opinion on the matter and seek clarification on the impact this will have on the heritage aspects of the Estella Homestead.

 

 

The existing legislative framework for heritage considerations as outlined within clause 5.10 of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 and section 3 of the DCP are considered to be sufficient in providing a framework for the proper assessment of potential heritage impacts within future Development Applications for the subdivision of land in accordance with Ministerial Direction 2.3.

 

Future development will be required to illustrate that the heritage value of the Estella Homestead will be protected in a heritage impact statement. At this stage this is anticipated to be through appropriate physical and visual buffers and vegetative screening to minimise impacts.

 

Council officers have met with the landowner to discuss the submission.  The issues raised will be adequately resolved through inclusions and adjustments to the masterplan currently being developed and Council officers will re-engage with the landowner once a final version of the Concept Development Application is available.

 

In summary, it is recommended that Council support planning proposal LEP20/0007 to amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 as outlined within this planning report, noting that following public exhibition two amendments have been made. A minor amendment has been made to the RE1 Public Recreation zone boundary adjoining the northern extent of Comet Place and a site specific provision is proposed to be included within Part 7 of the LEP as set out below:

 

7.13 Certain land at Pine Gully Road and Maitland Drive, Estella

 

(1) The objective of this clause is to ensure an active travel network is provided as part of any subdivision of the subject land.

 

(2) This clause applies to land at Pine Gully Road and Maitland Drive, Estella, being Lot 2, DP 1270330 and Lot 199, DP 1206757.

 

(3) Development consent must not be granted unless the consent authority is satisfied that the resulting subdivision will deliver an active travel link between the B2 Local Centre zoned land fronting Avocet Drive and the RE1 Public Recreation zoned land fronting Comet Place.

 

(4) For the purpose of this clause an ‘active travel network’ is defined as a connected and accessible network of cycling and pedestrian pathways.

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

LEP20/0007 Gateway Determination - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

LEP20/0007 Planning Proposal as exhibited - Provided under separate cover

 

3.

LEP20/0007 Redacted submissions - Provided under separate cover

 

4.

LEP20/0007 Heritage advice - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-3

 

RP-3             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Rural Halls

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Rural Halls category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      approve the successful applications for the Rural Halls category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $16,272

b      approve the budget transfers as detailed in the financial implications section of the report

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Village, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of four applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Rural Halls category.  Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Dan Hayes, Council’s Facilities Management Coordinator and an independent community representative, Ray Birchall.

 

Of the four applications received, a total of $25,292 was requested with $25,000 available. Three applications were successful and recommendation to be fully funded. One was unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $8,728. The following table details the successful applications received;

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Part Funding

Uranquinty Progress Association Inc

Prepare and paint the main hall and kitchen ceilings. Replace 10 tables as previous tables are causing safety issues. Undertake maintenance tasks.

$4,388

$4,388

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Euberta Public Hall

A concrete paved area from the supper door to the two large entrance doors into the main hall area and widening of the supper room door allowing improved access for people with poor mobility.

$8,023

$8,023

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall Land Managers

Toilet replumbing to make use of the male and female outside toilet block at the rear of the main Hall building.

$3,861

$3,861

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

TOTAL

$16,272

$16,272

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.


 

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Rural Halls

$25,000

$16,272

$8,728

It is proposed the unallocated funds of $8,728 be transferred to the 2021/22 Rural Halls annual maintenance program, which will contribute toward the services Council can provide to the community for the financial year.

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Rural Halls Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-4

 

RP-4             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Arts, Culture and Creative Industries

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $40,000.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

A total of twenty applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Arts, Culture & Creative Industries category. Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Vanessa Keenan, Council’s Cultural Officer and an independent community representative, Sam Bowker.

 

Of the twenty applications received, eight were recommended for support in the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries category including two applications recommended to receive the sustainability incubator support available. The introduction of the sustainability incubator funding was in response to item 2.25 Restructure the Annual Grants Program to encourage growth and sustainability detailed in Council’s Cultural Plan 2020-2030. This aim of this funding is to provide support to successful projects previously funding by this program category, to enable project leaders to prepare the necessary strategic plans to compete for State and Federal grants or create a business plan to ensure the sustainability of their project beyond the funding window of the Annual Grants Program.

 

A total of $93,424 was requested with $40,000 available. Out of these applications eight applications were successful and were recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. Twelve applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $0. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Wagga City Rugby Male Choir and Murrumbidgee Magic Chorus (Joint application)

Purchase a set of performance riser platforms. The two choirs often perform together at venues where there is no stage or at outdoor sites where riser equipment is required. Once obtained, the risers would be used by both groups, and would also be available to other performing groups for their events.

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Nest Studio

‘Self and Surroundings’. A mural and workshops which will explore the people of Wagga and their diversity through the visual medium of collage. This mural will be displayed in the window of Nest Studio during completion and can be displayed off-site once completed.

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

Riverina Woodworkers Club Inc

Replace current unsafe table saw with a ‘Sawstop’ which has an electronic brake system that will provide a higher level of safety and usability for members.

$1,900

$1,900

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Harold Gretton

‘Crowded Chamber’ brings chamber music back into the intimate environment for which it was created. Five concerts across three venues in central Wagga and Kooringal. Venues where live music is rarely if ever heard are activated, with performing, local and guest musicians.

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application and inclusive of areas that have high levels of social and community disadvantage. Recommended to be fully funded.

Anglicare

Local Aboriginal art display within the community centre.

$5,000

$4,322

Part funding recommended due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Theatre on Toast

Live Long & Sparkle is an interactive & family friendly dance party, aimed at celebrating Rainbow Families, to be held on Sunday 13 March 2022 after Mardi Gras.

$4,964

$4,964

An inclusive project with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

SUB TOTAL

$26,864

$26,186

 


 

SUSTAINABILITY INCUBATOR

Salad Days

Halfway Print Fest (HPF) is a celebration of independent publishing. Based in Wagga Wagga, HPF brings together zine-makers from across NSW, ACT and VIC for an immersive celebration of DIY culture.

$7,500

$7,500

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Riverina Community College

The development of The Art Factory Strategic Business Plan. Year one of funding will support The Art Factory with a formalised road map that describes how the Art Factory will clarify business focus and direction. Resulting actions of a professional strategic business plan that will show all potential partners / funding bodies the Art Factory is committed to building a sustainable inclusive business.

$6,314

$6,314

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

 

TOTAL

$40,678

$40,000

 

 

Please note attached for Councillors reference is a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Arts, Culture and Creative Industries category

$40,000

$40,000

$0

 


 

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Arts Culture and Creative Industries Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-5

 

RP-5             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Recreational Facilities

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Recreational Facilities category for 2021/22.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      approve the successful applications for the Recreational Facilities category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $32,086

b      approve the budget transfers as detailed in the financial implications section of the report

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Village, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of eight applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Recreational Facilities category. Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff. Panel members were Councillor Dallas Tout, Council’s Strategic Recreation Officer and an independent community representative, Luke Olsen.

 

Of the eight applications received, a total of $50,073 was requested with $37,400 available. Six applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. Two applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $5,314. Please note the original budget for the 2021/22 Recreational Facilities category was $30,000, with an additional $7,400 unallocated and to be made available in the Recreational Facilities category based on 2020/21 carryovers and of which is subject to the separate finance report RP-17 in this business paper. The following table details the successful applications received.

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Hopwood Park Tennis Club

Preservation of Hopwood Park Tennis Courts

$3,573

$3,573

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Wagga Rugby League Inc

Kitchen equipment which includes four stainless steel benches to enhance food safety per the Australian Food Standards Code.

$7,000

$4,013

The application amount included equipment already purchased. The Annual Grants Program does not fund retrospective items therefore the pre-purchased equipment was excluded in the assessment of this application. Recommended to be part funded toward the stainless steel benches which are yet to be purchased.

Wagga Combined Hockey Association

Purchase and installation of two new LED scoreboards for both synthetic hockey fields located at the Jubilee Park Hockey Complex.

$2,000

$2,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Wagga Wagga Touch Association

Supply and erection of scoreboard which will allow players and spectators to view the score and also the timing of the game.

$7,500

$7,500

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club

A 40-foot shipping container, with appropriate securing hardware, to assist with the need for greater storage and to store the club's kayak trailer onsite will be installed at the riverside area. The location and exterior design of the shipping container will be finalised following consultation between Council’s Recreation Division staff and the Canoe Club.

$7,500

$7,500

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Wagga Wagga School of Arts

Upgrade the Lighting Grid in The Basement Theatre

$7,500

$7,500

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

TOTAL

$35,073

$32,086

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.


 

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Recreational Facilities

$37,400

$32,086

$5,314

 

Please note the original budget for the 2021/22 Recreational Facilities category was $30,000, with an additional $7,400 unallocated and to be made available in the Recreational Facilities category based on 2020/21 carryovers and of which is subject to the separate finance report RP-15 in this business paper.

 

It is proposed the unallocated funds for this category of $5,314 be transferred to the 2021/22 Renew Recreational Facilities program, which will contribute toward the services Council can provide to the community for the financial year.

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 


 

 

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Recreational Facilities Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-6

 

RP-6             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Events

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Events category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Events category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $20,000.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program consists of ten grant categories; Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of 18 applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Events category. Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Dan Hayes, Council’s Event’s Officer and an independent community representative, David Yeates.

 

Of the eighteen applications received, a total of $98,790 was requested with $20,000 available. Out of these applications nine applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. Nine applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds was $0. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Wagga Wagga Country Club Ltd

 

Wagga Wagga Country Club 2022 Women’s ProAm. Golf Professionals and amateurs will play together but compete only against their own. There is capacity for 248 players on each day, of which approximately 80 would be professionals.

$7,500

$4,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

The Trustee for Country Hope Trust

 

‘Christmas Hope’. A Christmas celebration and gift day for our diagnosed children and their families. We have activities and entertainment for the kids, Santa arrives with a gift for each diagnosed child and their siblings.

$2,500

$1,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Big Springs Homestead

 

‘Sculptures of the Riverina’. An event inspired by Sculptures by the Sea (Sydney) and Sculptures in the Garden (Mudgee), Sculptures of the Riverina will showcase Australian sculptures and artworks within a historic homestead garden and stables on a family farm near Wagga Wagga NSW.

$7,500

$4,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Thirsty Crow Brewing Co.

 

Thirsty Crow will be working alongside the Wagga Show Society to present 'Ocrowberfest,' which will form part of Wagga's Annual Show at the Kyeamba Smith Hall. This is a new mini version of the classic Bavarian Oktoberfest, with the inclusion of local food and beverage vendors, local live music and entertainment.

$7,500

$4,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

 

Estella Progress Association

 

Annual Christmas party provides an opportunity for our residents to come together and enjoy an afternoon of fun for the kids, with jumping castles, BBQ, and a visit from Santa.

$2,000

$500

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received.

Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Uranquinty CWA Evening Branch

 

'Sconversation'. A forum for people to engage and have important conversations, connecting and increasing awareness of mental health. Speakers will address topics currently being faced and bring attention to impactful issues in regional Australia.

$4,000

$500

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Bidgee Dragons Inc

 

TRIBE Challenge is the ultimate 6 on 6 reverse tug-of-war where two crews face off in a dragon boat. The challenge will be conducted on Lake Albert. It will be open to dragon boat clubs on Day 1 and corporate or community teams on Day 2.

$2,965

$1,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Inspire Church Wagga

Christmas community neighbourhood event. Showcasing talent from people of all ages, through the telling of the story of Christmas. Following this, there will be a Christmas Carnival which will host food stalls, live music, and free rides for kids.

$7,000

$1,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Wagga Aboriginal Women's Group Incorporated

 

‘Marramarra Aboriginal Markets’ (Marramarra meaning handmade / create in Wiradjuri language). Local Aboriginal Artists and Business owners will be invited to run a store to sell products and showcase their unique talents and cultural knowledge, including art, giftware, clothing, services and food. Activities will include a Welcome to Country by a Wiradjuri Elder, Market stall's selling Aboriginal art/homewares/giftware, traditional cooking demonstration, live music and traditional dance performances.

$6,750

$4,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

 

 

TOTAL

$47,715

$20,000

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Events

$20,000

$20,000

$0

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Events Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-7

 

RP-7             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Youth Led Initiatives

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Youth Led Initiatives category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Youth Led Initiatives category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $15,000.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Village, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of seven applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program Youth Led Initiatives category.  Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Vanessa Keenan, Council’s Youth Development Officer and an independent community representative, Julie Milsom.

 

Of the seven applications received, a total of $21,690 was requested with $15,000 available. Five applications were successful, all fully funded. Two were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds was $0. The following table details the successful applications recommended to receive:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for   Funding

Michael Kingsland

Funding for disadvantaged students to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Wagga Wagga High School. The funding would cover the cost of registration ($140/pp) for 10 students to participate, plus some money to co-ordinate the adventurous journey.

$3,000

$3,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes to support disadvantaged youth. Recommendation to fully fund.

Alphabet Soup Youth Group

Alphabet soup youth disco and Alphabet soup educational youth screening aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the young LGBTQI+ community of Wagga and surrounding areas.

$3,000

$3,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes to support LGBTQI youth. Recommendation to fully fund.

Kayne Lyndon

A mentored music production program, developed in conjunction with our young people, to address the ongoing requests by them for local mentoring in music production. Program explores all aspects of music production from end to end, allowing them to drive the production from inception through to a showcased event at the Curious Rabbit in Wagga Wagga

$3,000

$3,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes to support and mentor youth. Recommendation to fully fund.

Wagga Aboriginal Women’s Group Incorporated

Female youth program where local Aboriginal girls will come together for a two day cultural emersion experience with priority to girls from social disadvantaged areas and girls living in out of home care with no connection to their culture. The two day program will include local Wiradjuri female mentors facilitating the program. Which includes a Welcome to Country, a Wagga significant Women's sites tour, traditional women's practice workshop, traditional dance teachings, truth telling, yarning circles and reflection.

$3,000

$3,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes to support female Aboriginal youth, prioritising participation by youth from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Recommendation to fully fund.

Bella Ingram

A series of three small live music events designed to connect young people to their community. Each event features local artists performing in local spaces, for example Cave and Wagga beach, and featuring qualified guest speakers about youth mental health and wellbeing.

$3,000

$3,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to fully fund.

 

TOTAL

$15,000

$15,000

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

 

 

 

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Youth Led Initiatives

$15,000

$15,000

$0

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Youth Led Initiatives Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-8

 

RP-8             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Natural Environment

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Natural Environment category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      approve the successful applications for the Natural Environment category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $7,000

b      approve the budget transfers as detailed in the financial implications section of the report

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Village, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of three applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Natural Environment category.  Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Vanessa Keenan, Council’s Environmental Officer and an independent community representative, William Adlong.

 

Of the three applications received a total of $6,312 was requested with $7,000 available. All applications were successful. The total amount of unallocated funds was $688. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Collette Geier

A garden will be developed on disused and unmaintained Council land located on the northern corner of Fernleigh Road and Macleay Street. Currently the space is covered in weeds and is not used for any purpose. A group of local residents will design and construct an engaging and creative space to be enjoyed by local residents.

$1,232

$1,232

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare

Purchase a trailer, to allow our Landcare group to increase the scale of is activities, particularly relating to revegetation and rubbish removal working bees.

$2,750

$2,750

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Rotary Club of South Wagga Wagga

A continuation project "Reconnecting and invigorating community with Intergenerational knowledge sharing through the “Rocky Hill Project " which transfers intergenerational knowledge for the benefit of Rocky Hill, a much used, but until 2020, under resourced asset for Wagga.

$2,330

$2,330

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

TOTAL

$6,312

$6,312

 

 

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Natural Environment

$7,000

$6,312

$688

 

It is proposed the unallocated funds of $688 be transferred to the 2021/22 Biodiversity Education and Programs cost centre, which will contribute toward the services Council can provide to the community for the financial year.

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

Risk Management Issues for Council

NA

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-9

 

RP-9             Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Local Heritage

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Local Heritage category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Local Heritage category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $15,500.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Village, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of nine applications received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Local Heritage category.

 

Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Dan Hayes, Heritage Adviser, David Scobie and Council’s Town Planner.

 

Of the nine applications received, a total of $54,420 was requested with $15,500 available. Out of these applications six applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. Three applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $0. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Part Funding

Jennifer Reid

Restore Lower Front Timber Veranda of 'Chillingley' Gurwood Street Wagga.

$8,000

$2,775

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Conservation and restoration of verandas as part of a restoration plan for the Mt Erin convent building.

$10,000

$1,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Nicole Cross

Replacement of deteriorated roofing of the veranda attached to the building at 69 Coleman Street Wagga

$5,940

$2,775

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Mackenna Powell

Remediation works to existing awning at 38 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga

$10,000

$2,775

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Madeline Clark

Repair timber sash windows and replace glass panels in French door and front windows at Kyeamba Station, Kyeamba

$4,695

$3,400

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Kim Wilson

Replacement of Roof Sheeting at 67 Coleman Street Wagga Wagga

$5,400

$2,775

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

 

TOTAL

$44,035

$15,500

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.


 

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Local Heritage

$15,500

$15,500

$0

Policy and Legislation

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

Risk Management Issues for Council

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Local Heritage Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-10

 

RP-10           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Neighbourhood and Rural Villages

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Neighbourhood and Rural Villages category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Neighbourhood and Rural Villages Category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $22,000.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

A total of eight applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Neighbourhood and Rural Villages category. 

 

Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Vanessa Keenan, Council’s Acting Social Planning Coordinator and an independent community representative, Laura Johnstone.

 

Of the eight applications received, a total of $27,898 was requested with $22,000 available. Out of these applications seven applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. One application was unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $0. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Humula Citizens and Sports Club

Camp Fire Fun - Music and Dinner. Would like to highlight a local band and hope that if successful, this could become a yearly event for our club.

$1,000

$1,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Lake Albert Playgroup

Renew Lake Albert Playgroup's recreational equipment

$4,413

$4,321

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Ladysmith Playgroup

Creative Youth Connections will facilitate Local Wagga Wagga theatre and performing arts company Oddball as Artist in residence at Ladysmith Playgroup. Will provide a harmonious, imaginative and inclusive program, available to all families with pre-school aged children (0-6 yrs) within the Ladysmilth community and surrounding region.

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

LikeMind Wagga

Community Movie screening day of the film 'Dhuluyarra (speak truly) Aunty & Uncle'. The film consists of recorded discussions with our Local Aboriginal Elders to highlight the impacts of disconnections to culture in the community.

$4,000

$2,480

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Wagga Wagga Camera Group

 

(Auspiced by Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga)

Apple Mac laptop and a Television monitor to digitally view, edit and share their work.

$3,424

$3,424

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Ladysmith Memorial Hall

A new energy-efficient fridge for Ladysmith Hall

$780

$780

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

Kachin Community of Wagga Wagga

 

(Auspiced by Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga)

Wai'miya De'kekah (To Share through Music) project aims to add to the pool of resources that are available to local cultural communities to be able to independently host events and celebrations.

$4,995

$4,995

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

TOTAL

$23,612

$22,000

 

 


 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Neighbourhood and Rural Villages

$22,000

$22,000

$0

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Neighbourhood and Rural Villages Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-11

 

RP-11           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Small Business

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Small Business category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Small Business category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $12,500.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program which consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of 18 applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Small Business category.

Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff.  Panel members were Councillor Dallas Tout, Council’s Economic Development Officer (pre assessment) Executive Assistant, Regional Activation and an independent community representative, Angela Rey.

 

A total of 18 applications were received, requesting a total of $100,628 with $12,500 available. Out of these applications six applications were successful, either fully funded or part funded and notably there are two Wiradjuri and First Nations female led local businesses recommended to be supported in this category. Twelve applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $0.

 

The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Ashleigh Pengelly

Purchase sublimation printing machine for retail products made in the Wagga LGA. Ability to print own Aboriginal artwork designs straight onto items such as candle jars, in particular her Wiradjuri candle. The machine will be made available for businesses, events, festivals etc, particularly for promotional products

$6,000

$1,583

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

The Little Yellow House Gallery

To establish and run a selection of arts workshops starting with a program for Emergency Service/First Response/Health workers. This will be the start of workshops building up to a regular business of paid workshops providing weekly income.

$1,720

$1,720

Panel recommended fully funding this innovative project and noted this was a well written detailed application.

 

Alice Peacock

Has been working in projection art since Vivid Sydney, 2019. Is getting increasing requests for projection work locally and in surrounding regions. Purchasing a professional grade projector will enable my business to start accepting small to medium sized projection work.

$1,875

$1,000

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Prickly Lizard Events

Aboriginal owned - female led business in Wagga Wagga on Wiradjuri Country, have recently purchased a mobile coffee van. Funding to assist in purchasing a generator and exterior signage for the van.

$4,619

$2,287

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Zana Aerial Dance Academy

Purchase of a customised trailer to transport portable rig and associated equipment to offsite shows and workshops. Currently borrowing a basic open box trailer and are restricted to dates when it can be accessed. An enclosed, lockable trailer would mean gear can be safely stored overnight at a venue, opening up a whole new set of events for us.

$3,910

$3,910

Well written applications with a clearly defined budget. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

Sculpted Jewels

Purchase of casting machine and burnout furnace to be available locally for use by local artisans, and for training purposes, thereby retaining the work and revenue within the Wagga LGA, rather than having to send all the work elsewhere.

$4,661

$2,000

Good collaboration with local business. Well written and detailed application.

Part funding due to amount of funding available and the number of applications received.

 

 

TOTAL

$22,785

$12,500

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Small Business

$12,500

$12,500

$0

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Small Business Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: personnel matters concerning particular individuals. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-12

 

RP-12           RRL DEED OF AGREEMENT EXPIRY DATE AND WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

Wagga Wagga City Council is currently reviewing whether to join the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) network again when the next agreement commences in July 2022 OR alternatively, to not participate in the next RRL agreement and provide library services on a standalone basis.

 

RRL member Councils voted at the 31 March 2021 Advisory Committee meeting on a recommendation from the RRL Executive Director through the RRL Executive Committee to adopt a new model for Council contributions to RRL. The majority of member Councils voted for this model. The model adopted by the RRL Advisory Committee for the next agreement period is referenced in the attached Councillor Briefing paper as Option 1a. This model reduces the Wagga City Council payment to RRL from $1,333,856 (2020/21) to an estimated $1,158,181 (2022/23).

 

This report seeks Councillors to confirm their In-Principle Support for the Standalone Wagga Wagga City Library Service Option on expiry of the current RRL Deed of Agreement. This outcome would inform a report to the 22 November 2021 Ordinary Council meeting for the incoming new Council to further ratify the July position. This process will allow a timeframe for RRL planning and member Council notifications leading up to the June 2022 expiry of the current Deed of Agreement. Please note that accompanying this report and under separate cover there is a confidential report and briefing paper with detailed costings.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      consider the confidential report and briefing paper on a review of WWCL service delivery and provide In Principle Support for the Standalone Wagga Wagga City Library Service Option noting a graduated implementation post June 2022 as referenced in this report

b      noting if this option is supported no further funds will be requested to undertake the rest of the proposed works in Stage 2 Library Review as the proposed reserve to be established in the Standalone Option will be used to leverage funds for any capital works required from State and Federal funds received

c      receive a further report at the 22 November 2021 Ordinary Council meeting to allow for the incoming 2021 Council to ratify the 26 July Council resolution

d      send a letter of thanks and acknowledgement to Riverina Regional Library for the services provided over the past term agreements

 

 

Report

Under the NSW Library Act 1939 (Act) where two or more local authorities wish to enter into an agreement relating to local library services the Act specifies agreements being 12(1), 12(2) and 12(A). The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) operates under 12(1) of the Act.

 

The relationship between RRL and its member councils is determined by a number of

documents including a four-year Deed of Agreement with an annual Service Agreement specifying general areas of service provision. As part of the Deed of Agreement operating parameters Wagga Wagga City Council is the Executive Council providing the administrative services for RRL.

 

From Council’s adopted Cultural Plan 2020-2030 a Wagga Wagga City Library Review was undertaken and endorsed by Council at the 18 January 2021 Ordinary Council meeting. As detailed in stage 2 of the Library review there was a high value placed by the community on the existing central library facility and services. However, it was noted at the same time the Library needed to expand its service for current and growing population needs of the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, at both the Civic Centre location and to provide a new agile library programming outreach service, which was more than a borrowing service to the City’s suburban neighbourhoods and village communities across the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.  Stage 2 recommendations in the Library review were interdependent with the outcomes of the separate consultation review with RRL re: the funding Deed of Agreement beyond the expiry date of 30 June 2022. The catalysts for re-examining Wagga Wagga City Council’s participation in RRL is due to the following:

 

·     Being able to implement the adopted Library review recommendations against a growing population for all residents in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA), of which takes account of extensive consultation and feedback from our residents and ratepayers. This identified gaps and inequity issues in current service levels and the ability to expand and deliver new services across the Local Government Area (LGA) and across city suburbs.

 

·     The cost and contribution rate that Wagga Wagga City Library pays to RRL in the current agreement is unsustainable as it renders WWCC with no capacity to increase or introduce new service levels for Library service provision across the LGA. This is important in the wider context of Council’s deficit budgets forecasted in the Long-Term Financial Plan.

 

A briefing paper on the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) Deed of Agreement expiry come June 2022 and Wagga Wagga City Council Library Service options was tabled at a Councillor workshop on 5 July 2021. The briefing paper is attached to the accompanying confidential report which provides the detailed costings and information of the options. This is due to individuals in positions and commercial in confidence costings.

 

The current services provided by RRL to Wagga Wagga City Library (WWCL) are as follows:

 

1.   Procurement contract management for the outsourced purchasing and processing of collections (physical and electronic). Some on-site processing for DVDs and donated books.

2.   Contract management for the provision of the library management system, which manages stock and members.

 

3.   Community learning programs and promotional material. The current programs that Wagga City Library utilises from RRL are Book Club tubs (450 tubs pa), Storytime kits (40 kits pa), and the 5 allocated sessions per annum from RRL staff, delivered at the Wagga branch as Baby Bounce sessions.

 

A mobile library delivery and collection service that occurs fortnightly to the following villages for residents to borrow books, DVDs, magazines and audio books.

 

   Village

Day

Time

Frequency

 Uranquinty

Mondays

 3.30pm – 5:00pm

90 minutes fortnightly

 Collingullie

Tuesdays

 3:45pm – 4:45pm

 1-hour fortnightly

 Humula

Wednesdays

 9:15am – 11:15am

 2-hours fortnightly

 Ladysmith

Thursdays

 1:30pm – 2:15pm

 45 mins fortnightly

 Tarcutta

Fridays

 9:00am – 11:00am

 2-hours fortnightly

 

4.   Provision of RRL governance and library operational policies and procedures.

 

5.   Internal courier service for moving tubs of books, DVDs, audio books and magazines between branches for inter branch loans.

 

6.   Provision of two Branch member meetings per annum.  One is an annual training session. The other is a general business Branch library meeting.

 

7.   Managing the eLibrary services contract including provision of eBooks and other resources, hosting online databases and maintaining the RRL website.

 

8.   Administration services for the RRL Advisory Committee and a report to the Executive Council including the six-monthly service level agreement performance report, collation of member council statistics for the annual regional Bibliostat return to the State Library NSW and by request crystal data reports for branches.  

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) and all RRL member Councils enjoy reciprocal borrowing rights with all the other Councils across NSW. This means our residents can use other Council’s library facilities and vice versa. This reciprocal arrangement is set up by the State Library NSW with each NSW Council. WWCC is the Executive Council for the RRL.  In this capacity we provide financial management and accounting, fleet management, human resources and hold the key risks associated with the RRL service as the only legal entity attached to the functions of the RRL.  WWCC was paid $76,337 in 2020/21 for the provision of these services and risk acceptance.

 

In preparation for the next Deed of Agreement, RRL has reviewed its fee calculation methodology.  This reviewed methodology reduces the Wagga Wagga City Library contribution from $1,333,856 (2020/21) to an estimated $1,158,181 in the first year of the new agreement term (2022/23), should WWCC decide to continue as a member in the new agreement. The total cost of the Wagga Wagga City Library service for 2022/23 would be $2,446,600.

 

WWCC has an alternative option, which is to stand alone and not join the RRL when the next agreement is formed. The total proposed cost for a Standalone Library service model is $2,491,466 for 2022/23. The confidential report on this matter within this business paper includes detailed costings for this option. Council has an adopted Long-Term Financial Plan allocation of $2,715,980 for 2022/23 for the total Wagga City Library service that includes the RRL service components that RRL provide. If Council was to move to a Standalone Library service model, there would be a saving of $224,514 for 2022/23 against the current adopted Long Term Financial Plan. The Standalone option provides increased services for residents and ratepayers, as well as providing for a better value proposition that would include the establishment of a Library reserve and savings returned to the deficit position of Council across the 2022/23 Long Term Financial Plan.

 

The main benefit to the Wagga Wagga community of moving to a standalone library service is that Council will be able to provide BOTH the services provided by the Riverina Regional Library plus a whole range of additional services including a 100% increase to the current village service frequency, the extension of the village service to include all 9 villages (up from 5 currently provided by RRL) and a new service established for the suburbs of Wagga Wagga, the delivery of programs to all the villages and suburbs and an increase in service levels at the Civic Centre.

 

The Standalone option for Wagga Wagga City Library Service is recommended by staff post June 2022, as this represents a strong return on investment proposition to Council, residents and ratepayers living in the Wagga Wagga LGA. Staff have taken on board Councillor feedback out of the Councillor workshop held on 5 July 2021 for this option to be gradually implemented over six to twelve months post 2022, so as to allow for internal staff project management and to take account of further engagement of schedules with rural and suburban locations, with the flexibility to adjust accordingly to specific locational needs. In addition to applying for available external grants, staff will be using the reserve that is established under this option to leverage other grant funding to progress with design/fit out and location improvements to tested community buildings and spaces as part of meeting the Library review recommendations.

 

This option will enable Wagga Wagga City Library (WWCL) to deliver the recommendations outlined in Stage 2 of the Wagga Wagga Library review including expanded services at the Library and the establishment of new library services for the community in suburban and village locations across the LGA. Importantly this option will provide a reserve for the WWCL to leverage other Federal and State Funding along with returning a saving to the deficit position of the Long-Term Financial Plan.  The Standalone option will address the following:

 

·     Delivery of a contemporary, responsive best practice library service as benchmarked and requested by the community out of extensive consultation undertaken as part of the Wagga Wagga Library Review

 

·     Increased library service provision to current and new community library users across 7 days per week at the civic centre location and the establishment of new, weekly library service provision to suburban and village locations across the LGA.

 

 ·    Respond to Council’s 28 September 2020 resolution to reduce social and community disadvantage by providing an on-going service to SA1 locations for example: sequencing this service as part of the renewal and social transformation planning project for Tolland.

 

·     Increase library membership to 50%+ of the total Wagga Wagga LGA population (currently 30%) through expanded hub and spoke service model.

 

·     Enable the creation of an internal Library reserve based on 50% of the budget saving to fund any co-contributions required of grant funding applications.

 

·     Enable WWCL to test and pilot other Stage 2 Library Review projects identified such as library kiosks, ‘library of things’ in suburban locations and other outreach models with partners such as the CSU library and Estella Public School community hall.

 

·     Provide 50% of the saving back to WWCC to assist with deficit budgets over the life of the LTFP.

 

The following information details how this has been determined.

 

To operate a standalone library service, we would need to provide the current RRL services noting we would not be required to operate an internal courier service or administer the RRL advisory committee. Providing this service internally will require:

 

1.   Procurement and vendor contract management for the outsourced purchasing and processing of collections (physical and electronic). Some on-site processing for DVDs and donated books $418,009

 

2.   Contract management for the provision of the library management system the operating system to manage stock and members $110,819

 

3.   Community learning program resources for the book club tubs (450 tubs pa), the Storytime kits (40 kits pa), and baby bounce program $134,482

 

4.   Liaise directly with State Library NSW for library related policies and procedures.

 

In the transition period, Wagga City Library with the guidance of the State Library NSW would review library related policies and processes, noting this would not require any major changes. Continual update of policies and procedures would be undertaken by the Manager - Library Services on a regular basis in consultation with the State Library NSW as part of their substantive role.

 

There is no training or gaps analysis costs to be considered as the State Library NSW provides up to date information and support on any changes to library related polices as part of their role in supporting public library staff across NSW.

 

5.   Managing the eLibrary services contract including provision of eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines, discovery tools and hosting online databases on the WWCL website $82,432

 

6.   Submit the annual Bibliostat return direct to the State Library NSW and run our own crystal data reports.

 

Bibliostat statistics for State Library of NSW. This is ongoing recording of data by Program and Circulation staff – eg. member numbers, programs, visits, collection size, number of information requests, reservations filled, public internet usage. This task is currently undertaken by the current Program and Circulation staff so there would be no additional costs required to complete this work. The Systems Officer would collate and submit the annual Bibliostat data $3,604

 

7.   WWCL would become an independent member of the South West Zone Digital Library consortium $42,207

 

8.   Cost of delivering equivalent RRL services to current 5 villages of Humula, Ladysmith, Uranquinty, Collingullie and Tarcutta $38,454

 

*Based on a fortnightly service without programming for comparison with the RRL “collect and return” service.

 

Total upfront cost in first year (2022/23) is $830,007, to deliver items 1-8 above.

 

Total recurrent cost thereafter is:

 

Year

Recurrent cost

2023/24

$742,850

2024/25

$763,643

2025/26

$785,130

2026/27

$807,338

2027/28

$830,292

2028/29

$854,021

2029/30

$878,552

2030/31

$903,915

 

 

Additional Services to be provided

 

1.   In the Standalone model for the current 5 villages the service would be twice as frequent, being delivered weekly instead of fortnightly for an additional cost of $27,343.

 

2.   In addition to the ‘collect and return’ service provided by RRL, Wagga City Library would offer outreach programs to villages and suburbs.

 

3.   The Agile Service Officer’s salary includes the face to face delivery of the programs as per the Village Circuit Program table below. To enable direct comparison with the RRL service cost, the costs already identified above have been excluded from the table below. As a result, the table reflects only the additional costs to provide the additional services to the RRL service option.

 

Location

Program description

Material Unit Cost

Cost

Tarcutta, Humula, Ladysmith, Uranquinty

and Collingullie

30 x Storytime sessions per annum

 

6 sessions per village @ $18 per session

 

$540

 

10 x Tech Savvy Community classes per annum

2 sessions per village @$175 per session

$1,750

 

5 x Science/School Holiday Programs per annum

 1 session per village @ $108

$540

 

10 x Community Partnership programs in Community Legal, Health and Wellbeing per annum

2 sessions per village @ $10

$100

Total program materials

 

 

$2,930

 

In addition to increasing the service level to the 5 villages serviced by RRL to a weekly service instead of a fortnightly service, the Wagga City Library standalone option would increase the Wagga City Council service level in 2 further ways:

 

1.   Firstly, it is proposed that Wagga expand the village library service to the 4 villages of Oura, Mangoplah, Galore and Currawarna.  These villages which would receive the new weekly library service discussed above for the 5 villages that the RRL currently services fortnightly. 

 

The addition of these villages to the library services we offer would cost an additional $52,638 for vehicle, collections and staffing plus $5,274 in program material costs.

 

Location

Program description

Material Unit Cost

Cost

Oura, Mangoplah, Galore & Currawarna,

24 x Storytime sessions per annum

6 sessions per village @ $18 per session

 

$432

 

8 x Tech Savvy Community classes per annum

2 sessions per village @$175 per session

$1,400

 

4 x Science/School Holiday Programs per annum

1 session per village @ $108

$432

 

8 x Community Partnership programs in Community Legal, Health and Wellbeing per annum

2 sessions per village @ $10

$80

Total program materials

 

 

$2,344

 


 

 

2.   Secondly, it is proposed that the Wagga library service is expanded to direct service delivery in Wagga Wagga suburbs (which are not currently serviced at all by the RRL). In total it proposed that the remote service would be provided to 9 suburbs in Wagga. The additional costs for this new service initiative would be program costs of $7,326 ($814 per suburb) and vehicle, collections and staff costs $118,435, totalling $125,761. The Agile Service Officer’s salary includes the face to face delivery of the programs as described in the Suburban Circuit Program table below. These costings exclude the staff costs already listed above of which support the outreach programming.

 

Location

Program description

Material Unit Cost

Cost

Boorooma, Estella, Glenfield Park, Tolland, Ashmont, Mount Austin, Kooringal, Lake Albert and Turvey Park.

54 x Storytime sessions per annum

 

6 sessions per suburb @ $18 per session

 

$972

 

18 x Tech Savvy Community classes per annum

2 sessions per suburb @$175 per session

 

$3,150

 

9 x Science/School Holiday Programs per annum

1 session per suburb @ $108

$972

 

18 x Community Partnership programs in Community Legal, Health and Wellbeing per annum

2 sessions per suburb @ $80

$180

 

36 x Multicultural services – Language Café per annum

4 sessions per suburb @ $18

$648

 

36 x Baby Bounce sessions per annum

4 sessions per suburb @ $39

$1,404

Total program materials

 

 

$7,326

 

Also in addition to all the expanded library offerings identified above, it is also proposed that the services at the Civic Centre be expanded. Under the standalone model, additional services could be offered at the Civic Centre with expanded services offered across 7 days including:

 

·   Multicultural Services would be increased from 10 hours per week to 5 days per week for Language Café classes and commence targeted Storytime, homework, study groups, Tech Savvy Community multicultural sessions.

 

·   Additional resources for Storytime sessions targeted at new parents and carers (offered daily 5 days per week) and Baby Bounce x 40 sessions.

 

·   Commencement of regular facilitated after hours and weekend programming which includes additional salaries for staff to provide onsite homework, research and study help, coding, author talks, book clubs, music, creative, science and technology

 

Total $97,353

 

Cost Comparison

 

The cost adopted by RRL to provide the RRL services to Wagga City Library in 2022/23 is $1,158,181. If Wagga City Library was to deliver the equivalent RRL services (as described in points 1-8 on pages 1–3 in this document) and the additional services proposed (as described on pages 4-5 in this document) this would total $1,138,376 for 2022/23. On this basis, Council would be able to provide everything it currently receives from RRL, plus increasing the service level in the 5 villages by 100%, plus extending the service to 4 more villages, plus extending the service to 9 suburbs, plus increasing the services at the civic centre at a total saving of $19,805 compared to the RRL fee to provide the limited services offered by RRL. 

 

If Wagga City Library was to remain as part of the RRL service, under the proposed RRL model and with all services levels remaining status quo, the overall Wagga City Library would cost $2,446,600 for 2022/23.   This total includes a payment of $77, 271 paid by RRL to Wagga Council for providing the services of the executive council to the RRL.

 

The total proposed cost for the Wagga City Library to deliver a standalone library model is $2,491,466 for 2022/23. This would result in the standalone model costing an additional $44,866, with Council to provide the equivalent RRL services, current City Library services as well as new expanded services to the 9 rural villages, 9 suburban locations and increased services at the Civic Centre site.  If Wagga Council was not the executive Council to RRL the RRL cost in the previous paragraph would be $77,271 higher and so the standalone option would then be $32,405 cheaper than the RRL option.

 

You will note there is a discrepancy between the above paragraphs being a predicted $19,805 saving in the narrative in the first paragraph and slightly different saving of $32,405 in the narrative of the 3rd paragraph.  The reason for this difference is that it is proposed that some of the program costs could be covered from the library budget without being separately identified and raised and so the standalone option is likely to be slightly cheaper than the service by service cost breakdown  provided in the tables above.

 

Council has adopted LTFP allocation of $2,715,980 for 2022/23 for the Wagga City Library service. Attachment E provides the detailed costings of the standalone model.

 

These costs are based on prices sourced from vendor providers, charges listed in the RRL Management Plan 2020/21 and benchmarked against Albury City Library’s standalone service which is comparable to the size of the Wagga Wagga City Library and internal staff costings. See Attachment E for the details of these costings.

 

The standalone option is recommended by staff for WWCL to pursue post June 2022, as this represents a strong return on investment proposition to Council, residents and ratepayers living in the Wagga Wagga LGA.

 

It is recommended that Councillors provide In Principle Support for the Standalone Wagga Wagga City Library Service Option and a further report be provided to the 22 November 2021 Ordinary Council meeting to allow the incoming 2021 Council to ratify the 26 July Council resolution.

 

Financial Implications

The cost adopted by RRL to provide the RRL services to Wagga City Library in 2022/23 is estimated at $1,158,181. If Wagga City Library was to deliver the equivalent RRL services and the additional services proposed this would total $1,138,376 for 2022/23. On this basis, Council would be able to provide everything it currently receives from RRL, plus increasing the service level in the 5 villages by 100%, plus extending the service to 4 more villages, plus extending the service to 9 suburbs, plus increasing the services at the civic centre at a total saving of $19,805 compared to the RRL fee to provide the limited services offered by RRL. 

 

If Wagga City Library was to remain as part of the RRL service, under the proposed RRL model and with all services levels remaining status quo, the overall Wagga City Library would cost $2,446,600 for 2022/23. This total includes a payment of $77,271 paid by RRL to Wagga Council for providing the services of the executive council to the RRL.

 

The total proposed cost for the Wagga City Library to deliver a Standalone library model is $2,491,466 for 2022/23. This would result in the standalone model costing an additional $44,866, with Council to provide the equivalent RRL services, current City Library services as well as new expanded services to the 9 rural villages, 9 suburban locations and increased services at the Civic Centre site.  If Wagga Council was not the executive Council to RRL the RRL cost in the previous paragraph would be $77,271 higher and so the standalone option would then be $32,405 cheaper than the RRL option.

 

Council has an adopted LTFP allocation of $2,715,980 for 2022/23 for the Wagga City Library service. Adopting the standalone library model would save Council $224,514 in 2022/23. The confidential report on this matter details the costings for the Standalone Option 3 Library Service model.

Policy and Legislation

NSW Library Act 1939

Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2020-2030

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

Any risks for service option implementation will be addressed as part of project and service delivery risk management assessments and controls.

Internal / External Consultation

The options have been informed by previous community consultation and survey processes and engagement with Council’s Cultural Plan and the Library Review, engagement with Councillors, RRL Executive Director and RRL Advisory Committee meetings and resolutions, along with any relevant Wagga Wagga City Council resolutions.

 

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-13

 

RP-13           Annual Grants Program 2021/22 - Community Programs and Projects

Author:        Madeleine Scully 

Director:      Janice Summerhayes

        

 

Summary:

Council’s Annual Grants Program consists of ten grant categories:

Community Programs and Projects, Recreational Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Natural Environment,

Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business. The program offers the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The total amount of funding available in the 2021/22 financial year is $217,000 with an additional $7,400 unallocated and available in the Recreational Facilities category carry over request budget detailed in the Finance report within this business paper. This brings the total budget for the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program to $224,400.

 

This year the Annual Grants Program placed a priority on applications that demonstrated their event, project or program would contribute to decreasing social and community disadvantage in the neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. This was in response to the Notice of Motion – Decreasing Social and Community Disadvantage report that was endorsed at the 28 September 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

The annual grants application period opened on Monday 15 March 2021 and closed on Monday 17 May 2021. This report provides details regarding the Community Programs and Projects category for 2021/22.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Community Programs and Projects Category of the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program as detailed in the report totalling $30,000.

 

Report

The Annual Grants 2021/22 program consists of ten grant categories; Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Natural Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Led Initiatives and Small Business.

 

Each category is reported as a separate report to allow Councillors to consider pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in each report and annual grants category.

 

An overall total of 111 applications were received for assessment in the Annual Grants Program 2021/22 with $224,400 available. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $549,889.

 

A total of seventeen applications were received in the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program – Community Programs and Projects category. Applications were assessed with the panel comprising of a Councillor, independent community representatives and staff. Panel members were Councillor Vanessa Keenan, Council’s Community Development Officer and an independent community representative, Laura Johnston.

 

Of the seventeen applications received, a total of $71,362 was requested with $30,000 available. Out of these applications nine applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded. Eight applications were unsuccessful. The total amount of unallocated funds is $0. The following table details the successful applications received:

 

Organisation Name

Project Description

Funding Requested

Funding Approved

Reason for Funding

Carevan Wagga Incorporated

Purchase of Food Containers & Additional Equipment for Safe Transport of Food

$5,312

$514

Part funding recommended due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Turvey Park Public School

Students from schools in the Wagga LGA to be able to access a refugee environmental hub at the Riverina Environmental Education Centre. The program will look to engage refugee students. The project would include parents, allowing families of school students of refugee background to engage meaningfully with schools, opening the door for parents to feel part of the school community and their child’s education.

$3,500

$3,500

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors

Multicultural Women’s Arts Group will be a weekly creative engagement program for women from refugee backgrounds. Through the workshops, women will engage in creative expression and share cultural and traditional arts practices from their multicultural backgrounds.

$4,900

$4,300

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

Afghan Hazara Community of Wagga Wagga

 

(Auspiced by the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga)

Host four events at times of cultural significance to promote intercultural dialogue, awareness, acceptance and learning creating opportunities to celebrate our local cultural diversity and promote unity within our region. The four events will be hosted to coincide with Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Ghadir and Nowruz (Persian New Year.)

$4,384

$4,384

Detailed application and inclusive of entire community with clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

Bluearth Foundation

‘Active Schools’ A program which will provide schools with access to a sustainable and evidence-based whole-body health and fitness program that includes physical and health literacy, activity, and mindfulness to create and foster a healthy active school community.

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application and will teach skills for life. Clear objectives and outcomes. Recommended to be fully funded.

 

Wagga Women’s Health Centre

Meditation and mindfulness sessions. These free hour-long sessions will be facilitated by a professional meditation teacher and will be open to all clients and women (or anyone presenting as a woman) in the community.

$2,070

$2,070

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Sunflower House Incorporated

A 5-month Art Program for Sunflower House members which includes expressive drawing, acrylic painting, portrait painting, clay sculpting and mural painting

$5,000

$5,000

Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.   Recommended to be fully funded.

 

Wagga Derby Dolls Incorporated aka Riverina Rollers

Purchase protective equipment, three hit pads for training and roller skates to offset the initial cost of joining roller derby. The equipment is very expensive and is often a barrier to people who would otherwise join.

$4,100

$1,832

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

Bespoke Fashion Inc

The project will help meet the demands for basic sewing skills and knowledge in the Wagga Wagga LGA through no cost classes.

$4,930

$3,400

Part funding due to amount of funding available in this category and the number of applications received. Application indicates they are willing to accept part funding.

 

TOTAL    

$39,196

$30,000

 

 

Please see attached for reference a table of unsuccessful applications.

All categories in the Annual Grants program 2021/22 were oversubscribed, except for the Recreational Facilities, Rural Halls and Natural Environment categories.

Financial Implications

Annual Grants Category Description

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Community Programs and Partnerships

$30,000

$30,000

$0

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the 2021/22 Annual Grants Program on all Council platforms. A community engagement workshop was held on 26 March 2021. Council staff proactively contacted community networks to promote the annual grants program and to provide assistance in the preparation of applications.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Annual Grants Program 2021/22 Community Programs and Projects Unsuccessful Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-14

 

RP-14           APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FOR CHARITY OGANISATIONS

Author:        Darryl Woods 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

This report has been prepared for applications submitted to Council by local charitable organisations, community groups and an individual seeking relief from fees for the disposal of waste at Council’s Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) for the 2021/22 financial year, on the basis that they are providing a benefit to the community.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council endorse the annual waste disposal subsidies for the total amount of $5,050.00 for 2021/22 for the applicants as referred to in this report.

 

Report

Councils Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078) along with the Delivery Program and Operational Plan incorporate the specific program of Waiving of Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Fee and outlines the $10,300 budget allocation for 2021/22.

 

As part of this program, individuals, registered not-for-profit, non-government registered charities or community groups located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are able to apply for a waiver or subsidised disposal fees. There are two types of waivers or subsidised disposal fees that may be applied for:

 

1.  An annual waiver or reduction to a maximum value of $1,000, or

2.  A waiver or fee reduction for a single, specific project up to a maximum value of $250. This may be for advertised events such as Clean-Up Australia Day or the Adopt-A-Road Program.

 

An advertisement was placed in regional newspapers and on Council’s website during April and May 2021 inviting applications for subsidised waste disposal fees. Seven applications were received by the advertised closing date of 31st May 2021.

 

The following table lists the applicants and the amount of the subsidy requested:

 

No.

Name of Applicant

Requested Subsidy

1

Sister Housing Enterprises

$1,000.00

2

Wagga Men’s Shed

$1,000.00

3

South Wagga Anglican Church

$300.00

4

Anglican Opportunity Shop

$500.00

5

Riding for the Disabled (NSW) Wagga Centre

$1,000.00

6

Rotary Club of South Wagga Wagga Inc

$1,000.00

7

Wagga Wagga Baptist Facilities Incorporated

$250.00

 

Total

$5,050.00

The seven organisations/community groups that submitted applications for subsidised waste disposal fees are well known to Council for providing valuable charitable and social services that benefit the community of Wagga Wagga.

 

It is recommended to approve all seven applications that were received and given that there are over 150 registered charities listed in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, it is proposed that the remaining budget amount of $5,250.00 be retained to fund any further applications for subsidised fees that may be received during the 2021/22 financial year.

Financial Implications

An allowance of $10,300 for subsidised waste disposal has been made in the Solid Waste budget for 2021/22, funded from the Solid Waste Reserve. The approval of the seven applications recommended in this report totalling $5,050 will leave $5,250 for Council to consider any further applications received for the remainder of the financial year.

 

Job consolidation 70035 - Charity Subsidies for Waste Disposal

Policy and Legislation

Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993

POL 078 Financial Assistance Policy

 

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: We create a sustainable environment for future generations

Outcome: We demonstrate sustainable practices

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

No risk management issues were identified in respect to the provision of subsidised waste disposal fees provided they are applied as per the Policy.

Internal / External Consultation

The opportunity to apply for the subsidies was advertised widely in media and newsprint across the Wagga Wagga LGA.  Submissions were invited and 7 submissions were received.

 

Internal consultation with the relevant sections within Council will be undertaken to ensure the operators of the landfill and finance staff are advised of the subsidy to ensure it is applied correctly and monitored appropriately.

The charitable organisations, community groups and individual will be advised of the resolution of Council regarding their application for subsidised disposal fees, how the subsidy will be applied and the conditions of entry into the landfill.

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-15

 

RP-15           COMMUNITY@WORK FUND - OUTCOME OF GRANT FUNDING SUBMISSIONS

Author:        Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

The new Community@Work Fund is aimed at providing an avenue for community members/organisations to request financial assistance for their proposed capital work or one-off activity which is primarily for the benefits of a community need which is not otherwise being met.

 

There is $95,372 in funding available for the new Community@Work Fund for the 2021/22 financial year.  The application process opened up on 27 April 2021 to 15 June 2021, with 13 applications submitted to Council for consideration.

 

A Councillor Workshop was held on 5 July 2021 to consider the applications.  This report is recommending funding to seven (7) organisations as listed in this report.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve the successful applications for the Community@Work Fund for the 2021/22 financial year, as detailed in the report totalling $44,296.

 

Report

The Community@ Work Program is a new initiative of Council aimed at providing an avenue for community members/organisations to request financial assistance for their proposed capital work or one-off activity, which is primarily for the benefit of a community need which is not otherwise being met.

 

The Community@ Work Program is funded from a levy on capital works project budgets, with the first $50K transferred to the Public Art Reserve to fund items contained within the Public Art Program, and the balance going to the Community Works Reserve.

 

There is $95,372 in funding available for the new Community@Work Fund for the 2021/22 financial year.  The application process opened up on 27 April 2021 to 15 June 2021, with 13 applications submitted to Council for consideration.

 

One of the 13 applications failed to submit a detailed business plan (an essential requirement of the application), with Council officers unsuccessful in attempting to make contact with the applicant.  Of the remaining 12 applications received, applications were initially assessed by Council staff.

 

A Councillor Workshop was held on Monday 5 July 2021 to discuss the 12 submissions together with the Council Officer recommendations for funding based on the Council approved eligibility criteria.

 

Of the 12 applications received, a total of $253,879 was requested with $95,372 available. Out of these applications seven (7) applications were successful and recommended to be either fully funded or part funded, totalling $44,296. Five (5) applications were unsuccessful, with details contained within the confidential attachment to this report.

 

The total amount of recommended unallocated funds is $51,076, which is suggested to be held in the Community Works Reserve and made available for the 2022/23 funding round, in addition to what is anticipated to be available for next year’s round. 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-15

 

 

App
No.

Applicant Name

Project

Funding Requested from Council

Suggested Council Funded Amount

 

Reasons for funding and Council Officer Notes

1

Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga - St Saviours Church Ladysmith

Church Building Access Ramp construction, replacement of existing 3 stairs access (only access to building)

 $34,548

 $5,000

Link to DIAP.  Application notes Church group will fundraise for remaining funds.  As the church is on the local heritage register, any works will likely require a development application, which ordinarily involve advice from Council's Heritage Advisor.

 

2

Carevan Wagga Incorporated

Purchase of a mobile IT device to enable improved management of resources for Carevan's meal program.  Also purchase of signage to increase awareness in community.

 

 $2,250

 $1,370

Part funding due to ability of Council to provide the organisation with a second hand mobile IT device to meet their needs. 

3

Demonstration Gardens Wagga Wagga

Purchase of 4-5 new garden beds

$1,900

 $1,900

Involves a variety of social and ethnic groups within our community.

 

4

North Wagga Residents Association Inc.

Purchase of 26 signs, supporting book, and audio app and location pamphlet for the North Wagga Village Heritage Track

$33,136

 $20,000

Connection to history in place. CSP references valuing our heritage.
Council contribution, conditional on North Wagga Residents Association Inc. seeking additional funding from State and Federal agencies.

Another condition if approved will be the location of the signs are endorsed by Council officers to ensure compliance with access and maintenance.

 

5

South Wagga Anglican Church

Fenced outside play space at St Paul's Church, which will provide a safe outside play space to at least 100 preschool and primary age school children who attend community programs 4 days a week.

 

$7,000

 $7,000

Surrounding catchup area supports families with children from socially and community disadvantaged neighbourhoods.  Underutilised space that could be used if fenced.

6

Tarcutta Progress Association

Proposed Mural at the Paddy Osborne Park in Tarcutta

$5,750

 $5,750

Contributes towards increasing the public amenity and appeal of this park area for residents and visitors.  In the September 2020 report, Tarcutta has the highest SEIFA index. Supports the recommendations outlined in the Cultural Plan.

 

7

The Smoking Butcher (Michael Cameron)

Delivering "Meat-up" which is a project designed to offer an opportunity to bring together men in the community, via a free bbq

 

$21,255

 $3,276

Men's mental health initiative. 
Approval given for 2 events for the cost of the bbq items only.

 

 

 

$105,839

$44,296

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-15

 

It should be noted that two (2) of the five (5) unsuccessful applications were submitted by the Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW and Relationships Australia Canberra and Region.  Council acknowledges the important work these two (2) organisations contribute to the Wagga community.  Council are recommending that these two (2) requests for funding seek alternative funding sources within state and federal government agencies.

Financial Implications

 

Total Budget Available

Total funds Allocated

Total Funds

Unallocated

Community@Work Grant Funding

$95,372

$44,296

$51,076

 

It is proposed for the $51,076 funds unallocated to remain in the Community Works Reserve, and be added to the funding available for the 2022/23 grant funding round.

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Extensive advertising and media communication was undertaken to promote the new Community@Work 2021/22 Grants Program on all Council platforms.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

x

x

 

 

 

 

 

x

x

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council have held a number of Councillor workshops on this new Grant funding Program, with the most recent being 5 July 2021, where the applications were reviewed and considered.  The following four (4) Councillors were in attendance:

 

The Mayor Councillor G Conkey

Councillor Y Braid

Councillor V Keenan

Councillor K Pascoe

 

The following three (3) Councillors left the workshop due to conflicts of interest:

Councillor D Hayes

Councillor D Tout

Councillor R Kendall

 

Apologies were received from Councillor T Koshel.

 

Attachments

 

1.

Confidential Attachment - Unsuccesful Community@Work Applications

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: personnel matters concerning particular individuals. - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

Confidential Attachment - Councillor Workshop Outcomes Document

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: personnel matters concerning particular individuals. - Provided under separate cover

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-16

 

RP-16   2020/21 WORKS IN PROGRESS AND REVOTES, 2021/22 BUDGET VARIATIONS AND 30 JUNE 2021 INVESTMENT REPORT

 

Author:        Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

This report is for Council to consider and approve the proposed 2020/21 capital and operating budget revotes, works in progress and proposed budget variations required to manage the 2021/22 budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

 

This report is also for Council to consider its external investments and performance as at 30 June 2021.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      approve the proposed 2020/21 capital and operating budget revotes as presented in this report

b      note the 2020/21 capital and operating works in progress transfers as presented in this report

c      approve the proposed 2021/22 budget variations as presented in this report

d      note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (Part 9 Division 3: Clause 203) that the financial position of Council is satisfactory having regard to the original estimates of income and expenditure and the recommendations made above

e      note the details of the external investments as at 30 June 2021 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

 

Report

This report provides a summary of the 2020/21 capital works in progress (including multi-year projects) and those projects that have not yet commenced as at 30 June 2021.

 

The adoption of the recommendation will enable the revote of the funding allocation from the 2020/21 budget for projects that have not commenced, to the 2021/22 budget.

 

The report also highlights the various works in progress as at 30 June 2021 noting that the unexpended funds will automatically transfer to the 2021/22 financial year without the need for a Council resolution, as per Section 211 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

 

It is important to note that the estimated works in progress and revote figures that are presented in this report are subject to change pending the finalisation of the 2020/21 financial statements.

 

The usual monthly financial report is not included in the Business paper due to the commencement of the year-end process and preparation of the financial statements for auditing. The 2020/21 Financial Statements will be presented to Council in October 2021 which will highlight and provide analysis on Council’s overall financial performance and position for the 2020/21 financial year. Council’s Independent Auditor will present the 2020/21 Audit Report at the November 2021 Council meeting.

 

This report includes proposed 2021/22 budget variations for Council’s consideration and adoption. Council is forecasting a balanced budget position for the 2021/22 financial year as at 26 July 2021.

 

This report also includes details on the performance of Council’s investments as at 30 June 2020.  Council has experienced a negative monthly investment performance for the month of June when compared to budget ($782 down on the monthly budget).  Council’s investment portfolio continues to perform strongly in the current low interest rate environment with the portfolio returning 1.68% for the 2020/21 financial year, outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill Index by 1.62%.

 

2020/21 Project Revotes and Works in Progress Transfers

 

The tables included in the Attachment provide details of the total capital works program for 2020/21, the projects recommended for revoting and the works in progress. Below is a summary of each table:

 

Reference

Description

Amount

Table A

2020/21 Capital Works Summary

Table B

Capital Project Revotes

$1,607,199

Table C

Capital Projects – Works in Progress

$14,469,117

Table D i)

Operating Project Revotes

  $4,627,743

Table D ii)

Operating Income Project Revotes

$33,576

Table E

Operating Project – Works in Progress

$1,994,718

 

By approving in principle these requests, the total 2021/22 revised capital works program will be:

 

$  79,138,182 – 2021/22 Adopted One-off Capital Works Budget

$  18,487,675 – 2021/22 Adopted Recurrent Capital Program

$  16,076,316 – Requested for Revote and as Works in Progress Transfers*

$113,702,173 – Proposed Capital Works Program 2021/22*

 

*The estimated Revotes and Works in Progress figures that are presented in this report are subject to change pending the finalisation of the 2020/21 financial statements.

 

Please note that the Capital Works Pending category currently has a total budget of $51,844,545 allocated to projects for 2021/22 that has not been included in the above totals. The assumption is that these projects may also be voted into the delivery program during the 2021/22 financial year.

 

Please also be advised that once the financial year is finalised with all 2020/21 invoices paid and the outstanding commitments are determined as to which year they relate, the 2020/21 proposed budget revotes and works in progress transfer amounts may reduce. The $16,076,316 figure shown above for Capital ($1,607,199 + $14,469,117) assumes all current outstanding commitments for the projects will be paid from the 2021/22 financial year budget.

2021/22 Budget Variations

 

 

 




2021/22 Revised Budget Result – (Surplus) / Deficit

$’000s

Original 2021/22 Budget Result as adopted by Council

Budget Variations for 2021/22

$0

$0

Proposed Revised Budget result for 2021/22, as at 26 July 2021 - (Surplus) / Deficit

$0

 

The proposed Budget Variations to 26 July 2021 are listed below:

 

Budget Variation

Amount

Funding Source

Net Impact

(Fav)/ Unfav

3 – Growing Economy

NSW Government’s Tourism Industry Marketing Support Grants Program

$40K

Destination NSW Grant Funding ($20K)

Visitor Economy Operational budgets ($20K)

Nil

Council has been successful in securing funding from Destination NSW for tourism recovery marketing campaigns aimed at driving immediate demand and bookings for Regional NSW products and experiences. This funding will support local operators to undertake a variety of different marketing activities to promote visitor experiences, attractions, tours and accommodation, to drive demand during Winter/Spring 2021. Council are required to match this funding which has been identified in the Visitor Economy operational budget 21/22 designated for this purpose.

Estimated Completion: 30 October 2021

Job Number: 21489

 

LMC Master Plan

$69K

LMC Reserve ($69K)

Nil

A budget variation is requested for the update to the Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) Master Plan to assess the potential impacts of future development plans of the Bomen Special Activation Precinct (SAP).

 

The update to the Master Plan will also investigate and extend capital improvements to succinctly repackage the future capital works at the LMC.

This Master Plan is proposed to be funded from the LMC Reserve.

 Estimated Completion: 30 November 2021

Job Consolidation Number: 45068

 

 

 

 

4 – Community Place and Identity

Driver Reviver Site Upgrade – Visitor Information Centre

$148K

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Grant Income ($148K)

Nil

Council has been successful in securing $148,090 from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications toward the upgrade to Driver Reviver Infrastructure at the Visitor Information Centre.  This funding will go toward the purchase and installation of a shade sail over the existing playground, additional BBQ and outdoor furniture, accessible concrete footpaths, landscaping and signage.

 Estimated Completion: 30 June 2022

Job Consolidation Number: 21480

 

5 – The Environment

Community Education - Waste

$20K

 Solid Waste Reserve ($20K)

Nil

It is proposed to establish an education program to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. The program will involve a broad range of media, social media and face to face approaches to create behaviour change in service users. It is proposed to fund the variation from the Solid Waste Reserve on an annual basis.

Job Consolidation Number: 70172

 

Local Land Services Weed Control

$35K

NSW State Government Grant ($35K)

Nil

Council has been successful in securing State Government grant funding under the Local Land Services Program. The funds will be used to assist in limiting the spread of weeds from high traffic public spaces within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

Project Completion: 30 June 2022

Job Consolidation Number: 21453

 

 

$0K

 

 

 


 

Investment Summary as at 30 June 2021

In accordance with Regulation 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, details of Wagga Wagga City Council’s external investments are outlined below:

 

Institution

Rating

Closing Balance
Invested
31/05/2021
$

Closing Balance
Invested
30/06/2021
$

June
EOM
Current Yield
%

June
EOM
% of Portfolio

Investment
Date

Maturity
Date

Term
(mths)

Short Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.75%

0.60%

14/09/2020

14/09/2021

12

Total Short Term Deposits

 

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.75%

0.60%

 

 

 

At Call Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAB

AA-

240,934

233,547

0.10%

0.14%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Rabobank

A+

0

31,773

0.01%

0.02%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

2,570,392

6,017,633

0.10%

3.63%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

13,614,481

16,615,291

0.15%

10.02%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Macquarie Bank

A+

9,017,271

9,020,236

0.40%

5.44%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total At Call Accounts

 

25,443,078

31,918,480

0.21%

19.25%

 

 

 

Medium Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RaboBank

A+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.16%

0.60%

5/06/2017

6/06/2022

60

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.95%

1.21%

30/11/2020

30/05/2022

18

Rabobank

A+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.20%

0.60%

25/08/2016

25/08/2021

60

Westpac

AA-

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.13%

1.81%

10/03/2017

10/03/2022

60

Auswide

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.85%

1.21%

6/10/2020

6/10/2022

24

BOQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.35%

1.21%

3/01/2018

4/01/2022

48

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.50%

0.60%

1/06/2018

1/06/2022

48

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.32%

1.21%

28/06/2021

29/06/2026

60

BOQ

BBB+

3,000,000

3,000,000

3.25%

1.81%

28/08/2018

29/08/2022

48

P&N Bank

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.10%

0.60%

16/10/2018

18/10/2021

36

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.05%

1.21%

13/11/2018

15/11/2021

36

P&N Bank

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.30%

0.60%

20/11/2018

21/11/2022

48

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.01%

1.21%

30/11/2018

30/11/2021

36

Bendigo-Adelaide

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.25%

0.60%

30/11/2018

30/11/2022

48

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.05%

1.21%

8/02/2019

8/02/2022

36

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.70%

1.21%

23/04/2019

26/04/2022

36

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.40%

0.60%

22/05/2019

23/05/2022

36

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.15%

0.60%

8/07/2019

10/07/2023

48

Judo Bank

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.30%

0.60%

16/07/2019

16/07/2021

24

Auswide

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.95%

0.60%

12/08/2019

12/08/2022

36

Judo Bank

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.15%

0.60%

20/08/2019

19/08/2021

24

Australian Military Bank

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.76%

0.60%

20/08/2019

20/08/2021

24

Judo Bank

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.90%

0.60%

10/09/2019

9/09/2022

36

Auswide

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.72%

0.60%

3/10/2019

4/10/2022

36

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.03%

1.21%

6/11/2019

6/11/2024

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.83%

1.21%

28/11/2019

28/11/2024

60

Judo Bank

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.20%

0.60%

5/12/2019

3/12/2021

24

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.75%

0.60%

6/01/2020

8/01/2024

48

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.00%

0.60%

28/02/2020

28/02/2025

60

ING Bank

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

1.21%

2/03/2020

2/03/2022

24

Macquarie Bank

A+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.40%

1.21%

9/03/2020

9/03/2022

24

Police Credit Union

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.20%

0.60%

1/04/2020

1/04/2025

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.85%

0.60%

29/05/2020

29/05/2025

60

Institution

Rating

Closing Balance
Invested
31/05/2021
$

Closing Balance
Invested
30/06/2021
$

June
EOM
Current Yield
%

June
EOM
% of Portfolio

Investment
Date

Maturity
Date

Term
(mths)

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.86%

0.60%

1/06/2020

2/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

1.21%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

1.21%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.60%

1.21%

29/06/2020

28/06/2024

48

ICBC

A

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.25%

1.81%

30/06/2020

30/06/2022

24

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.42%

1.21%

7/07/2020

8/07/2024

48

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

1.21%

17/08/2020

18/08/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.25%

0.60%

7/09/2020

8/09/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

1.21%

14/09/2020

15/09/2025

60

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.95%

0.60%

26/11/2020

25/05/2022

18

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.95%

1.21%

7/12/2020

6/06/2022

18

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.20%

0.60%

7/12/2020

8/12/2025

60

Warwick CU

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.75%

0.60%

29/01/2021

30/01/2023

24

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.95%

1.21%

29/01/2021

29/01/2026

60

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.08%

0.60%

22/02/2021

20/02/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

1.21%

3/03/2021

2/03/2026

60

Summerland CU

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.75%

0.60%

29/04/2021

28/04/2023

24

NAB

AA-

0

2,000,000

1.40%

1.21%

21/06/2021

19/06/2026

60

NAB

AA-

0

2,000,000

0.65%

1.21%

25/06/2021

26/06/2023

24

Westpac

AA-

0

2,000,000

1.32%

1.21%

25/06/2021

25/06/2026

60

Total Medium Term Deposits

 

77,000,000

83,000,000

1.83%

50.05%

 

 

 

Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bendigo-Adelaide

BBB+

506,928

507,294

BBSW + 105

0.31%

25/01/2018

25/01/2023

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

1,522,746

1,524,704

BBSW + 140

0.92%

6/02/2018

6/02/2023

60

UBS

A+

2,025,122

2,022,342

BBSW + 90

1.22%

8/03/2018

8/03/2023

60

Bank Australia

BBB

751,807

752,119

BBSW + 130

0.45%

30/08/2018

30/08/2021

36

AMP

BBB

1,505,000

1,502,053

BBSW + 108

0.91%

10/09/2018

10/09/2021

36

CBA

AA-

3,076,398

3,078,420

BBSW + 113

1.86%

11/01/2019

11/01/2024

60

Westpac

AA-

3,079,359

3,083,414

BBSW + 114

1.86%

24/01/2019

24/04/2024

63

ANZ

AA-

2,558,976

2,561,521

BBSW + 110

1.54%

8/02/2019

8/02/2024

60

NAB

AA-

2,043,723

2,045,824

BBSW + 104

1.23%

26/02/2019

26/02/2024

60

Bank of China Australia

A

1,514,226

1,515,725

BBSW + 100

0.91%

17/04/2019

17/10/2022

42

Westpac

AA-

2,548,452

2,552,259

BBSW + 88

1.54%

16/05/2019

16/08/2024

63

Suncorp-Metway

A+

1,266,116

1,268,076

BBSW + 78

0.76%

30/07/2019

30/07/2024

60

ANZ

AA-

2,031,396

2,033,873

BBSW + 77

1.23%

29/08/2019

29/08/2024

60

HSBC

AA-

2,534,826

2,533,619

BBSW + 83

1.53%

27/09/2019

27/09/2024

60

Bank Australia

BBB

1,513,753

1,512,145

BBSW + 90

0.91%

2/12/2019

2/12/2022

36

ANZ

AA-

1,523,445

1,525,482

BBSW + 76

0.92%

16/01/2020

16/01/2025

60

NAB

AA-

2,031,886

2,034,611

BBSW + 77

1.23%

21/01/2020

21/01/2025

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

1,122,341

1,124,077

BBSW + 112

0.68%

4/02/2020

4/02/2025

60

Macquarie Bank

A+

2,022,663

2,027,932

BBSW + 84

1.22%

12/02/2020

12/02/2025

60

BOQ Covered

AAA

562,427

563,103

BBSW + 107

0.34%

14/05/2020

14/05/2025

60

UBS

A+

951,214

952,141

BBSW + 105

0.57%

21/05/2020

21/11/2022

30

Credit Suisse

A+

1,318,155

1,320,961

BBSW + 115

0.80%

26/05/2020

26/05/2023

36

UBS

A+

1,520,064

1,523,803

BBSW + 87

0.92%

30/07/2020

30/07/2025

60

Bank of China Australia

A

1,509,762

1,512,552

BBSW + 78

0.91%

27/10/2020

27/10/2023

36

Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

41,040,786

41,078,050

 

24.77%

 

 

 

Institution

Rating

Closing Balance
Invested
31/05/2021
$

Closing Balance
Invested
30/06/2021
$

June
EOM
Current Yield
%

June
EOM
% of Portfolio

Investment
Date

Maturity
Date

Term
(mths)

Fixed Rate Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.30%

1.21%

29/04/2021

15/06/2026

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

1.21%

30/11/2020

15/12/2025

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.00%

0.60%

20/11/2020

15/12/2025

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

1.21%

21/10/2020

15/12/2025

62

Total Fixed Rate Bonds

 

7,000,000

7,000,000

1.09%

4.22%

 

 

 

Managed Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSW TCorp

NR

1,781,768

1,824,100

2.38%

1.10%

17/03/2014

1/06/2026

146

Total Managed Funds

 

1,781,768

1,824,100

2.38%

1.10%

 

 

 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

153,265,633

165,820,630

 

100.00%

 

 

 

LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK

 

3,467,316

3,194,971

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

149,798,316

162,625,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council’s investment portfolio is dominated by Term Deposits, equating to approximately 51% of the portfolio across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 19%, with Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) around 25%, fixed rate bonds around 4% and growth funds around 1% of the portfolio.

 

 

Council’s investment portfolio is well diversified in complying assets across the entire credit spectrum. It is also well diversified from a rating perspective. Credit quality is diversified and is predominately invested amongst the investment grade Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs) (being BBB- or higher), with a smaller allocation to unrated ADIs.

 

 


 

All investments are within the defined Policy limits, as outlined in the Rating Allocation chart below:

 

 

Investment Portfolio Balance

 

Council’s investment portfolio balance has increased significantly from the previous month’s balance, up from $149.8M to $162.6M. This is reflective of Council drawing down on $6.7M worth of external loan funding for its 2020/21 loan facility as well as receiving $5.4M for the advance payment of 50% of the 2021/22 Financial Assistance Grants.

 

 

Monthly Investment Movements

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council did not redeem or sell any investment securities during June 2021.

 

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment securities during June 2021:

 

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

NAB Bank (AA-) Term Deposit

$2M

5 years

1.40%

The NAB rate of 1.40% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this investment term – with the next best rate being 1.35%.

NAB Bank (AA-) Term Deposit

$2M

2 years

0.65%

The NAB rate of 0.65% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this investment term – with the next best rate being 0.57%.

Westpac Bank (AA-) Term Deposit

$2M

5 years

1.32%

The Westpac rate of 1.32% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this investment term – with the next best rate being 1.31%.

 

Rollovers – Council rolled over the following investment security during June 2021:

 

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

Westpac Bank (AA-) Term Deposit

$2M

5 years

1.32%

This term deposit was a 3‑year investment earning 3.02% and was rolled at maturity into a new 5-year term deposit at 1.32% - with the next best rate being 1.25%.

 

 

Monthly Investment Performance

 

Interest/growth/capital gains/(losses) for the month totalled $233,916, which compares unfavourably with the budget for the period of $234,698 - underperforming budget for the month by $782.

 

Council’s TCorp Long Term Growth fund (LTGF) experienced a positive return for June, with the fund returning 2.83% (or $42,332) as domestic and international shares rose 2.26% and 1.46% respectively for the month. Over the 2020/21 financial year, Council’s TCorp LTGF returned 18.06%.

 

As can be seen from the above graph, Council’s interest on investments has continued to perform strongly throughout the 2020/21 financial year. Interest and Investment income for the year totalled $2.83M, outperforming the revised budget of $2.82M for the 2020/21 financial year.

 

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* of 0.00% (annualised), Council’s investment portfolio returned 1.56% (annualised) for the month of June. Cash and At‑Call accounts returned 0.24% (annualised) for the month. These funds are utilised for daily cash flow management and need to be available to meet operating and contractual payments as they fall due.

 

Over the past year, Councils investment portfolio has returned 1.68%, outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill index by 1.62%.

 

* The AusBond Bank Bill Index is the leading benchmark for the Australian fixed income market. It is interpolated from the RBA Cash rate, 1 month and 3-month Bank Bill Swap rates.

Report by Responsible Accounting Officer

I hereby certify that all of the above investments have been made in accordance with the provision of Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the regulations there under, and in accordance with the Investments Policy adopted by Council on 15 June 2020.

 

Carolyn Rodney

Responsible Accounting Officer

Policy and Legislation

Budget variations are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 052 Budget Policy.

 

Investments are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 075 Investment Policy.

 

Local Government Act 1993

Section 625 - How may councils invest?

 

 


 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

 

 

211   Authorisation of expenditure

(1)  A council, or a person purporting to act on behalf of a council, must not incur a liability for the expenditure of money unless the council at the annual meeting held in accordance with subclause (2) or at a later ordinary meeting:

(a)  has approved the expenditure, and

(b)  has voted the money necessary to meet the expenditure.

(2)  A council must each year hold a meeting for the purpose of approving expenditure and voting money.

(3)  All such approvals and votes lapse at the end of a council’s financial year. However, this subclause does not apply to approvals and votes relating to:

(a)  work carried out or started, or contracted to be carried out, for the council, or

(b)  any service provided, or contracted to be provided, for the council, or

(c)  goods or materials provided, or contracted to be provided, for the council, or

(d)  facilities provided or started, or contracted to be provided, for the council, before the end of the year concerned, or to the payment of remuneration to members of the council’s staff.

 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

Section 212 - Reports on council investments

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

Risk Management Issues for Council

This report is a control mechanism that assists in addressing the following potential risks to Council:

·        Loss of investment income or capital resulting from ongoing management of investments, especially during difficult economic times

·        Failure to demonstrate to the community that its funds are being expended in an efficient and effective manner

·        If Council determine not to approve the operating and capital revotes, the justification for the revote relating to each project being outlined in the report, highlights some of the potential risks for Council.

Internal / External Consultation

All relevant areas within the Council have consulted with the Finance Division in relation to the works in progress, revotes and budget variations listed in this report.

 

The Finance Division has consulted with relevant external parties to confirm Council’s investment portfolio balances.


 

 

Attachments

 

1.

2020/21 Capital and Operating Revotes and Works in Progress

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-16

 










Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-17

 

RP-17           SECTION 356 REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Author:        Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

Council has received a number of fee waiver requests which is detailed for Council’s consideration.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, provide financial assistance to the following groups:

i.    Kooringal High School: $816.00 (Request 1)

ii.   Country Hope Camp Committee: $300.00 (Request 2)

iii.  Rotary Club of South Wagga Wagga: $2,400.00 (Request 3)

iv.  Riverina Conservatorium of Music: $650.00 (Request 4)

b      note the proposed budget available for financial assistance requests for the remainder of the 2021/22 financial year

 

 

Report

Four (4) Section 356 financial assistance requests are proposed for consideration at the 26 July 2021 Ordinary Council meeting, which is shown below:

 

1.   Kooringal High School

 

Danielle Cox, Head Teacher Special Education at Kooringal High School writes:

 

I am the Head Teacher Special Education at Kooringal High School. I am looking into the possibility of any funding grants that might be available to assist students within my support unit to participate in swimming lessons. The targeted students are in Years 7-11 and all have a mild to moderate intellectual disability, and some have other additional high support needs as well. The majority are from marginalised backgrounds and we feel that this is an essential life skill that we would like to assist with. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

The above request aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan “Community place and Identity” – Objective: “We have opportunities to connect with others”.

The financial assistance request involves twelve students attending eight lessons at $8.50 per lesson/student. The total request of $816.00 is proposed to be funded from the unallocated funds within the general Section 356 budget. The Kooringal High School have not received any other funding from Council in the 2021/22 financial year.

2.   Country Hope Camp Committee

 

Ged Madden, board member for the Country Hope Camp Committee writes:

 

The Country Hope Camp Committee are wishing to hire the Uranquinty Sportsground to provide rides and entertainment for children who would normally go on our annual camp at Borambolla, but are unable to this year because of Covid-19.  Mick Small has suggested I contact you to request that you waive the charge for the three days we will need to set up and run the event.  These are the 27th, 28th and 29th September 2021.  The quoted charge is $300.

 

The above request aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan “Community place and Identity” – Objective: “We have opportunities to connect with others”.

The financial assistance request of $300.00 is proposed to be funded from the unallocated funds within the general Section 356 budget. The Country Hope Camp Committee have not received any other funding from Council in the 2021/22 financial year.

 

3.   Rotary Club of South Wagga Wagga

 

Judy Ostler, from Rotary Club of South Wagga writes requesting a contribution towards their Circus Quirkus program:

 

The Rotary Club of South Wagga has been putting on this circus for disabled/disadvantaged/special needs children for 17 years.

 

The Council has sponsored 20 of these children for many of those years.

 

What is special about Circus Quirkus is that it raises invaluable funds for various local and allied charities.

 

This year the target is Angel Flight and the local bush fire relief.

 

The above request aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan “Community place and Identity” – Objective: “We have opportunities to connect with others”.

The financial assistance request of $2,400.00 is proposed to be funded from the unallocated funds within the general Section 356 budget. The Rotary Club of South Wagga have not received any other funding from Council in the 2021/22 financial year.

 

4.   Riverina Conservatorium of Music  

 

Kylie Dunstan, Publicity Officer & Concert Manager at Riverina Conservatorium of Music writes:

 

On behalf of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, I would like to apply for a waiver on the hire the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre for Friday September 17, 2021.

 

The Riverina Conservatorium of Music (RCM) is hosting a concert featuring the Riverina Youth Orchestra, RCM Student Concert Band and members of the Riverina Concert Band. The concert will involve approximately 70 musicians from Wagga Wagga and the Riverina who are students or staff of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

 

The event will follow current NSW Government Health Orders.

 

The Riverina Conservatorium of Music is a not-for-profit organisation and is a registered charity.

 

Your support of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (RCM) would be very much appreciated and will help support the RCM in providing live cultural and musical experiences featuring local musicians to the residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounding Riverina towns.

 

The above request aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan “Community place and Identity” – Objective: “We have opportunities to connect with others”.

The financial assistance request of $650.00 is proposed to be funded from the unallocated funds within the general Section 356 budget. The Riverina Conservatorium of Music have not received any other fee waivers from Council in the 2021/22 financial year.

Financial Implications

Section 356 Budget Summary

Previously advised unallocated balance of 2021/22 Section 356 fee waiver financial assistance budget

$41,214.00

1)  Kooringal High School

($816.00)

2)  Country Hope Camp Committee

($300.00)

3)  Rotary Club of South Wagga

($2,400.00)

4)  Riverina Conservatorium of Music

($650.00)

Subtotal Fee Waivers included in this report –

proposed to be funded from the Section 356 Budget

($4,166.00)

Balance of Section 356 fee waiver financial assistance budget for the remainder of the 2021/22 Financial Year

$37,048.00

 

Policy and Legislation

POL 078 – Financial Assistance Policy

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Cross Directorate consultation has been undertaken as required.

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Kooringal High School - Section 356 Request

 

2.

Country Hope Camp Committee - Section 356 Request

 

3.

Rotary Club of South Wagga - Section 356 Request

 

4.

Riverina Conservatorium of Music - Section 356 Request

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-17

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-17

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-17

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-17

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-18

 

RP-18           Proposed New and Amended Fees and Charges for 2021/22

Author:        Zachary Wilson 

Executive:   Carolyn Rodney

         

 

Summary:

This report proposes to add a new fee for 2021/22 for Conduct Money - Subpoenas.

 

This report also proposes to add some additional context to the fees and charges document, clarifying the definition of a community/not-for-profit organisation for fee reductions.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      place the following new fee on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 27 July 2021 to 24 August 2021:

Item Number

Fee and Charge Description

Pricing Policy ID

2021/22 Fee (exclusive of GST)

GST

2021/22 Fee (inclusive of GST)

Basis

NEW

Conduct Money - Subpoenas

C

$30.00

$0.00

$30.00

Each

 

b      invite public submissions on the new and amended fees until 24 August 2021

c      receives a further report following the public exhibition period:

i       addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed new fee

ii       proposing adoption of the new fee unless there are any recommended amendments that will require a further public exhibition period

d      approve the inclusion of the additional wording in the 2021/22 Fees and Charges document for community/not-for-profit organisation, as outlined in the body of the report

 

Report

Following the adoption of the 2021/22 Fees and Charges at the 28 June 2021 Council meeting, it was identified that a new fee was required for the processing of Subpoenas by Council. It is proposed that a fee of $30.00 is charged for the processing of this information.  This is consistent with the fee charged by other Councils for the provision of this service.

 

As the proposed new fee is to be charged during 2021/22, it is recommended that it is placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, from 28 July 2021 to 24 August 2021, to allow for public submissions to be received.

 

Following the public exhibition period, a further report will be provided addressing any submissions received.

 

Community/Not-for-profit Organisations – fees and charges less than $200 (per event)

 

As part of the 2021/22 Fees and Charges document, Council approved the following wording to be included:

 

An individual fee or charge up to a maximum of $200 be reduced to $0 for a community/Not-for-profit organisation. A maximum of four (4) fees and charges are able to be reduced to $0 each financial year.

 

The intention of this wording was to reduce the number of small fee waiver applications and requests being received by Council staff, that would then require a Council resolution to process the waiver.

 

To provide further clarity to both Council staff and the Community, it is proposed to add the following wording to the 2021/22 Fees and Charges document:

 

Sporting or other clubs that charge its members a fee, are excluded from this fee reduction.

 

This reduction also does not apply to charges for the Multi-Purpose Stadium (MPS).

 

The exclusion of MPS from the $0 fee is proposed due to this facility requiring separately rostered staff for all bookings. 

 

Financial Implications

Council currently has a budget included in its Long Term Financial Plan for income to be generated from this new subpoena fee.

 

Council had already adopted the fee waivers as part of adopting the 2021/22 Long Term Financial Plan whereby it was anticipated that staff efficiencies will be gained due to not having to present reports to Council for all fee waiver requests.

Policy and Legislation

Local Government Act 1993

Chapter 15, Part 10, Division 1:

·   Section 608 Council fees for services

 

Chapter 15, Part 10, Division 2:

·   Section 610B Fees to be determined in accordance with pricing methodologies

 

Chapter 15, Part 10, Division 3:

·   Section 610D How does a council determine the amount of a fee for service?

·   Section 610F Public notice of fees

 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

Regulation 201 Annual statement of council’s revenue policy

 

 

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

The charging of the new fee for Subpoenas will allow Council to reduce the costs of providing the information requested.

Internal / External Consultation

This proposed new fee will be publicly exhibited through Council News and on Councils website, seeking public submissions.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

Involve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-19

 

RP-19           IMPLEMENTATION OF INLAND WATER SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE

Author:        Peter Cook 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

This report provides an update on the partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Lifesaving NSW to implement the recommendations from the Wagga Wagga Inland Water Safety Management Plan 2019.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      note the actions undertaken to-date against the recommendations in the Wagga Wagga Inland Water Safety Management Plan

b       endorse and implement the recommendations of the Wagga Wagga Beach Aquatic Safety Assessment

 

Report

At the ordinary meeting of Council held 16 December 2019 it was resolved:

 

That Council authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Lifesaving NSW to partner in the delivery of the recommendations identified in the Wagga Wagga Inland Water Safety Plan 2019.

Council staff have been working with Royal Life Saving NSW staff since that time to implement the recommendations from the plan. The following table details the actions undertaken against each of the Water Safety Plan’s recommendations:

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACTIONS

Recommendation 1

Wagga Wagga City Council undertake an advocacy role and explore avenues for lobbying the NSW State Government to introduce free water safety and learn to swim programs in all publicly funded primary schools.

Council’s key partner for the delivery of the Inland Water Safety Management Plan, Royal Life Saving (RLS) have been advocating for free water programs.

The NSW State Government announced in the recent budget that every child in the state aged three to six would receive free learn-to-swim vouchers.

Royal Life Saving have hosted 3 x National Swimming and Water Safety Symposiums with the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) in attendance at all of them. Introduction of the Active Kids Voucher Program shows swimming is the 3rd highest activity with increased participation using the voucher.

RLS will increase promotion to local schools re availability of the Online Open Water Program, the Swim Safe, Swim Sober (both currently FREE) & soon to be released Basic Rescue Program for Secondary School Students.

Recommendation 2

Wagga Wagga City Council will undertake to collect and share data related to incidents occurring on Council managed waterways with the relevant agencies.

Regional Drowning Report Prepared for Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers by Royal Life Saving highlights the dangers of inland waterways and the Murrumbidgee.

Recommendation 3

Wagga Wagga City Council undertake an audit of all Council managed waterway reserves to evaluate the effectiveness of both public and emergency services access points. This audit should be completed in partnership with key stakeholders.

Royal Life Saving Risk Management Team have undertaken a final aquatic safety assessment for Wagga Wagga Beach.  Draft assessments have also  been undertaken on Wiradjuri Reserve and Oura Beach and will be finalised subject to further discussion.

The outcomes of the Wagga Wagga beach assessment are discussed in further detail later in this report.

Recommendation 4

In consultation with the State Emergency Services and Volunteer Rescue Association, construct an emergency services only river access point at the western end of Wagga Beach (Cabarita Park).

Following the completion of the Riverside Stage 2 project design, Wagga Wagga City Council staff will engage with stakeholders on the design and best location of the emergency services access point in consideration of the new infrastructure to be constructed.

Recommendation 5

Wagga Wagga City Council audit all Council managed waterways locations in order of priority for the installation of compliant water safety signage.

Recommendations are provided in the aquatic safety assessment and discussed in more detail in this report.

Recommendation 6

Wagga Wagga City Council staff undertake an investigation into the development of vandal proof waterway rescue cabinets.

RLSNSW have identified Public Rescue Equipment to be implemented across the key locations. These locations and equipment are identified in the aquatic safety assessment. 

Video Program to educate the community on the use of the assets has been filmed and is currently being edited

Recommendation 7

Wagga Wagga City Council staff access the appropriate level of knowledge and training to enable correct monitoring of all water safety treatments, including emerging technologies, with regard to Council managed waterways.

Royal Life Saving have developed an Inland Waterways Safety Guidelines report (draft for consultation) which may be used to assist in this matter.

Oasis Aquatic Centre staff have completed the Royal Life Cultural Competence Training. This training aims to assist staff deliver a consistent and modern approach to cultural engagement. As a result of this program the Oasis Aquatic Centre is recognised as a Culturally Qualified Centre.

Recommendation 8

Wagga Wagga City Council not provide a permanent lifeguard service at Wagga Beach (Cabarita Park).

Noted.

Recommendation 9

Wagga Wagga City Council continue delivering the Royal Life Saving Australia’s Learn to Swim program as an Active Kids Provider.

Swim and Survive Program continues to operate at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.

Recommendation 10

Wagga Wagga City Council staff call for expressions of interest from community stakeholders to gauge interest in establishing a bush nippers program in Wagga Wagga.

Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW undertook a pilot Outback Lifesaver Program in Term 1 2021. The program focused on teaching Inland Waterway Safety and Lifesaving Skills to Children 8-13 who already have a basic level of Swimming. 100 Participants enrolled.

Recommendation 11

Wagga Wagga City Council partner with relevant stakeholders to promote Inland Waterway Safety messaging and initiatives annually across the Wagga Wagga LGA in support of relevant peak body organisations. All Water Safety messaging should reflect the multicultural identity of the Wagga Wagga LGA community and visitors to our inland waterways.

Royal Life Saving Make the Right Call Campaign was released in December. This Campaign was supported by Social Media, Radio and Television Advertisements and ran for 8 weeks in total.

 

Recommendation 12

During the development and/or revision of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Reserve Management Plans incorporate references to relevant water safety strategies.

Noted, consideration has been given where appropriate to relevant water safety strategies in draft management plans.

Recommendation 13

Wagga Wagga City Council staff develop site specific Emergency Action Plans for all Wagga Wagga City Council managed inland waterways.

To be completed in consultation with Royal Life Saving and other rescue stakeholders following the completion of aquatic safety assessments.  It is proposed that the EAP for Wagga Wagga Beach will be developed prior to the 2021/22 summer season.

 

The aquatic safety assessment for Wagga Wagga Beach has several recommended risk treatments to improve water safety. These are discussed in detail in the aquatic safety assessment (Attachment 1).

In summary the recommended risk treatments are:

·    Targeted education and information – to highlight risk taking behaviour and increase awareness of aquatic recreation dangers in and around inland waterways.

 

·    Establish a designated swimming area – this will allow for better hazard identification and control, providing an opportunity for safer water recreation.  Noting that all aquatic recreation carries inherent risks. 

 

·    Establishment of a management plan – This will detail operational responsibilities and requirements in regard to inspections, maintenance and water monitoring.

 

·    Establishment of an emergency action plan - To be completed in consultation with Royal Life Saving and other rescue stakeholders following the completion of aquatic safety assessments.  It is proposed that the EAP for Wagga Wagga Beach will be developed prior to the 2021/22 summer season.

 

·    Monitoring of water quality – Council currently undertakes a comprehensive water testing scheme of the River both up stream and downstream of the City.  Testing of Wagga Beach will be included in the future.

 

·    Provision of Publicly Accessible Rescue Equipment - In the attached letter, the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving NSW, Mr Michael Ilinsky has offered to provide and install publicly accessible rescue equipment and a defibrillator to be at Wagga Beach. It is proposed that the defibrillator would be installed on the existing amenities building and would be monitored to assist in reducing the risk of vandalism.  This installation will be completed prior to the upcoming summer season.

 

·    Monitor and Review of WWCC Inland Water Safety Management Plan and

associated risk assessments – As an outcome of the Water Safety Assessments undertaken Council will complete a revision of the Inland Water Safety Management Plan prior to the end of 2021.

 


 

The recommendation to establish a designated swimming area is recognition that the safest place to access the river is from the sandy beach area and to discourage access from other less safe areas. This area would be designated using signage that would include risk identification. It is not proposed that this area would be patrolled.

It is recommended that Council implement each of the key recommendations from the aquatic risk assessment.

 

Financial Implications

Royal Life Saving NSW will fund the provision of publicly accessible rescue equipment. The other recommendations will be funded from the existing Wagga Inland Water Safety Management Plan budget.

 

It is estimated the annual cost of implementing these actions will be $10,000-$15,000.

Policy and Legislation

·        Wagga Wagga Inland Water Safety Management Plan 2019

·        Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

·        Australian Water Safety Strategy 2016 – 2020

·        Office of Local Government - Practice Note 15 – Water Safety

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Safe and Healthy Community

Objective: We are safe

Outcome: We promote safety and safe behaviours

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

The Wagga Wagga City Council Inland Water Safety Management Plan and partnership with Royal Lifesaving NSW is aimed at reducing the community risk of drowning or near drowning incidents.

 

There will be some ongoing risks associated with implementing the recommendations.  The most significant being the inherent risk of aquatic recreation within inland water ways.

 

A detailed risk assessment is provided with the Aquatic Safety Assessment.

 

Internal / External Consultation

Targeted stakeholder and community consultation was undertaken during the development of the Wagga Wagga Inland Water Safety Management Plan.

 

Ongoing consultation has occurred with Royal Lifesaving NSW.

 


 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Aquatic Safety Assessment - Wagga Beach

 

2.

Royal Life Saving support letter

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-19

 




















































Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-19

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-20

 

RP-20           Funding Offer - Renewal of Wagga Wagga Kart Club Facility

Author:        Peter Cook 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

Council has received a funding offer from the NSW Government for the upgrade of the track at the Wagga Kart Club. Wagga and District Kart Club has offered to complete these works on behalf of Council.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      accept the State Government grant offer of $407,407 of funding through the Regional Sport Facility Fund

b      in accordance with s55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, not invite tenders for a proposed project delivery contract for the upgrade of the track and drainage repair at the Wagga and District Kart Club track for the following reasons:

i     Council is satisfied that inviting tenders would not achieve a satisfactory result due to the unavailability of competitive tenderers as Wagga and District Kart Club will provide significant in-kind contributions during the upgrade of the track and drainage. This will include the project management and procurement processes associated with the project

ii     authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a contract with Wagga and District Kart Club for the construction of the replacement synthetic surface for the upgrade of the track and drainage repair at the Wagga and District Kart Club track in the lump sum amount of $407,407 excluding GST

c      enter into a funding agreement with Wagga and District Kart Club to provide the $407,407 contribution from the grant funding towards the upgrade of the Kart track and drainage repair

d      authorise the affixing of Council’s Common Seal to all relevant documents as required

e      approve the budget variation as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

 

Report

Council staff over the past 12 months have held discussions with the Wagga and District Kart Club regarding the condition of the Kart track. The focus of the discussion has been on the asphalt surface which has significantly deteriorated over time.  The deterioration of the surface recently reached a point where the Club’s track racing licence was not renewed.

 

As a result of these discussions a grant application for $407,407 was prepared for the Office of Sport’s Regional Sport Facility Fund. Council has subsequently received notification that the application was successful.

 

During subsequent discussions the Wagga and District Kart Club have offered to undertake the procurement and project management of this project on Council’s behalf. It is estimated that this would lead to a cost saving to Council of approximately $40,740.  Given the wide range of skills and experience of the members of the Kart Club staff believe that this model will achieve an excellent outcome.

 

This project delivery model would be achieved through Council entering a contract with Wagga and District Kart Club for the delivery of these projects. The proposed contracts would have clauses that outline both parties’ obligations during the planning, construction and defect liability phases of the project.

 

Council has entered into similar agreements previously with sporting organisations to deliver community infrastructure.  These include the construction of additional seating, southern hill and change rooms at McDonald’s Park and for the upgrade of the tennis courts at the South Wagga Tennis Club. These projects have delivered excellent value for Council funding and have produced high quality venues post development. This delivery model has also provided improved ownership and community participation.

 

Council is satisfied that inviting tenders would not achieve a satisfactory result due to the unavailability of competitive tenders as the Wagga and District Kart Club will provide significant in-kind contributions during the upgrade of the track and drainage. This will include the project management and procurement processes associated with the project. Section 55(1) of the Local Government Act enables Council to enter contractual arrangements without a formal tender.  This includes where financial earnings or benefits from the procurement are significant and alternative market arrangements could not deliver the savings or benefits.

 

Financial Implications

Council will receive the grant funding of $407,407 which will be on-forwarded to the Wagga and District Kart Club based on project milestones.  The project is estimated to be completed this financial year.

 

Estimated completion date: 30 April 2022

Policy and Legislation

Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We are proud of where we live and our identity

Outcome: We are the city of good sports

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

The risks associated with implementing these projects primarily relate to process, cost, environmental, WHS and contractor performance. These risks are addressed as part of Council’s project management and contractor performance management systems.

 

The project management will be with the Wagga and District Kart Club but Council retains responsibility for delivery of the overall project and expenditure of grant funds.  Close working partnership with Wagga Kart Club will be essential to manage delivery of the project.

Internal / External Consultation

This project was identified from the outcomes of the community consultation that was undertaken during the development of the Recreation Open Space and Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040.

 

Council staff have held ongoing consultation with the Wagga and District Kart Club.

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Offer of Funding

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-20

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-21

 

RP-21           PROPOSED ALL ABILITIES WHARF AT LAKE ALBERT

Author:        Ben Creighton 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

Council is in receipt of a proposal from the Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Wagga Wagga Sailing Club and Bidgee Dragons to construct a Wharf including disability access in front of the Wagga Wagga Sailing Club.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      partner with the Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Wagga Wagga Sailing Club and Bidgee Dragons to complete the detailed investigations, designs and approvals for the construction of a wharf with disability access at the south west corner of Lake Albert

b      endorse the seeking of grant funding to allow implementation of the project

 

Report

At the ordinary meeting held 26 November 2018 Council resolved to:

 

endorse staff completing detailed investigations and reporting back to Council on the construction of a jetty in front of the Sailing Club at Lake Albert

 

Council staff have been in ongoing dialog with the stakeholders including the Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Wagga Wagga Sailing Club and Bidgee Dragons regarding the construction of a wharf in front of the Sailing Club shed. Council has recently received a proposal from the clubs regarding possible improvements to the south west corner of Lake Albert. A copy of the proposal and request is attached (Attachment 1). This proposal includes vehicle access and car park improvements as well as the construction by the stakeholders of a wharf that would provide disability access to Lake Albert.

 

The proposed wharf would have a ramp that would reach approximately 20m into the lake connecting to an 8m pontoon (similar to the configuration shown below).

 

 

It is also proposed that the pontoon would include infrastructure to enable all abilities access from the pontoon into a vessel.  The estimated cost of completing this work is between $50,000 and $70,000 and is proposed to be funded from a mix of private funding, grant funding and in-kind contributions. Initial conversations with Maritime NSW have indicated in-principle support for the project.     

 

It is anticipated the wharf could be installed subject to finalisation of the project plans including the completion of a Review of Environmental Factors to consider potential environmental impacts. The Wharf project will include all abilities access to the jetty.

 

Other elements identified in the overall concept such as building extensions and car parking to the west of the siltation pond will require additional discussions, community engagement and investigations due to land ownership and planning considerations.

 

It is recommended that Council’s contribution to this project would be through preparation of documentation and co-ordination of approvals including the Review of Environmental Factors and the seeking of the required approvals for construction. It is expected that the Review of Environmental Factors will cost approximately $8K and this could be funded from the existing Natural Reserves operational budget.

 

By preparing and finalising the approvals for the project it will be ‘shovel ready’ and more attractive to grant funding.

 

Financial Implications

The Review of Environmental Factors will cost approximately $8K and be funded from the existing Natural Reserves job number, which has a $48K annual recurrent budget.

 

Job number: 16328 – Natural Reserves Ground Maintenance

The estimated cost of completing this work is between $50,000 and $70,000 and is proposed to be funded from a mix of private funding, grant funding and in-kind contributions.

If additional funding was proposed from Council than this would be subject to a further report.

Policy and Legislation

Wagga Wagga Recreation Open Space and Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

Wagga Wagga Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021

Draft Lake Albert Plan of Management

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Safe and Healthy Community

Objective: We promote a healthy lifestyle

Outcome: We promote participation across a variety of sports and recreation

 


 

Risk Management Issues for Council

The risks associated with implementing these projects relate to process, cost, environmental, WHS and contractor performance. These risks are addressed as part of the Council’s project management and contractor performance management systems.

 

By Council endorsing this project it will create a community expectation of further support if the community and grant funding is not realised.

Internal / External Consultation

Consultation has taken place with the boating stakeholders and Maritime NSW.

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Proposal and Sketch

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-21

 




Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-22

 

RP-22           Proposed Extension of Area Licensed to Shaw Street Children's Centre Inc.

Author:        Matthew Dombrovski 

Director:      Michael Keys

         

 

Summary:

This report addresses a request received by Council from Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. to extend the area utilised by Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc under a Community Licence Agreement.

 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      agree to the extension of the area licensed by Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. within the parameters of and subject to the conditions outlined in the body of this report.

b      authorise the General Manager or their delegate to complete and execute any necessary documents on behalf of the Council

c      authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal to all relevant documents as required

 

Report

Council recently resolved (Resolution 21/183) to renew the existing Licence Agreement with Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. for a further five year period. Subsequent to that resolution, Council has been contacted by Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc seeking an additional area of approximately 480m² (requiring a relocation of the boundary fence 10m to the east, along the eastern perimeter).

 

Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. are in the process of updating their facilities including two new rooms and enclosing the existing verandah to create an additional all-weather area. The planned extensions would mean that approximately 45m² of the existing outdoor play area would be lost. Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. are also looking to engage in further development of the outdoor play area on the site, including the incorporation of a mud pit and creek bed for educational purposes.

 

Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc is therefore looking for access to additional land to offset the loss of the existing outdoor play area as well as provide them with additional options for the layout of storage sheds within their licensed premises.

 

The land which would be affected by the proposed relocation of Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc.’s fence is the former Wagga Women’s Bowling Club Site (26 Shaw Street, Wagga Wagga). Council recently resolved (Resolution 21/191) to endorse the design and construction of a new community facility for the Wagga Wagga Veterans & Vintage Motor Club, University of the Third Age (U3A) and other community user groups on that site.

 

Council staff have met with representatives of Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. on site to discuss their request. The design of the proposed community facility on the site of 26 Shaw Street, Wagga Wagga has not yet been finalised, but given the size of the block, the relocation of the fence as requested by Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. should not impact on the construction of the proposed community facility. Attached is a Location Map setting out the proposed additional area to be licensed to Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc (noting that the building located at the northern end of the area is to be demolished by Council as part of the construction of the new community facility on that site.)

 

The proposed increase in the size of the Licence Area would also be consistent with the underlying use of Council community land.

 

Council staff are supportive of the application, subject to conditions that would require Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc to bear all costs associated with relocating the fence. It would also be recommended that the design and location of the fence be approved by Council prior to construction to ensure that it would not impact on any future development on the adjoining site.

 

Financial Implications

Council currently charges Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. an annual Community Licence Fee calculated in accordance with Council’s fees and charges policy. Accordingly, the increase in licensed area would not lead to any additional revenue being generated.

 

It is recommended that a condition of the agreement to extend the licensed area would be that Shaw Street Children’s Centre Inc. would be responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred as a result of the relocation of the fence.

Policy and Legislation

Local Government Act 1993

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: We activate our community spaces to promote connectedness

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Regional Activation Directorate

User Group

 

Under Section 47A of the Local Government Act 1993 Council is required to give public notice of a proposal to lease or licence of land classified as community land. If objecting submissions are received in relation to any proposed agreement, a further report will be submitted to Council for consideration.

 

 

Mail

Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news story

Council News advert

Media releases

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meetings

Your Say website

Community meetings

Stakeholder workshops

Drop-in sessions

Surveys and feedback forms

Social media

Email newsletters

Website

Digital advertising

TIER

Consult

 

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Location Map

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-22

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-23

 

RP-23           PETITION - WAGGA WAGGA RAIL TRAIL

Author:        Scott Gray 

         

 

Summary:

Council has received a petition requesting current Councillors provide in principle support for the development of rail trails within the Wagga Wagga Local Government area.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      receive and note the attached petition

b      consider the request and any further action deemed necessary

 

Report

Council has received the attached online petition from Lisa Glastonbury of Wagga Rail Trail Inc containing 236 signatories. The petition was sent to the Mayor on 12 July 2021 and has been submitted in accordance with POL 086 Petitions Management Policy.

 

The petition requests that current Councillors provide in principle support for the development of rail trails within the Wagga Wagga Local Government area so that the process of applying for funding can begin.

 

Given the aforementioned request is for current Councillors to consider the request, staff are presenting this directly to Councillors for their consideration. Detailed analysis of existing legislation and funding opportunities has not yet been completed, but a further report could be provided to the next Council outlining these details.

 

It should be noted current Councillors considered a similar request at the beginning of this term and at the 31 October 2016 Council Meeting resolved:

 

That Council recommit to support for the Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail concept to enable interested parties to make submissions for grant funding.

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

POL 086 Petitions Management Policy

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We are informed and involved in decision making

Outcome: Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understood

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Minor discussion took place between the Mayor and General Manager regarding the preparation of this report.

 

Attachments

 

1.

Rail Trail Petition - 12 July 2021

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-23

 











Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-24

 

RP-24           2021 CARETAKER PERIOD

Author:                    Nicole Johnson 

General Manager:   Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

In accordance with Section 393B of the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Council note the commencement of the Caretaker period on 7 August 2021 and associated provisions for Council decision making under the Act.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      note Section 393B of the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 limiting the exercise of functions by Council in the four (4) week period leading up to ordinary elections

b      delegate the necessary authority to the General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson, or his delegate to deal with any matters for which a decision of the Council would be required, other than those which cannot be delegated under Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993, from 4 September 2021 until the declaration of the poll

c      cancel the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 27 September 2021

 

Report

Caretaker Period

 

Section 393B of the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 outlines the Exercise of Council functions during the caretaker period.

 

The Office of Local Government distributed a circular on 8 July 2021 – “Council decision-making prior to September 2021 local government elections”.

 

The “caretaker period” will commence on Saturday, 7 August 2021 until Saturday, 4 September 2021.

 

During this period Councils, general managers and other delegates of councils (other than a joint regional planning panel, a local planning panel or the Central Sydney Planning Committee) must not exercise the following functions:

 

·    entering into any contract or undertaking involving an expenditure or receipt by the council of an amount equal to or greater than $150,000 or 1% of the council’s revenue from rates in the preceding financial year (whichever is the larger)

 

·    determining a “controversial development application”, except where a failure to make such a determination would give rise to a deemed refusal, or such a deemed refusal arose before the commencement of the caretaker period

 

·    appointing or reappointing the council’s general manager (except for temporary appointments).

 

 

 

Election of Mayor

 

Under s290 of the Act, the election of the new Mayor by councillors must be held within three (3) weeks of the ordinary election. It can occur earlier than this (if practical). From the date of the ordinary election, until that time there is no Mayor or Deputy Mayor. Election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor should therefore be a priority. The Code of Meeting practice deals with election of a chairperson for the first meeting (when there is no Mayor or Deputy Mayor).

Council Meeting Date

It was originally scheduled that the first meeting of the newly elected Council would be on 27 September 2021. However, the date for return of completed postal vote certificates was recently extended to 17 September 2021. Consequently, preferences are not scheduled to be distributed to 21 September 2021, with declaration of results on 23 September 2021. It is, therefore, proposed that the next Ordinary Meeting of Council and being the first meeting of the newly elected Council be on 11 October 2021.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

NSW Local Government Act 1993

NSW Local Government (General) Regulations 2005

 

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-25

 

RP-25           RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS

Author:        Ingrid Hensley 

General Manager:   Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

This report provides Councillors with an update on the status of all resolutions of Council including Notices of Motion.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the following registers:

a      Active Resolutions as at 20 July 2021

b      Active Notice of Motions as at 20 July 2021

c      Resolutions including Notice of Motions completed from 22 June 2021 to 20 July 2021

 

Report

The attached registers, outline details of each resolution with the following analysis provided as a snapshot as at 20 July 2021:

·    76 Active resolutions

·    13 Active Notices of Motions

·    8 resolutions including Notice of Motions have been completed from 22 June 2021 to 20 July 2021

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Council’s Code of Meeting Practice

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We are informed and involved in decision making

Outcome: Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understood

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 


 

Attachments

 

1.

Active Resolution Register - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

Active Notice of Motion Register - Provided under separate cover

 

3.

Completed Resolutions and NOMs - 22 June 2021 to 20 July 2021 - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-26

 

RP-26           RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

Author:        Scott Gray 

         

 

Summary:

This report is to provide responses to Questions/Business with Notice arising from previous Ordinary Council Meetings.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Report

The following is in response to Questions/Business with Notice raised at previous Ordinary Council meetings.

 

Councillor D Hayes requested advice on if an E-Sports event will be this year. 

 

An E-Sports event is planned again for this year. Staff are currently finalising details with the event organisers. The event is planned to commence in September and run for a five week period with the finals to coincide with the September/October school holiday period.

 

 

Councillor D Hayes requested advice on if Council will be considering implementing a ‘Racism is on Not Welcome’ Campaign, as presented at the 2021 ALGA Conference.

 

The #RacismNotWelcome campaign is “a community-led, grassroots initiative intended to acknowledge the existence of racism, validate people’s lived experiences with racism and normalise conversations about racism whilst igniting change”.

 

Wagga Wagga City Council is not familiar with the details of this campaign, which has been implemented primarily in Sydney councils who have adopted motions to support and promote community tolerance and harmony. This campaign promotes a number of opportunities, in particular a RacismNotWelcome Street Signs Campaign.

 

Therefore, Council is currently reviewing details of the campaign, including available toolkits, to find out more information to consider options to support and promote community tolerance and harmony. There may also be opportunities for engagement with government and non-government services and organisations as part of that consideration. A further update will be provided in relation to any possible implementation of the campaign in the City of Wagga Wagga after this further information has been obtained.

 

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

RP-27

 

RP-27           GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT - RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - 31 MARCH 2021

Author:        Peter Thompson 

         

 

Summary:

A Riverina Regional Library (RRL) Advisory Committee meeting was held on 31 March 2021. A further Extraordinary Meeting of the RRL has been called for 22 July 2021. A summary of discussion at this meeting will be provided as a late attachment to this report. The meeting minutes for the 31 March 2021 meeting are included in tonight’s agenda (M-1).

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note this report.

 

 

Report

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information relating to the meetings of the Riverina Regional Library held on 31 March 2021 and 22 July 2021. This information may be useful in the consideration of M-1.

 

Background

 

Council will be aware that the question of whether Council joins in the next Riverina Regional Library agreement has been raised since the Library Review was undertaken. 

 

The intention of Council to review whether it would participate as a member in a future RRL agreement was raised with the Director of the RRL (Robert Knight) on 16 April 2020 with a request by Council to RRL about what Council needed to do if it was reviewing whether it would participate as a member of RRL after the expiring current agreement.

 

Council was advised by the Director that it needed to give two (2) years notice of its intention under Clause 11 of the current RRL agreement.

 

This matter was tabled at a confidential workshop with Councillors on 22 June 2020. The outcome of this workshop was Councillor support for issuing this notice, and this was done on 26 June 2020.

 

Upon reviewing the provisions of the current RRL agreement it would appear that a notice may not have been required as the Council is not seeking to withdraw as a member during the term of the library agreement which is the situation when such a notice would be required. There is a lack of clarity around this point.

 

Nevertheless, it is in the interest of all that the RRL members and those seeking to form another Regional Library agreement that Council clearly articulate its intentions. The communication has achieved this goal.

 

The lack of clarity around the issue leads to a similar uncertainty about the approach to asset sharing at the end of the end of this current agreement and this needs to be resolved. The Agreement itself provides an avenue for this to occur. At the time of writing the Director and former chairperson of the RRL indicated that this avenue should be pursued. It will be considered by the RRL Advisory Committee on 22 July 2021 and this decision will form part of the late attachment.

 

The RRL operates under two primary pieces of legislation – the Local Government Act 1993 and the Library Act 1939.

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) undertakes the role of ‘Executive Council’ under the current RRL Deed of Agreement and in line with 12 (1) of the NSW Library Act 1939. RRL operates under the delegations and policies of the Executive Council in order to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act. An advisory committee, known as the RRL Advisory Committee, provides advice and recommendations to the Executive Council on matters pertaining to RRL. 

 

Below is some additional information relating to the RRL Advisory Committee meeting minutes and the recommendations listed for consideration by Council tonight (M-1).

 

RP-11 TRANSFER OF UNRESTRICTED RRL FUNDS

 

At the meeting, the RRL Advisory Committee endorsed the transfer of $500,000 from unrestricted reserves to the RRL Building Reserve. It is proposed that this fund will provide options for any future RRL Administration Centre accommodation needs that may arise, for example the purchase of a building or refurbishment of the current building. It is important to note that at the same meeting, the RRL Advisory Committee also endorsed that the lease for the RRL Administration Centre be extended for a further five years from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026 (RP-9). Therefore, the new lease will extend beyond the term of the current RRL Deed of Agreement and also any new RRL Agreement assuming another agreement is also for a four (4) year term.

 

RP-14 WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY REVIEW

 

Following Councillors feedback from the Library review, discussions were held earlier this year between RRL and Council representatives regarding all available options for the Wagga Wagga City Library (WWCL) service and as part of considering a new Deed of Agreement. This included a request for RRL to provide costings for a “Pick and Mix” model option.

 

This request was put as a motion to the 31 March 2021 RRL Advisory Committee meeting. The RRL Advisory Committee resolved to reject the request from Wagga Wagga City Council to provide the costings for a “Pick and Mix” service delivery model.

 

This is recorded in the Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee Minutes for RP-14 and as detailed below:

 

On the motion of Ms Alison Balind and seconded by Cr Vanessa Keenan

 

That the Committee:

a      reaffirm their commitment to the current RRL membership and service delivery model

b      respect and value the principles and vision of our regional library service and acknowledge the mutually beneficial outcomes provided to all

c      note the request from WWCC to provide costings for a potential “Pick and Mix” service delivery model to all member councils

d      note WWCC to confirm its commitment to enter into a new RRL Deed of Agreement commencing from 2022, by 31 December 2021.

 

The debate around the proposed date of 31 December 2021 for Wagga Wagga City Council to advise of its decision in relation to whether it will participate in a further Regional Library Agreement was that this is an issue for Wagga Wagga City Council and not something which the RRL Advisory Committee wanted to pass a resolution.

 

The MOTION on being put to the meeting was LOST.

 

On the motion of Mr David Smith and seconded by Cr Pam Halliburton

That the Committee:

 

a      reaffirm their commitment to the current RRL membership and service delivery model

b      respect and value the principles and vision of our regional library service and acknowledge the mutually beneficial outcomes provided to all

c      reject the request from WWCC to provide costings for a “Pick and Mix” service delivery model.

                                                                         CARRIED

 

The Extraordinary Meeting of the RRL to be held on 22 July 2021 includes the following agenda items:

 

·  RP-1 – RRL Member Council’s Position Statement

·  RP-2 – RRL – Classification under the Library Act 1939

·  RP-3 – Purchase of the RRL Administration centre

·  RP-4 – Expressions of Interest for RRL Executive Council

·  RP-5 – Advice from the Crown Solicitor

 

A late attachment will provide information about the discussion on these agenda items.

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

RRL Deed of Agreement 2018-2022

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 

 

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

M-1

 

Committee Minutes

M-1              RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - 31 MARCH 2021

Author:        Robert Knight 

         

 

Summary:

The Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee (RRL) meeting was held on 31 March 2021. Minutes of the meeting are attached.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a      receive the minutes of the RRL Advisory Committee Meeting held on 31 March 2021

b      endorse the draft RRL Management Plan 2021/22

c      endorse the recommendation of the RRL Advisory Committee to transfer $700,000 from the unrestricted RRL reserve funds to the RRL Building Reserve ($500,000) and RRL Employees Separation Reserve ($200,000)

d      endorse the recommendation of the RRL Advisory Committee to reject the request from Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) to provide costings for a “Pick and Mix” service delivery model

e      endorse the recommendation of the RRL Advisory Committee, contingent upon WWCC retaining RRL membership beyond 30 June 2022, to adopt Model 4 - $190,000 Branch Library Contributions as the basis for future RRL member Councils’ financial contributions.

f       endorse the request for renewal of the RRL Administration Centre lease for a further five years from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026

 

 

Report

The RRL operates under two primary pieces of legislation – the Local Government Act 1993 and the Library Act 1939.

 

WWCC undertakes the role of ‘Executive Council’ under the current RRL Deed of Agreement, and the RRL operates under the policies of the Executive Council in order to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act. An advisory committee, known as the RRL Advisory Committee, provides advice and recommendations to the Executive Council on matters pertaining to RRL.

 

RRL Advisory Committee Minutes

The RRL Advisory Committee meeting was held on 31 March 2021. Minutes of the meeting are attached.

 

RRL Management Plan 2021-2022

The RRL Deed of Agreement requires the RRL Management Plan to be endorsed by the Executive Council by 30 June each year. The draft RRL Management Plan 2021/22 was endorsed by the RRL Advisory Committee meeting held on 31 March 2022 and is included as an attachment.

 

The RRL Management Plan aggregates the RRL organisational planning and financial mechanisms to provide an overview of the service provision intent of the organisation. It comprises the following documents for endorsement by the Executive Council:

 

·        RRL Deed of Agreement 2018-2022

·        Draft Member Council Contributions 2021/22

·        Draft RRL Budget 2021/22

·        Draft RRL Fees and Charges 2021/22

 

Transfer of unrestricted RRL reserve funds

RRL has placed a continued focus on its financial sustainability by ensuring that there are adequate financial reserves to meet circumstances that the organisation may face in the future. As well as holding $2,321,153 in restricted reserves, there is an amount of $841,953 held in unrestricted reserve.

 

The RRL Advisory Committee endorsed the transfer of $500,000 from the unrestricted reserve to the RRL Building Reserve in the interests of financial probity. This fund will provide options for any future RRL Administration Centre accommodation needs that may arise, for example the purchase of a building or refurbishment of the current building.

 

The RRL Advisory Committee also endorsed the transfer of $200,000 from the unrestricted reserve to the newly established RRL Employees Separation Reserve to ensure adequate funding is available to meet any staff separation costs associated with an organisational restructure connected with the implementation of the adopted revised member Councils’ financial contributions (see Recommendation (e) above).  

 

WWCC request for costings for a Pick and Mix service delivery model

WWCC engaged a consultant to undertake a wide-ranging review of the Wagga Wagga City Library during 2020. In broad terms, the review considered the library service priorities for a growing regional city including infrastructure, services, and extending the physical presence of the library beyond the current CBD location. The matter of WWCC membership of RRL was a consideration of the review process, leading to the provision of a letter to RRL in June 2020 advising a Notice of Intent to the Riverina Regional Library notifying that WWCC wishes not to continue with the terms and conditions of the current RRL Deed of Agreement (for the Wagga Wagga City Library) beyond the expiry date of 30 June 2022.

 

Recent discussions held in February 2021 between RRL and WWCC representatives regarding future library service provision options for WWCL included a request for RRL to consider the inclusion of “Pick and Mix” service costs.

 

Whilst RRL is committed to offering cutting edge services to its member councils and libraries, a “Pick and Mix” model has the potential to significantly dilute the agreed services on offer in favour of administering a model where every council (if not every library) potentially has a different list of service requirements. Any alternate service model would need to be made available to all RRL member councils, thereby increasing the costs of individual services to compensate for efficiencies lost through the discontinuation of an agreed shared service model. It would also necessitate the development of a new costing model for the calculation of member Council contributions.

 

The RRL Advisory Committee resolved to reject the request from WWCC to provide costings for a “Pick and Mix” service delivery model on the basis that any move to such a system would significantly compromise the established and successful RRL service model that relies on aggregation of capacity and economies of scale.

 

Adoption of Model 4 - $190,000 Branch Library Contributions

RRL received correspondence from WWCC, dated 26 June 2020, providing a Notice of Intent notifying that WWCC “wishes to not continue with the terms and conditions of the current Deed of Agreement for the Wagga Wagga City Library post the expiry date of 30 June 2022.”

 

The correspondence proposes that Riverina Regional Library (RRL) “undertake the necessary consultation with the RRL Executive Committee on any future options for a Deed of Agreement and related funding models, including further consultation with Wagga Wagga City Library and other member Councils”.

 

Following consultation with WWCC and RRL representatives, the RRL Executive Committee meeting held on 26 November 2020 recommended to the RRL Advisory Committee the adoption of Model 4 - $190,000 Branch Library Contributions as the basis for future RRL member Councils’ financial contributions.

 

The proposed revised model for the calculation of member Councils’ contributions to RRL:

·        removes the Wagga Wagga City Council ‘base contribution’ by distributing the amount across all member councils (including Wagga Wagga) on a per capita basis

·        introduces a per branch cost, calculated by using the proportion of membership and collections at each branch library (to which a log scale is applied) to a proportion of the total RRL operating costs

·        reduces RRL Administration Centre costs by $200,000 in 2022/23

·        would reduce WWCC’s RRL member Council contribution from $1,341,893 to $1,056,562 (based on the current 2020/21 financial year contributions) a reduction of $233,994.

 

Noting that the Wagga Wagga City Library Review report advocates the introduction of a smaller mobile library vehicle, WWCC’s discontinuation of the RRL Mobile Library service will result in a further saving of $51,337. This brings the total potential RRL cost reduction for WWCC to $285,331 (based on 2020/21 figures).

 

As the RRL member Councils’ contributions model includes application of the annual rate pegging increase it is difficult to develop future projections, however the following cost distribution principles will apply:

·        rate pegging increase for the majority of operational costs, charged on a per capita basis (noting the removal of the current WWCC base payment)

·        a proportion of total RRL costs distributed on a per branch basis (to recognise the cost to RRL of operating multiple branches in a single LGA)

·        reduction of RRL Administration Centre costs by $200,000 per year commencing 2022/23

·        Mobile Library costs distributed amongst participating Councils on an hours of service basis.

 


 

The RRL Advisory Committee endorsed the adoption of Model 4 - $190,000 Branch Library Contributions as the basis for future RRL member Councils’ financial contributions, contingent upon WWCC retaining RRL membership beyond 30 June 2022.

 

Financial Implications

The RRL Executive Council (WWCC) is paid an annual administration fee for the provision of financial, fleet management, human resource management, risk management and a variety of other services to ensure the effective operation of RRL. The administration fee is $77,639 in 2021/22 and increases by rate pegging annually.

 

The Riverina Regional Library Draft Budget 2021/22 is based on contributions due to be received from member Councils and provides a balanced outcome.

 

Based on the agreed RRL funding model, WWCC’s member contribution to Riverina Regional Library for 2021/22 will be $1,372,040. WWCC currently has $1,385,982 in the draft budget for the 2021/22 year.

Policy and Legislation

WWCC Fees and Charges

RRL Deed of Agreement 2018-2022

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We are informed and involved in decision making

Outcome: Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understood

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

Risk management in all functions forms part of the RRL business model as outlined in the RRL Management Plan 2021/22. No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

Internal consultation has been undertaken with Council’s Finance Department. External consultation has been undertaken with RRL Member Councils and Branch Library Managers.

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

RRL Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - 31 March 2021

 

2.

RRL Management Plan 2021-2022 - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

M-1

 









Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

M-2

 

M-2              TRAFFIC COMMITTEE - ELECTRONIC MEETING - 13 MAY 2021 & 8 July 2021

Author:        Warren Faulkner 

         

 

Summary:

The Local Traffic Committee were provided with an electronic business paper on 13 May 2021 and 8 July 2021 as part of their planned ordinary meetings timetable and asked to provide comment and/or feedback on the Council officer recommendations presented. 

The Minutes for both electronic meetings are attached for Councillors’ reference.

 

 

Committee Recommendation

That Council:

a       receive and note the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee e-meeting’s held on 13 May 2021 and 8 July 2021

 

b       note the Traffic Committee’s approval to change three 2P parking spaces in front of 133 Peter Street, Wagga Wagga to 10 minute short-stay parking between the hours 7:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 6pm Weekdays

 

c        install a NO U TURN sign on the centre median on Docker Street, facing north-bound traffic, south of the intersection of Meurant Avenue

 

Report

local traffic committee meeting 13 May 2021

 

The Traffic Committee received an electronic business paper that included three reports, one was a formal matter requiring Council consideration and two were informal matters. A summary of each report is as follows.

 

Formal matters

 

RP-1                 Approval for Short-Stay Parking at 133 Peter Street, Wagga Wagga for DA20/0774

 

Upon consideration of a report from Council staff recommending the approval of the Development Application (DA20/0774) at its Ordinary Meeting on 22 March 2021, Wagga Wagga City Council resolved (20/0167) as follows:

 

That Council defer DA20/0774 for Change of Use to Centre Based childcare facility at 133 Peter Street, Wagga Wagga to allow further consultation with the applicant in relation to parking considerations

 

Through that consultation, the applicant has prepared the attached documentation addressing the issue of parking, which includes a proposal to provide 10minute timed parking along the site frontage to Peter Street, between the hours of 7:309:30am and 3:306pm from Monday to Friday.

 

Informal REPORTS

 

ifr-1        Butch Menz Memorial Cycle Race - Collingullie-The Rock Road 27 June 2021

This is an annual event which has been conducted successfully for a number of years by the Wagga Cycling Club. The race is conducted over a course of 70 kilometres along MR 543 with the start and finish point at the Crossroads Hotel at Collingullie on MR59.

ifr-2        Exercise of delegation to regulate traffic for special events

 

Wagga Gold Cup

 

This event will be conducted on Friday 7 May 2021 at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club historically attracts crowds of up to and in excess of 10,000 patrons. As a result, the event attracts a significant increase in traffic on the roads adjoining the racecourse in particular, Travers Street, Kincaid Street and Slocum Street and connecting lanes/roads.

 

National Rugby League game – Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights

 

To be conducted at the Equex Exhibition Centre on Saturday 8 May 2021with approximately 7,000 spectators expected to attend via pre-sale of tickets under COVID19 policy. The event will impact traffic movements on Kooringal Road, Copland Street and some connecting roads.

 

local traffic committee meeting 8 july 2021

 

The Traffic Committee received an electronic business paper that included two reports, one was a formal matter requiring Council consideration and one informal matter. A summary of each report is as follows.

FORMAL Reports

RP-1                 PROPOSED NO U-TURN ON DOCKER STREET AT THE MEURANT AVENUE INTERSECTION

A customer advised that they had witnessed several near collisions at the intersection of Docker Street and Meurant Avenue as north bound vehicles made spontaneous U-Turns at the intersection to access parking spaces on the eastern kerb of Docker Street.

This is occurring during peak travel times mostly of a morning and the proximity to the railway crossing and several busy intersections, increases the likelihood of collisions around this location.

There is a NO U-TURN sign currently installed on the centre median on the northern side of the intersection, facing south-bound traffic and the recommendation involves the duplication of this sign on the southern side of the intersection to regulate north-bound traffic

INFORMAL REPORTS

IFR-1        Exercise of delegation to regulate traffic for special events

Tolland Cycling Club Weekly Races

An application from the Tolland Cycling Club has been approved, subject to conditions, to conduct weekly road racing events between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022.

The club has been conducting race meetings on local roads for a number of years. The approved course along Uranquinty Cross Road between Uranquinty and The Rock-Collingullie Road is the same as that which has been used for the Club’s weekly race meetings for the past two years.

The road is considered appropriate for club level road racing events and no adverse incidents have been reported as a result of the conduct of the event to date.

Wagga Wagga Trail Marathon

An application by The Wagga Road Runners and Wagga Mountain Bike clubs has been approved to conduct a series of events including a marathon running race and bike ride on Saturday 14 August 2021 which requires traffic control on the following local roads; Lakeside Drive, Plumpton Road, Kimberley Drive, Tamar Drive and Holbrook Road.

Lost Lanes

Lost Lanes is a micro-festival now in its fourth year which is held in winter utilising back lanes and carparks around the CBD. The one-day event on Saturday 26 June 2021 is admission free and showcases live entertainment, interactive light projections, roving performers and street food. The street closures that have been approved for this year’s event are Wonderland Lane and O’Reilly Lane from 9am to 11pm and Rural Place from 2pm to 11pm.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Transport Administration Act 1998 – Delegations to Councils, regulation of traffic

TfNSW – A guide to the delegation to Councils for the regulation of traffic

Australian Standards

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

There are not expected to be any issues in implementing the Traffic Committees recommendations.

 

Attachments

 

1.

LTC - Minutes 13 May 2021

 

2.

LTC - Minutes 8 July 2021

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

M-2

 




Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

M-2

 



  

 


Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 26 July 2021.

 

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-1

 

Confidential Reports

CONF-1        RFQ2021-542 SUPPLY, SUPPLY & LAY DENSELY GRADED ASPHALT

Author:        Sylvester Otieno 

Director:      Warren Faulkner

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (i)    commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-2

 

CONF-2        RFQ2021-552 ATP II LAKE ALBERT LINKS ASPHALT CONCRETE

Author:        Rupesh Shah 

Director:      Warren Faulkner

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (i)    commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-3

 

CONF-3        RFT2021-24 ATP 1 CONCRETE SECTIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCT

Author:        Rupesh Shah 

Director:      Warren Faulkner

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (ii)   commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-4

 

CONF-4        RFT2021-22GWMC GAS TURBINE AND LEACHATE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Author:        Darryl Woods 

Director:      Michael Keys

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (i)    commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-5

 

CONF-5        PROPOSED SUB-LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT CAR HIRE DESK 3

Author:        David Bolton 

Director:      Michael Keys

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (iii)   commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-6

 

CONF-6        PROPOSED ASSIGNMENT OF AIRPORT SUB-LEASES - LIGHT AIRCRAFT PRECINCT HANGAR SITE 17

Author:        David Bolton

Director:      Michael Keys        

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (iii)   commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-7

 

CONF-7        PROPOSED SUB-LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT CAR HIRE DESK 4

Author:        David Bolton 

Director:      Michael Keys

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (iii)   commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-8

 

CONF-8        Funding Proposal for Pomingalarna Stage 2 Works

Author:        Ben Creighton 

Director:      Michael Keys

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (i)    commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-9

 

CONF-9        PROPERTY ACQUISITION - 54 JOHNSON ST, WAGGA WAGGA

Author:        Michael Keys 

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (iii)   commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 26 July 2021

CONF-10

 

CONF-10      Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 - Proposed Fee Waiver

Author:        Candis Linsell 

Executive:   Scott Gray

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(b)        discussion in relation to the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer.        

 

 


Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 26 July 2021.