Agenda of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 4 September 2023

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 4 September 2023

RP-1

Reports from Staff

RP-1 ELECTION OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

Author: Nicole Johnson

Executive: Scott Gray

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to facilitate the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Mayor is to be elected by the Councillors from among the Councillors (Section 227 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act)). Councils that elect their mayors are required under section 290(1)(b) of the Act to hold mid-term mayoral elections in September 2023. If more than one Councillor is nominated, the Council is to resolve whether the election is to proceed by preferential ballot, ordinary ballot or by open voting. Open voting is recommended by the Office of Local Government NSW as being the preferred method of voting.

Recommendation

That Council conduct the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor by open voting for the one-year period from 4 September 2023 to 14 September 2024.

Report

Section 225 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) requires Council to have a Mayor who is elected in accordance with the provisions of the Act, in particular Councillors must elect a mayor from among their number every two years (except for councils who have a popularly elected mayor).

Councils that elect their mayors are required under section 290(1)(b) of the Act to hold mid-term mayoral elections in September 2023. Mayors elected in September 2023 will hold their office until the NSW Local Government elections are held on 14 September 2024. Deputy mayors hold their office for the term specified by the council’s resolution with an election for deputy mayor to be held when the deputy mayor’s term expires.

The Councillor elected as Mayor at this meeting will hold that office for a period of one (1) year, until the next Mayoral election in September 2024 (Section 230(1)) following the next ordinary local government election. Therefore, the term of office of mayors elected in September 2023 automatically expires on 14 September 2024, when their term as a councillor expires.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 231(2) of the Act, the Council may elect one of its members to act as Deputy Mayor either for the Mayoral term or for a shorter term as may be resolved by the Council. Further, the Deputy Mayor may exercise any function of the Mayor, at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness, absence or otherwise from exercising the function or if there is a casual vacancy in the office of the Mayor.

The election provisions of Part 11 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation(s)) also relate to the Deputy Mayor.

Role of the Mayor

Section 226 of the Act prescribes that the role of the Mayor includes but is not limited to the following:

• to exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the Council between meetings of the Council

• to exercise such other functions of the Council as the Council determines

• to preside at meetings of the Council

• to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office

Election of Mayor – September 2023 to September 2024

The procedure to be followed for the election of Mayor is outlined in Schedule 7 of the Regulations, as set out below:

Part 1 – Preliminary

Returning Officer

1. Councillors are advised that in accordance with Schedule 7 Part 1 (1) of the Regulations, the General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson is the returning officer for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Nomination

2. (1) A Councillor may be nominated without notice for election as Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

(2) The nomination is to be made in writing by two or more Councillors (one of whom may be the nominee). The nomination is not valid unless the nominee has indicated consent to the nomination in writing.

(3) The nomination is to be delivered or sent to the Returning Officer.

(4) The Returning Officer is to announce the names of the nominees at the council meeting at which the election is to be held.

Election

3. (1) If only one Councillor is nominated, that Councillor is elected.

(2) If more than one Councillor is nominated, the council is to resolve whether the election is to proceed by preferential ballot, by ordinary ballot or by open voting.

(3) The election is to be held at the council meeting at which the council resolves on the method of voting.

(4) In this clause:

"ballot" has its normal meaning of secret ballot.

"open voting" means voting by a show of hands or similar means.

Part 2 - Ordinary ballot or open voting

Application of Part

4. This Part applies if the election proceeds by ordinary ballot or by open voting.

Marking of ballot-papers

5. (1) If the election proceeds by ordinary ballot, the Returning Officer is to decide the manner in which votes are to be marked on the ballot-papers.

(2) The formality of a ballot-paper under this Part must be determined in accordance with clause 345 (1) (b) and (c) and (6) of this Regulation as if it were a ballot-paper referred to in that clause.

(3) An informal ballot-paper must be rejected at the count.

Count-2 candidates

6. (1) If there are only two candidates, the candidate with the higher number of votes is elected.

(2) If there are only two candidates and they are tied, the one elected is to be chosen by lot.

7. (1) If there are three or more candidates, the one with the lowest number of votes is to be excluded.

(2) If three or more candidates then remain, a further vote is to be taken of those candidates and the one with the lowest number of votes from that further vote is to be excluded.

(3) If, after that, three or more candidates still remain, the procedure set out in subclause is to be repeated until only two candidates remain.

(4) A further vote is to be taken of the two remaining candidates.

(5) Clause 6 of this Schedule then applies to the determination of the election as if the two remaining candidates had been the only candidates.

(6) If at any stage during a count, under subclause (1) or (2), two or more candidates are tied on the lowest number of votes, the one excluded is to be chosen by lot.

Part 3 - Preferential Ballot

Application of Part

8. This Part applies if the election proceeds by preferential ballot.

Ballot-papers and voting

9. (1) The ballot-papers are to contain the names of all the candidates. The councillors are to mark their votes by placing the numbers “1”, “2” and so on against the various names so as to indicate the order of their preference for all the candidates.

(2) The formality of a ballot-paper under this Part is to be determined in accordance with clause 345 (1) (b) and (c) and (5) of this Regulation as if it were a ballot-paper referred to in that clause.

(3) An informal ballot-paper must be rejected at the count.

Count

10. (1) If a candidate has an absolute majority of first preference votes, that candidate is elected.

(2) If not, the candidate with the lowest number of first preference votes is excluded and the votes on the unexhausted ballot-papers counted to him or her are transferred to the candidates with second preferences on those ballot-papers.

(3) A candidate who then has an absolute majority of votes is elected, but, if no candidate then has an absolute majority of votes, the process of excluding the candidate who has the lowest number of votes and counting each of his or her unexhausted ballot-papers to the candidates remaining in the election next in order of the voter’s preference is repeated until one candidate has received an absolute majority of votes. The latter is elected.

(4) In this clause, "absolute majority", in relation to votes, means a number that is more than one-half of the number of unexhausted formal ballot-papers.

11. (1) If, on any count of votes, there are two candidates in, or remaining in, the election and the numbers of votes cast for the two candidates are equal, the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have received an absolute majority of votes and is therefore taken to be elected.

(2) If, on any count of votes, there are three or more candidates in or remaining in the election and the numbers of votes cast for two or more candidates are equal and those candidates are the ones with the lowest number of votes on the count of the votes the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have the lowest number of votes and is therefore excluded.

Part 4 - General

Choosing by lot

12. To choose a candidate by lot, the names of the candidates who have equal numbers of votes are written on similar slips of paper by the Returning Officer, the slips are folded by the Returning Officer so as to prevent the names being seen, the slips are mixed and one is drawn at random by the Returning Officer and the candidate whose name is on the drawn slip is chosen.

Result

13. The result of the election (including the name of the candidate elected as Mayor or Deputy Mayor) is:

(a) to be declared to the Councillors at the council meeting at which the election is held by the Returning Officer, and

(b) to be delivered or sent to the Director-General and to the Secretary of the Local Government and Shires Association

Having regard to the above, Councillors are required to determine the method of voting for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The method of voting options available to Councillors are the following of which one is to be chosen:

· Open Voting (e.g. show of hands);

· Ordinary Ballot; or

· Preferential Ballot.

In addition, it is also recommended that the result of the counts for both the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral elections be made known to the meeting by the Returning Officer at the completion of each of the elections.

Councillors can participate in mayor elections using an open ballot by audio visual link but not where the other two methods of election are used. Ordinary and preferential ballots are secret ballots and councillors will need to attend the meeting in person to vote if the mayoral election is held using either of these methods.

Election of Deputy Mayor – September 2023 to September 2024

It has been the practice of Council to elect a Deputy Mayor for the same Mayoral term, immediately following the election of the Mayor.

Nomination papers for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are attached and have also previously been distributed to Councillors. Nomination papers are to be delivered or sent to the Returning Officer (General Manager, Peter Thompson) prior to the commencement of the Council Meeting to be held on Monday, 4 September 2023 at 6.00pm.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Section 225 of the Local Government Act 1993

Schedule 7 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2001

Code of Meeting Practice

Code of Conduct

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

Our leaders represent our community

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Councillor Bulletin item

Office of Local Government NSW (Circular)

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 4 September 2023

RP-3

RP-3 PROPOSED WAGGA WAGGA DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN AMENDMENT - SECTION 10.6 ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR ZONE

Author: Steven Cook

General Manager: Peter Thompson

Summary:

Land on the Sturt Highway, between Tasman Road and Gumly Gumly, has been zoned B6 Enterprise Corridor since 2020 (and later E3 Productivity Support following the State Government employment zone amendments). Controls, objectives and principles were adopted within the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 to, among a range of factors, ensure service roads are provided to provide alternate access to the highway, and to ensure that development provides an attractive entry to the city.

Whilst the intent of the principles, objectives and controls of the Enterprise Corridor Zone section of the WWDCP 2010, including Precinct 7 controls, are clear, it has become apparent as the precinct has developed since 2020 that additional reinforcement of this intent would be beneficial in assisting persons carrying out development in this area in navigating the planning framework, and ensuring that the strategic intent of the area is realised.

Recommendation

That Council:

a endorse the draft amendment to the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 for public exhibition purposes for a period of 28 days from 8 September 2023 and invite public submissions until 6 October 2023

b receive a further report after the public exhibition period:

i addressing any submissions made in respect of the development control plan amendment

ii proposing adoption of the development control plan amendment unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

Report

Background

Land along the Sturt Highway, between Tasman Road and Gumly Gumly was rezoned in the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (WWLEP 2010) from RU1 Primary Production to B6 Enterprise Corridor in January 2020.

These amendments were accompanied by amendments to the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (WWDCP 2010) incorporating additional controls for this section of the B6 zone (known in the DCP as “Precinct 7”).

The WWDCP 2010 controls seek to guide and manage development in the area by:

· Identifying potential access points to the Sturt Highway.

· Identifying an indicative collector road layout servicing all existing allotments.

· Denying direct access to the Sturt Highway.

· Requiring service delivery from the rear.

· Requiring consolidation of sites to achieve a minimum 2000m².

· Requiring the submission of traffic impact assessments to demonstrate appropriate treatment.

The overall intent of the controls in the WWDCP 2010 for Precinct 7 is to ensure service roads are provided to provide alternate access to the highway, and to ensure that development provides an attractive entry to the city, similar to the existing situation in Moorong Street:

Figure 1 – Moorong Street Aerial Image

Figure 2 – Moorong Street Facing South

Figure 3 – Moorong Street Facing North

This is established in Principles P3 and P4 of the Enterprise Corridor Zone section of the WWDCP 2010:

P3 Use opportunities for landscape and streetscape improvements to improve the entry corridors.

P4 Improve urban design and encourage quality-built form.

In April 2023, amendments made by the State Government merged and renamed business and industrial zones in all LEPs in NSW. The B6 zone now forms part of the E3 Productivity Support zone.

Reason for Amendment

Proposed Amendments

The following controls are proposed to be inserted into the WWDCP 2010 for Precinct 7:

C6 Subdivision of land on the northern side of the Sturt Highway, between Bakers Lane and Eunony Bridge Road, shall ensure that all lots along the interface of the highway address, front and are accessed by a service road running adjacent to the highway.

C7 Development on lots on the northern side of the Sturt Highway, between Bakers Lane and Eunony Bridge Road, shall be designed to address the Sturt Highway.

In addition, it is proposed to amend the map in Appendix G of Section 10 of the WWDCP 2010 to clearly show a service road along the extent of the Sturt Highway for the lots on the northern side of the road. The proposed map is included as an attachment to this report.

Finally, Council has previously resolved to apply the controls in Section 10 and 11 of the WWDCP 2010 as they applied prior to the Employment Zone amendments made by the State Government in April 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, it is proposed to amend the opening statements of section 10.6 of the WWDCP 2010 to replace the text:

This section applies to land in the B6 Enterprise Corridor zone in the LEP. The Enterprise Corridor zone is located on land both sides of the Sturt Highway as indicated in figures 10.5 to 10.11 below.

With:

This section applies to land in the E3 Productivity Support zone that comprises the former B6 Enterprise Corridor zone in the LEP. The former Enterprise Corridor zone is located on land both sides of the Sturt Highway as indicated in figures 10.5 to 10.11 below.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner

Ensure sustainable urban development

Risk Management Issues for Council

It has become apparent as “Precinct 7” has developed since 2020 that additional reinforcement of the intent of the controls for this precinct in the WWDCP 2010 would be beneficial in assisting persons carrying out development in this area in navigating the planning framework and ensuring that the strategic intent of the area is correctly realised. Not carrying out the amendments would risk proponents misinterpreting the developed outcomes intended when making a development application.

Internal / External Consultation

The DCP amendment will be the subject of public consultation for 28 days with notice published on the Council website, with all relevant information made available to the public.

The following provides an overview of the engagement methods that will be utilised during public exhibition:

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Connect.Wagga

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Attachments

1 ⇩.	Existing Precinct Plan
2 ⇩.	Proposed Amended Precinct Plan

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 4 September 2023

RP-4

RP-4 Tolland Renewal Project Package

Author: Chloe Boyd

Executive: John Sidgwick

Summary:

Tolland Renewal Project – draft Concept Masterplan for public exhibition.

Recommendation

That Council:

a place the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan on public exhibition for a period of 42 days from 11 September to 24 October 2023 and invite public submissions during that period

b receive a further report following the public exhibition period:

i addressing any submissions made in respect of the draft Concept Masterplan

ii proposing adoption of the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

Report

Background

The original Tolland Estate was developed and built between the 1970s and 1990s. It currently comprises a large number of properties owned by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), as well as private dwellings, parcels of vacant land, a community centre, Red Hill Public School, OneSchool Global NSW – Wagga Wagga, and Wagga Wagga Brethren Church.

Over time, there have been growing concerns regarding the social housing stock located in Tolland – it is out-of-date, no longer fit-for-purpose and has significant maintenance issues for LAHC. Additionally, several significant social housing issues have been identified in Tolland Estate, such as poor public realm, local character and sense of place; high concentration of vulnerable people and social distress; dwelling types that do not meet the household requirements and condition of housing; and hot spots for multiple major crime types (among other issues).

To respond to these issues, Argyle Housing, Council and other stakeholders prepared a high-level masterplan for the renewal of Tolland Estate. This masterplan incorporated private housing, improved social and affordable housing, and tailored housing models. These were to be delivered over a ten-year period.

The aim of the Masterplan is to renew social, affordable and private homes, and deliver enhanced open spaces and community infrastructure. The long-term vision is to deliver a progressive housing community, connected with jobs, transport and essential services. This approach is designed to provide better opportunities for accessing tenant support services while creating housing independence.

Since August 2018, Argyle Housing and Council have engaged in discussions and meetings with the NSW State Government, including the relevant ministers at the time. The NSW State Government then progressed with the project through an open tender for a Community Housing Provider (CHP) to partner with LAHC. On 17 December 2020, the Argyle Consortium was announced as the successful applicant. Argyle Housing has partnered with BlueCHP and has been working with the NSW State Government, through an appointed LAHC and AHO project management group, to co-design a masterplan and prepare a detailed business case that outlines the revitalisation of Tolland.

Current Project Status

Since late 2022, Council, LAHC and Stantec (LAHC’s consultants) have been collaborating to deliver the project. An approach for the delivery of the renewal project was established, as outlined below:

1) Preparation of a draft Concept Masterplan, to be placed on public exhibition to seek community feedback on the proposed vision for the renewal area.

2) Preparation of a Planning Proposal to rezone relevant parts of the renewal area to deliver the vision – reclassification of Council land and draft site-specific Development Control Plan included as part of the Planning Proposal.

3) Post-rezoning, lodgement of DAs to deliver subdivision and housing in the renewal area (including LAHC-led DAs and privately-led DAs).

Draft Concept Masterplan

Council has been progressing Step 1 with LAHC over the past six months. An initial draft Concept Masterplan was provided to Council staff for comment in April 2023, and Council staff formed a cross-directorate working group to ensure a holistic perspective for the Concept Masterplan was provided. LAHC subsequently provided an updated Concept Masterplan in June 2023. Council’s working group reviewed these plans, and a final draft Concept Masterplan was issued to Council in August 2023 (see Attachment 1).

The draft Concept Masterplan identifies the following key features:

· introduction of a new public open space spine, from south-west to north-east, connecting to the existing Chambers Park and drainage corridor above Bruce Street.

· encouragement of medium-density development adjacent to the existing and proposed open space, as well as in key interfaces.

· creation of enhanced road connections, through the removal of several existing cul-de-sacs and delivery of through-streets.

The draft Concept Masterplan will be placed on public exhibition to seek community feedback before being finalised and adopted by Council as the vision for the renewal area moving forward.

Housing Delivery

The Tolland Renewal Project will see the creation of:

o 180 social housing dwellings in Tolland.

o 20 affordable housing dwellings in Tolland.

o 292 additional private lots in Tolland.

Tolland currently comprises an existing 219 social housing dwellings. The Tolland Renewal Project will see 200 social and affordable housing dwellings delivered in the Tolland renewal area, with an additional 74 social housing dwellings around Duke of Kent Oval, delivered alongside the Tolland Renewal Project. This forms part of LAHC’s approach of reducing the concentration of social and affordable housing and dispersing it more broadly across Wagga Wagga. Therefore, there is a net increase of 55 social and affordable housing dwellings in Wagga Wagga.

Council Land

As part of delivering the overall project, LAHC are proposing some land swaps with Council, where existing Council land for public space would convert to housing, while some LAHC land would convert from housing to open space. Council and LAHC are currently investigating and negotiating the details of this. This is anticipated to be finalised around the finalisation of the Planning Proposal.

Letter of Offer to propose a Planning Agreement

As part of the project, LAHC has proposed a planning agreement with Council. Council staff are in the early stages of considering the proposed planning agreement and have provided initial advice to LAHC.

Planning agreements require ongoing negotiation, and Council and LAHC will continue to discuss and negotiate the planning agreement. The planning agreement should be finalised prior to the determination of any future DA for subdivision in the renewal area.

Development Control Plan Updates

To ensure the Tolland Concept Masterplan (once adopted) is enforceable, a clause will be included in the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan (DCP). This clause will require future DAs in the renewal area to consider the Masterplan in their application.

The draft update to the DCP to enforce the Tolland Concept Masterplan will be reported to a Council meeting in October, where it will form part of a report seeking to implement updates to the DCP arising from a procedural review of the DCP paper. These updates will be policy-neutral amendments.

Separate to the above clause, a site-specific DCP will be prepared as part of the Planning Proposal for the renewal area. Council and LAHC have already commenced work on this to ensure the deliverability of the Concept Masterplan and will continue to collaborate on the creation of a site-specific DCP for the Tolland renewal area. This is anticipated to be finalised as the Planning Proposal is finalised. The draft site-specific DCP will be subject to future public exhibition.

Planning Proposal

In December 2022, the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) announced a pilot program for the State-Assessed Planning Pathway and invited nominations from industry for proposals meeting the criteria.

LAHC lodged an application for the State-Assessed Planning Pathway. This pathway sees DPE assess the planning proposal from lodgement, rather than Council. Council is consulted throughout the process.

In mid-July 2023, LAHC and Council were advised that the Tolland Renewal Project was one of five projects selected as part of the State-Assessed Planning Pathway. LAHC are now required to lodge the Planning Proposal for the Tolland Renewal Project by September 2023.

LAHC, Council and DPE are collaborating to deliver the Planning Proposal in this time. The progression of the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan to public exhibition and community consultation will continue, as this provides the overall vision for the renewal area and consults community as the project progresses.

Financial Implications

Council staff are currently working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation to understand the financial implications of the project on Council. This includes in relation to land swaps, infrastructure upgrades and contributions/the proposed planning agreement.

Policy and Legislation

Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner

Provide for a diversity of housing that meets our needs

Risk Management Issues for Council

There are a number of risks for Council to manage throughout this process, alongside the opportunity presented in renewing a social housing estate. These include:

· ensuring adequate community engagement is undertaken throughout the various stages of the project and that the community has a clear understanding of the various elements of the project.

· managing the precinct during its transformation, including in relation to the various responsibilities of different groups, such as Council, the Department of Communities and Justice, DPE, LAHC, AHO and the Argyle Consortium.

Council will continue to collaborate with these groups to deliver positive outcomes for the community throughout the Tolland Renewal project.

Internal / External Consultation

Following the formal announcement of the Tolland Renewal Project in December 2022, LAHC and other key stakeholders provided community consultation opportunities. Refer to Figure 1 for a summary of these events.

The public exhibition of the Tolland Concept Masterplan will provide further opportunities for community consultation, with LAHC and Council working together to ensure an appropriate approach to consultation is undertaken.

The Planning Proposal will also be publicly exhibited through the State-Assessed Planning Pathway, providing further opportunity for community input.

Figure 1 – Snapshot from Tolland Estate Renewal newsletter (December 2022)

Next Steps

Following the public exhibition of the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan, the Concept Masterplan will be updated (as relevant) and reported to Council for adoption. Subsequently, a Planning Proposal will be prepared by LAHC to rezone parts of the renewal area and reclassify some Council land to enable delivery of the concept masterplan – this will be lodged through the State-Assessed Planning Pathway. A site-specific Development Control Plan will be developed alongside the Planning Proposal and will be subject to public exhibition prior to adoption.

Once the Planning Proposal has been gazetted, DAs for the area can be determined, enabling delivery of the Concept Masterplan.

The intended consultation to be undertaken over the public exhibition period is identified in the table below:

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Connect.Wagga

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Attachments

1 ⇩.

Draft concept Masterplan

Event Name & Organisation	Amount Requested	Event Budget	Reason
Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras	Flagship stream $20,000	Total event cost: $115,330 Income: $ 95,500 (not including Council sponsorship) Net position: -$19,830 Recommended funding: $20,000	The Panel recommends sponsorship of the event to the full amount of $20,000. The Panel agreed that the Mardi Gras event provided significant social and economic impact and therefore scored highly against the criteria. The application detailed a strong strategic plan to grow and develop the programming of the event.
Gears and Beers Festival	Flagship stream (multiyear): $20,000	Total event cost: $145,990 Income: $305,100 (not including Council sponsorship) Net position: +$159,110 Recommended funding: $20,000 for next three financial years 23/24,24/25 & 25/26	The Panel recommends sponsorship of the event to the full amount of $20,000 over the next three financial years 23/24,24/25 & 25/26 The sponsorship funds across the upcoming three years will support the planned growth trajectory of this festival as a major event as detailed in the applicant’s strategic planning documentation. The Panel noted that the festival was a major event for the wider region and had significant economic and social impact to the city. Event profits are donated to local charities which is a key strategy that differentiates this event from other commercial cycling events of this nature.
TEDxWagga Wagga	Incubator stream: $10,000	Total event cost: $98,918 Income: $80,526 (not including Council sponsorship) Net position: -$18,392 Recommended funding: $10,000	The Panel recommends sponsorship of the event to the full amount of $10,000. The Panel scored the project high as it is a new event offering, bringing a world-renowned event to the city. The visitor numbers were recognised as minimal, however it met the eligibility criteria requirement as it would have significant regional, state, or national media coverage which would be achieved through the TEDx franchise brand, live streaming audiences, and initiatives as detailed in the event plan submitted. The growth ability of the event was highly regarded by the panel which is beneficial for the community and building the profile of the city.
A Day on the Farm	Incubator stream: $10,000	Total event cost: $31,174 Income: $26,250 (not incl Council sponsorship) Net position: - $4,924 Recommended funding: $0	The panel recommends declining this application as the applicant is already in receipt of Council funding of $6,000 for a similar event series. The event did not offer a clear or distinct differentiation to their community annual grant application and therefore, did not meet the criteria

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 4 September 2023

RP-5

Event Details

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras | 9 March 2024

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras festival aims to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTIQ+) communities in the Riverina, providing an opportunity to express their creativity and celebrate their identity. In 2024, the festival program will span across a week of celebrations, raising awareness and acceptance for the LGBTIQ+ community in Wagga Wagga, the Riverina and beyond. A mixture of free and ticketed events for all ages means that everyone has a chance to participate in March 2024.

Since its inaugural event in 2019 which featured 17 floats and 700 participants in the parade, Wagga Mardi Gras has grown significantly to over 50 floats and 1500 parade participants in 2022 and 2023 (after a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions). In 2023 the drag events were strongly attended by over 400 people, and the roller disco saw 180 attendees. Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival is managed by a volunteer committee with the support of Council and other sponsors such as Charles Sturt University.

The Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras festival to be held on Saturday 9 March 2024 includes a parade that will take place in Baylis Street and a free family-friendly after party at Victory Memorial Gardens commencing at 6:00pm. The after party will host a wide variety of food and drink vendors that include local operators, not for profit stalls with community information such as headspace Wagga, Aids Council of NSW (ACON) and Wellways and offer a main stage show. The event will also host the Pride Markets as a recovery event on Sunday 10 March, with 100 market stalls at the Victory Memorial Gardens.

Event Summary:

· Date: 9 March 2024

· Expected attendance: 5,000

· Visitors outside Local Government Area:1,500

· Program duration: 3 days

· Programming: parade, celebration, markets and supporting business program

· Proposed venue: Victory Memorial Gardens

· Total income: $115,500 (including Council sponsorship if successful)

· Total expenses: $115,330.00

· Net position: $170

· Total Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Films sponsorship amount requested: $20,000.

If successful in securing the requested funding the applicant will acknowledge Council’s funding through logo placement on all marketing material and promotion through media opportunities as they arise.

The Panel has assessed this application against the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Guidelines for a Flagship Event and recommends this event receives the full request of funding of $20,000 for the marketing and logistical costs to stage the event.

The Panel’s assessment and recommendation is summarised as follows:

· The applicant demonstrated extensive planning, a skilled committee with resources to continue the growth of the event.

· The Panel agreed that the Mardi Gras event provided significant social and economic impact and scored highly against the criteria.

· The applicant provided a detailed strategic plan to grow and develop the programming of the event.

· Demonstrated commitment to continuing to develop the skills of the volunteer committee team and work toward achieving a sustainable business model for this major event in the years to come.

Gears & Beers Festival | 30 September to 1 October 2023

The Gears and Beers Festival and the Dirty 130, has been held annually in Wagga Wagga since 2013. It is one of the largest and most popular events on the Australian and international gravel cycling calendar.

In 2013 the festival attracted 436 participants from mainly the local government area. The participants were casual and professional cyclists riding a range of distances. The festival has grown now to welcome over 5,000 participants and injects more than two million dollars into the local economy over the long weekend in October each year.

The 2023 program of events will include a series of cycling rides for various skill sets and terrains across the city including a Wiradjuri Welcome (42kms), Family Friendly Ride (10kms), Open (30kms), Sic (60kms), Open (115kms) and the Dirty130, followed by a craft beer and cider festival in the Victory Memorial Gardens on Saturday 30 September 2023.

Event Summary:

· Date: 30 September 2023 – 1 October 2023

· Expected Attendance: 5,000

· Visitors out of the Local Government Area: 3,500

· Program duration: 2 days

· Programming: Series of cycling events followed by craft beer and cider festival

· Proposed venue: Victory Memorial Gardens

· Total income: $305,100

· Total event cost: $145,990

· Visitor Spend: $2.02M

· Total amount requested: $20,000 (multiyear)

The applicant is seeking $20,000 in funding over the next three years as part of the Flagship Event triennial stream through Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship to stage and deliver the event with further focus on marketing to attract increased registrations on a national level. The program guidelines for a Flagship event details that funds are for established major tourism events that have already received three years funding through the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship fund and available to applicants who can present a comprehensive strategy for future growth and development. The sponsorship is triennial in nature to support the continued growth of the event into new visitor markets. This sponsorship support is evaluated annually through a sponsorship acquittal process.

The Panel has assessed this application against the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Guidelines for a Flagship Event (triennial) and recommends this event receives the full request of funding of $20,000 for the marketing and logistical costs to stage the event for 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

The Panel’s assessment and recommendation is summarised as follows:

· The Panel identified that the event was a major event for the region which generates significant community and economic impact and is the largest event of its type in the city, promoting Wagga Wagga externally for re-visitation opportunities and promoting the liveability of the City to prospective residents and investors.

· The event scored highly in terms of planning experience, and community and business support.

· The festival is unique in that it engages with neighbouring shires showcasing the wider region to visitors, providing a more compelling reason to visit, and strengthens the City’s hub and spoke tourism focus with neighbouring shires.

· This event promotes all ages participation in cycling and the on-going health and well-being benefits of cycling, along with the use of the City’s active travel infrastructure.

· The application details the festival’s strategic positioning and programming to create a truly unique flagship event for the city.

· All the event profits are donated to charity which differentiates this event from other commercial cycling events of this nature.

· The sponsorship funds requested across the next three financial years will support the growth trajectory of this festival event.

TEDxWagga Wagga | 18 November 2023

TEDx events are renowned worldwide for their ability to bring together diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives and are catalysts for fostering community connections, and sparking deep discussions. TEDxWagga Wagga will be a dynamic event that encompasses a suite of short, curated talks and performances from our local community. The presentations will be idea-focused and cover a wide range of subjects, designed to foster learning, inspiration, and wonder among attendees.

TEDxWagga Wagga will have an in-person audience of approximately 120 attendees, the event will also be livestreamed for free to a potential worldwide audience. The purpose of TEDxWagga Wagga is to showcase and celebrate the diverse talent and knowledge we have in Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region. As a result, the city will be showcased in a positive light and encourage the online audience to find out more about Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region.

There is a defined TEDx pathway the applicant/licensee must follow in order that the attendee licence cap is lifted after the applicant successfully delivers and acquits the first event. The applicant/licensee intends to take this pathway to allow the event to grow in scale, audience, duration, and impact in future years.

Event Summary:

· Date: 18 November 2023

· Expected Attendance: 120 in person, unlimited free online streaming.

· Visitors out of the Local Government Area: 60

· Program duration: Single day

· Visitor spend: $10,540.

· Programming: Series of innovative talks and performances showcasing Wagga Wagga’s and the wider Riverina region’s diverse skills and knowledge

· Proposed venue: Charles Sturt University Riverina Playhouse

· Total income: $80,526 (does not include Council sponsorship funds)

· Total event cost: $98,918

· Total amount requested: $10,000.

The applicant is seeking $10,000 in funding through the Incubator events stream of Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship to stage and deliver the event in particular, live captioning, marketing, and other event resources.

The Panel has assessed this application against the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Guidelines for an Incubator Event and recommends this event receives the full request of funding of $10,000 for the marketing and logistical costs to stage the event.

The Panel’s assessment and recommendation is summarised as follows:

· The Panel scored the project high in terms of being a new, world-renowned event to the city.

· The visitor numbers were recognised as minimal, however the application met the eligibility requirement to present significant regional, state, or national media coverage which would be achieved through the TEDx franchise brand, free live streaming as detailed in the event plan submitted.

· The panel agreed the event had significant community and business support and scored well in this respect.

· The growth potential of the event was highly regarded and would be beneficial to the Wagga Wagga community and awareness of the city.

A Day at the Farm | 27 April 2024

Bidgee Strawberries and Cream has applied to host 'A Day at the farm' aimed to connect locals and visitors to rural Australia through an event that would present live music, food, and fun. Broadly themed around the Riverina's food bowl and rural Australia the event will allow participant's to be emersed in a fun relaxing country experience regardless of age or ability and enjoy local produce fresh from the farm, country music and family fun farm activities.

The event aligns to the themes present in the applicants existing event series and past events hosted between 2019-2023. Any funding support received through the Major events Stream would allow the applicant to scale up the event to attract a Country Music performer and additional immersive farm experiences for attendees of all ages.

The proposed event aims to attract 2,000 attendees for a day filled with strawberry picking, kids crafts and activities, food vendors, petting zoo, and other performances.

Event Summary:

· Date: 27 April 2024

· Expected Attendance: 2,000

· Visitors out of the Local Government area:1,000

· Program duration: Single day

· Programming: Music, strawberry picking, food vendors, and other entertainment

· Proposed venue: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream

· Total income: $26,250 (not including sponsorship funds)

· Total event cost: $31,174.18

· Total amount requested: $10,000

The applicant is seeking $10,000 in cash funding through the Incubator events stream of Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship to stage and deliver the event.

The Panel has assessed this application against the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Guidelines for an Incubator event and does not recommend the funding of this event of $10,000 due to the applicant already receiving funds through Council’s 23/24 Annual Grants Program Event category for a similar 23/24 series of events to the amount of $6,000. The application received through the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship program did not offer a clear or distinct differentiation to the applicants 23/24 Annual Grants Program application and did not meet the criteria of delivering a new and innovative event.

The Panel’s assessment and recommendation is summarised as follows:

· Panel members agreed that the event did not provide a distinct differentiation to the applicant’s current programming of events which has already been supported by Council through the 23/24 Annual Grants Program.

· Panel members agreed that the applicant should develop the concept further to provide key points of differentiation and resubmit an application in a future funding round.

Financial Implications

2023/24 Major Events Sponsorship Budget	$80,000
2022/23 Major Events Sponsorship Budget Confirmed Carryover	$21,345
Total Events Sponsorship Budget for 2023/24	$101,345
Less Current Commitments
· Fitz Fest Wagga Wagga	($11,946)
· Wagga Wagga Swap Meet	($10,000)
· Thrashernats3	($15,000)
· Christmas with the Con	($10,000)
Total Current Commitments	($46,946)
Recommended sponsorship
· Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras	($20,000)
· Gears & Beers Festival (Year One of Three)*	($20,000)
· TEDxWagga Wagga	($10,000)
Total Major Events Sponsorship funding recommended in this report	($50,000)
Remaining budget for 2023/24 Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship	$4,399

*Triennial sponsorship arrangements for Gears and Beers:

On-going sponsorship for Gears & Beers Festival through Council’s Major Event Sponsorship Budget outlined through the Long-Term Financial Plan of $100,000.

2023/24 - Year One $20,000 ($80,000 original budget in LTFP for Major Events, as outlined above (noting $20,000 from this budget is allocated to the Academy Games of a total $35,000 budget for the multi-year agreement).

2024/25 – Year Two $20,000 ($100,000 original budget in LTFP for Major Events)

2025/26 – Year Three $20,000 ($100,000 original budget in LTFP for Major Events)

The event will be reviewed annually through an acquittal process prior to releasing funds each year.

Policy and Legislation

POL087 – Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship

Link to Strategic Plan

Growing Economy

Objective: Wagga Wagga is an attractive tourist destination

Provide a variety of events, festivals, and activities

Risk Management Issues for Council

Risk management will be addressed as part of any future sponsorship agreement, with terms and conditions ensuring events are managed in a safe manner. A staged payment schedule based on event planning and delivery milestones will also be implemented to mitigate against non-delivery of event with each applicant.

Internal / External Consultation

Staff have consulted with local event organisers to support the planning and delivery of events in the 2023/24 events schedule.

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Connect.Wagga

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Involve

Other methods (please list specific details below)
N/A

Attachments

1 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras MEFFS Application 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
2 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Financial Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
3 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Marketing Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
4 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Budget 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
5 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Event Management Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
6 .	Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras LT Strategic Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
7 .	Gears & Beers MEFFS Application 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
8 .	Gears & Beers Economic Impact 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
9 .	Gears & Beers Event Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
10 .	Gears & Beers Budget 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
11 .	Gears & Beers Strategic Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
12 .	TEDxWagga Wagga MEFFS application 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
13 .	TEDxWagga Wagga event concept plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
14 .	TEDxWagga Wagga Letters of Support 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
15 .	TEDxWagga Wagga Budget 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
16 .	A Day at the Farm MEFFS application 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
17 .	A Day at the Farm Budget 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
18 .	A Day at the Farm Concept Plan 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
19 .	A Day at the Farm Visitor Spend 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, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council. - Provided under separate cover
20 ⇩.	MEFFS Policy

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 4 September 2023

M-1

Committee Minutes

M-1 FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 10 AUGUST 2023

Author: Phil McMurray

Summary:

The Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC) is an advisory committee of Council. This Report seeks that Council endorse the recommendations made by the Committee at its meeting held on 10 August 2023.

Recommendation

That Council receive the minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting held on 10 August 2023.

Report

The Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting held on 10 August 2023 are presented to Council for consideration. Below is a summary of items considered at the meeting.

RP-1 2021-22-FM-0032 - URANQUINTY LEVEE UPGRADE - INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN

Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV) have now completed the majority of the background investigations, this includes:

· Site inspection of the proposed levee alignment.

· Geotechnical investigations and boreholes along the alignment.

· Survey investigation of the levees.

· Services investigation of the levees.

· Review of hydraulic modelling files including results.

This information is being processed and they have commenced some concept design optioneering of the proposed works.

RP-2 2018-19-FM-0071 - NORTH WAGGA FLOOD MITIGATION OPTIONS

Key events that have occurred in the last couple of weeks include:

· organisation of Councillor Workshop and public forum

· recruitment for public forum and targeted interviews

o there has been a good response by residents in North Wagga willing to participate in the forum.

· development of workshop and forum information packages

· further detailed environmental analysis by NGH to provide an approximate economic cost for option L4B. This extra work will cost $27,775 incl GST.

This environmental analysis will allow for the development of an approximate economic cost of the environmental work required for option L4B.

If Option L4B is the preferred option from the feasibility study, then the Biodiversity Assessment work completed for this study will then determine if a significant impact is considered likely. If so, a Species Impact Statement or a Biodiversity Development Assessment Review (BDAR) or a referral to the Commonwealth Environment Department may be required. If no significant impact is anticipated a Review of Environmental Factors can be prepared.

A BDAR will have a cost of approximately $100,000 and a timeframe for completion of 12-14 months.

A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) is a report document prepared by an Accredited Biodiversity Assessor consultant that identifies how a proponent of a Development Application (DA) or State Significant Development (SSD) in New South Wales, Australia will avoid, minimise and offset impacts from their proposed development upon native vegetation or threatened species listed under the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017. The BDAR addresses the requirements of the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme.

RP-3 2021-22-FM-0024 - GLENFIELD DRAIN AND FLOWERDALE STORAGE FLOOD MITIGATION WORKS

The consultant has reviewed the Wagga MOFFS TUFLOW Model and advise that the following updates are required so that it is fit for undertaking the Glenfield Road Drain feasibility study:

· Reduce the cell size to 2.5 m (from 5 m) to more accurately define the capacity of the overland flow paths.

· Incorporate additional stormwater pits and pipes, particularly in the headwaters of the study area to ensure that the rate and volume of runoff that discharges to each detention basin is accurately represented.

· Update the location where the discharge hydrographs are injected into the TUFLOW model.

In addition to the above, they also anticipate that it will be necessary to update the way buildings are represented in the model and the invert levels of the already modelled piped drainage system.

RP-4 2021-22-FM-0039 - LAKE ALBERT FLOOD MITIGATION OPTIONS –FEASIBILITY STUDY

A workplan and cost variation has been submitted to DPE for approval. Once this is finalised the consultant will be able to commit resources to this project as per their workplan and program.

RP-5 2022-FMP-0103 HUMULA AND MANGOPLAH FLOOD STUDIES

The procurement process for this project has been finalised and a Workplan will be provided to DPE for approval before the consultant is fully appointed to this project. At this point in time the grant for this project is $80,000 and we have expended $26,000 on the procurement of LiDar data. The consultant budget for this project is in excess of $100,000 and so a minor variation will need to be submitted to DPE as a part of the approval process.

RP-6 LOCAL & REGIONAL RISK REDUCTION STREAM - LEVEE PUMP AUGMENTATION

Stantec are the preferred consultant of this project and Council is awaiting a workplan and program from the consultant for this project to begin.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

The outcomes from the various studies will be critical in the terms of future amendments to the Council Local Environmental Plan and its Development Control Plan.

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

Our leaders represent our community

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPIE) (previously the Office of Environment and Heritage) has been heavily consulted throughout the process of planning and executing these projects. DPIE is the responsible funding body and receives quarterly status update reports.

Attachments

1 ⇩.

FRMAC Minutes - 10 August 2023