Agenda and
Business Paper

 

Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday 11 December 2023

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

 

The proceedings of all Council meetings in open session, including all debate and addresses by the public, are recorded (audio visual) and livestreamed on Council’s website including for the purpose of facilitating community access to meetings and accuracy of the Minutes.

 

In addition to webcasting council meetings, audio recordings of confidential sessions of Ordinary Meetings of Council are also recorded, but do not form part of the webcast.

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS

Councillors are reminded of their Oath or Affirmation of Office made under Secion 233A of the Local Government Act 1993 and their obligation under Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose and appropriately manage Conflicts of Interest.

 

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.

 

 

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 11 December 2023

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE               PRECIS                                                                                       PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                                          3

REFLECTION                                                                                                                3

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                 3

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1           EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 27 NOVEMBER 2023                  3

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                                                    3

Mayoral Minute

MM-1           MAYORAL MINUTE - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM IN WAGGA WAGGA            4

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1         NOTICE OF MOTION - SUPPORTING PEACE IN GAZA                              8

Reports from Staff

RP-1            DA22/0725.01 - Use of Existing Shed and Removal of Building Envelope  10

RP-2            WAGGA WAGGA DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2010 AMENDMENT 27 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICY POSITION REVIEW                                14

RP-3            DA22/0009 - Alterations and Additions to existing pub (Sportsmens Club Hotel), 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga                                  22

RP-4            PETITION - REMOVAL OF NAME PLAQUES AND SIGNAGE                    28

RP-5            Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management                            34

RP-6            LAKE ALBERT WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY                                      39

RP-7            Response to Notice of Motion - Call for a trial and demonstration to fix potholes properly and fast                                                   45

RP-8            Response to Notice of Motion - Special Events and Victory Memorial Gardens                                                                                                63

RP-9            FACILITY ADDITIONAL FEES & CHARGES                                             73

RP-10          FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2023        77

RP-11          POL 075 - INVESTMENT POLICY                                                           107

RP-12          Presentation of the 2022/23 Financial Statements                121

RP-13          2023 SALE OF LAND FOR UNPAID RATES - UPDATE ON PUBLIC AUCTION AND SALE PROCESS                                                                                              123

RP-14          CODE OF CONDUCT STATISTICS                                                         126

RP-15          PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE POLICY (POL 097)                            132

 

 

RP-16          RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS                    160

RP-17          QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE                                                                    162

Committee Minutes

M-1              Local Traffic Committee Minutes - 16 November 2023            163   

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       PROPOSED RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL LEASE - 57 DAMPIER STREET, BOMEN   181

CONF-2       PROPOSED RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL LEASE - 23 FITZHARDINGE STREET, WAGGA WAGGA                                                                                   182

CONF-3       RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT - 127 LORD BADEN POWELL DRIVE, TURVEY PARK                                                                                                     183

CONF-4       EXPRESSION OF INTEREST OUTCOME REPORT - BOMEN LAND SALES 184

CONF-5       RFT2024-01 WINNING & CRUSHING OF GRAVEL                                  185

CONF-6       JUBILEE PARK ATHLETICS CENTRE PROJECTS - RFT2024-02, RFT2024-12 & RFT2024-14                                                                                                           186

CONF-7       RFT2024-07 REALIGN CATTLE DELIVERY RAMPS & SHEEP DRAFT RAMPS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LMC                                                                            187

CONF-8       RFQ2024-509 ATP3 DETAILED DESIGN                                                 188

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future and extends our respect to all First Nations Peoples in Wagga Wagga.

We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the land and rivers. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Wiradjuri and First Nations communities

 

 

REFLECTION

Councillors, let us in silence reflect upon our responsibilities to the community which we represent, and to all future generations and faithfully, and impartially, carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in us, to the best of our skill and judgement.

 

 

APOLOGIES

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1              EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 27 NOVEMBER 2023       

Recommendation That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 27 November 2023 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

 

 

1⇩.

Minutes - Extraordinary Council Meeting - 27 November 2023

189

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

MM-1

 

Mayoral Minute

MM-1              MAYORAL MINUTE - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM IN WAGGA WAGGA

 

Summary:

This Mayoral Minute is seeking a staff report in relation to the support that Council staff provide to the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence in the Wagga Wagga Local Government area. I would also like to thank the staff of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre in assisting me in the provision of the content of this Mayoral Minute.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       commend the Wagga Women’s Health Centre for their leadership in facilitating the 16 Days of Activism in Wagga Wagga. This will occur through a formal written acknowledgement from the Mayor’s office on behalf of Council and the community b       receive a report from staff prior to 31 March 2024 that outlines Council staff involvement and activities that support prevention of Domestic and Family Violence c        note Council’s adopted Advocacy Plan statement of commitment to the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence being: “We will advocate for resources and funding levels that support the front-line services and other organisations addressing coercive control, abuse and violence and their delivery of preventative programs to address gender equity and respectful relationships”

 

What is the 16 days of Activism?

An annual international campaign highlighting the need for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. It was launched by civil rights activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and has evolved into 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, starting on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and running until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

What is new in 2023?

The 2022 Annual Gender-Related Killings of Women and Girls Report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime identified:

·      Globally, nearly 89,000 women and girls were killed intentionally, the highest yearly number recorded in the past two decades.

·      While the data suggests that the overall number of homicides fell in 2022, the number of female homicides did not change.

·      The majority of killings of women and girls were gender motivated. In 2022, around 48,800 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members.

·      While most homicides worldwide are committed against men and boys (80% in 2022), women and girls are disproportionately affected by homicidal violence in the home. They represent 66% of all victims of intimate partner killings.

 

In Australia 1 in 3 women will experience physical violence in their lifetime, whilst another 23% to 28% will experience sexual or emotional harm. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed 2.7 million women have experienced partner violence or abuse in Australia.

Fatalities in 2023 alone

The United Nations reported the Oceania Region had the third highest rate of intimate partner/family-related femicides, behind Africa and America. In 2022, 200 women and girls were lost to domestic violence across the Oceania, with Australian’s accounting for one third of these deaths. 

As of December 6, 59 Australian women and children have died due to Domestic and Family Violence in 2023, with ages ranging from 11 weeks to 95 years old. The names of the victims were read and observed on 25 November, marking the start of the ‘16 days of Activism’ campaign in Wagga.

What does this mean for the Riverina in 2023?

The most recently released June 2023 BOCSAR report on the New South Wales (NSW) Trends in Domestic and Family Violence (D&FV) demonstrate:

·    Families in the Riverina are 1.6 x more likely to experience D&FV than the state average.

·    Rates of D&FV are growing in regional and rural areas while incidences in Sydney remain stable.

·    The number of victims of D&FV has been increasing on average by 3.4% per year over the 5 years preceding the report. 

Australian Government Priority

In 2022, the Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments agreed and released the National Plan to End violence against Women and Children 2022-2023 and in 2023 there was an additional pledge for elimination in one generation.

 

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has funded primary prevention in the Riverina through the DV2650 project. The DV2650 project was funded for 3 years July 2018 to June 2021 with Wagga Wagga City Council auspicing three project officers over the 3-year campaign project. Following this and in line with the recommendations of that project, funding was then allocated to the Wagga Women’s Health Centre. This state funding is set to expire in September 2024 and a review with the Wagga Women’s Health Centre is underway, assessing the impact and their need for additional funding with DCJ and the NSW Treasury.

 

The 16 Days of Activism in Wagga in 2023

The following events were organised by Members of the Wagga Domestic Violence Liaison Committee for the 16 days of Activism in 2023 of which Council staff are members:

25 November – Wagga Women’s Health Centre - “AMBER Alert: An Observance and Bringing Violence against Women and Girls into the Light”, The Amphitheatre at Wollundry Lagoon Precinct

28 November – Women’s Health and Wellness EXPO – Multicultural Council at Multicultural Centre on Station Street Wagga Wagga

29 November – Relationships Australia – 7:45am to 8:00 am Family Law Matter Talk

1 December – Police and Rotary collaboration – Call to Action and March to End Gender-Based Violence – 10 am

8 December – Wagga Women's Health Centre, Sisters Housing, WDVCas and LCN Staying Home Leaving Violence Community Awareness Event focusing on Community awareness of Coercive Control

Across the 16 days of Activism the community will see the campaign of ‘No More Silence’ throughout December 2023.

Wagga Wagga City Council has adopted the following statement and action as part of Council’s Advocacy Plan.

“We will advocate for resources and funding levels that support the front-line services and other organisations addressing coercive control, abuse and violence and their delivery of preventative programs to address gender equity and respectful relationships”.

 

Alongside the above advocacy, Council staff are involved in and support a range of initiatives across funded agencies that are addressing and responding to Domestic and Family Violence in our Local Government Area. An update report of this involvement is proposed to come back from staff before 31 March 2024.

 

N/A

Wagga Wagga Code of Meeting Practice

 

Safe and Healthy Community

Objective: Our community feel safe

Promote safety and safe behaviours

 

N/A

This Mayoral Minute has been developed in consultation with the Wagga Women’s Health Centre and Council staff.

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

NOM-1

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1           NOTICE OF MOTION - SUPPORTING PEACE IN GAZA

Author:          Councillors Jenny McKinnon and Richard Foley

      

 

Summary:

Notice of Motion bought to Council by Councillors Jenny McKinnon and Richard Foley.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       condemns violence of all kinds b       notes the need for an immediate permanent ceasefire in Gaza c        acknowledges calls from around the world for peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine

 

This motion is a declaration of support for the goal of universal peace and goodwill, and for all levels of government to do everything in their power to help bring about this goal.

 

Wagga Wagga has the enviable status of being a designated Rotary Peace City, in fact it was the first ever such city, and this status is an important part of Wagga’s identity. The Peace City concept is based on local actions that help create pathways toward peace in the wider arena and is thus consistent with the aims of this motion.

 

Wagga also already plays a proud role in international humanitarian issues through its status as a refugee resettlement destination, and through our Sister City relationships. This motion is consistent with Wagga’s proud record of active humanitarian involvement and seeks to enhance our reputation as a welcoming and culturally diverse regional city.

 

Again, at the local level, Wagga’s Community Strategic Plan includes a requirement for Council to ensure that our community feels heard and understood, and further requires Council and Councillors to show leadership and to act as advocates on behalf of the community. Many community members have spoken with us about their alarm at the situation in Palestine generally, and now in Gaza in particular. This motion is submitted on behalf of all those concerned community members.

 

N/A

Code of Conduct 2022

Code of Meeting Practice 2022

 

Community leadership and collaboration

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

Our leaders represent our community

 

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-1

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1               DA22/0725.01 - Use of Existing Shed and Removal of Building Envelope

Author:                        Emma Molloy 

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

The report is for a review of a development application that was previously refused. The review is presented to Council for determination.   The application has been referred to Council under Section 1.10 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP) as the application seeks to vary a numerical control in which a submission has been received.   The details of the submission is contained within the attached Section 4.15 Assessment Report.

 

 

Recommendation That Council approve DA22/0725.01 for the Use of an Existing Shed and Removal of Building Envelope at 108 Brindabella Drive, Tatton NSW 2650 (Lot 224 DP1247818) subject to the conditions outlined in the Section 4.15 Assessment Report.

 

 

Applicant	Slade Stanley
Owner	Slade and Vanessa Stanley
Development Cost	$19,800
Development Description	Use of an existing shed and removal of building envelope.

 

Site Location

    

 

 

The subject land is known as Lot 224 DP1247818 located at 108 Brindabella Drive, Tatton. The site is located on the corner of Brindabella Drive and Cradle Court. The site is square in shape and measures 3072m2.

The site is burdened by a building envelope that is registered on the deposited plan. The building envelope size and shape follows the previous LEP zoning boundary on the land. The site previously had a mix of R1 and C2 (previously E2) zoning and the envelope was used to protect the C2 zone. The zoning has since been amended and the site is now all R1 zoning.

There are a mix of densities in the locality. To the west are residential dwellings on standard block sizes, adjoining to the north is a newly established subdivision with new dwellings to be constructed in the near future. To the east and west are established large lot residential lots with established dwellings.

 

Assessment

·    DA17/0144 was refused as the shed was located outside the building envelope within the former E2 (now C2 - Environmental Conservation) where it was not permissible to erect a shed. The land has since been rezoned and therefore the shed can be considered on merit.

·    DA22/0725 for the use of the existing shed and removal of the building envelope was refused for the following reasons:

 

1.   The fill under the building results in an increased building height, which increases the bulk and scale of the structure, and results in impacts on the amenity of properties to the west and north of the site. The development is therefore inconsistent with the matter for consideration under Clause 7.1A(3)(d) of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010.

2.   The development does not comply with Controls C3 and C6 of Section 9.4.4, and is inconsistent with Objectives O1 of Section 9.2.2 and O1 of Section 9.4.4 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010. Section 4.15(1)(a)(iii) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

3.   Due to the size, height, bulk and scale of the shed, the development is out of character with the context of the setting of the area and unreasonably impacts on the streetscape of Brindabella Drive and Plumpton Road and amenity adjoining properties. Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010. Section 4.15(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

4.   The development is not in the public interest as it has the potential to create an undesirable cumulative impact of large free-standing detached structures that dominate the streetscape and impact on the amenity of adjoining properties throughout the local government area. Section 4.15(1)(e) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

 

·    An application was lodged under Division 8.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act) to review the determination of DA22/0725.

·    The shed is 200m² and therefore seeks a variation to C3 within section 9.4.4 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan which limits the maximum floor area of an outbuilding to be 8% of the site or 175m² whichever is the lessor.

·    One submission was received during the notification period of the original application in regard to above numerical control.

·    The review was renotified in accordance with the DCP. No new submissions were received, however previous submission is still to be considered as part of the review.

 

Having regard for the information contained in the attached s8.2 Review report, it is considered that the development is acceptable for the following reasons and recommended for approval.

 

Reasons for Approval

 

1.    The application is for the use of an existing shed and removal of the building envelope in the R1 General Residential zone which is permitted with consent.

 

2.    The development complies with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and will not compromise the outcomes sought within the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010.

 

3.    An assessment of the review against the relevant provisions within the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP) demonstrates that the proposed development does not cause any significant adverse impacts on the surrounding natural environment, built environment, infrastructure, community facilities or local character and amenity. In addition, the variation to controls within the DCP have been justified and assessed.

N/A

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as amended

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

 

 

The Environment

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

Ensure sustainable urban development

 

Approval of the application is not considered to raise risk management issues for Council.

Full details of the consultation that was carried out as part of the development application assessment is contained in the attached 8.2 Review Report.

 

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)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

x

x

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

N/A

 

 

 

1.	DA22/0725.01 - 8.2 Reveiw Report - Provided under separate cover
2.	DA22/0725 - s4.15 report (refusal) - Provided under separate cover
3.	DA22/0725.01 - Statement of Environmnetal Effects - Provided under separate cover
4.	DA22/0725.01 - Plan Set - Provided under separate cover
5.	DA22/0725 - Submission (Unredacted) 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
6.	DA22/0725 - Submission (Redacted) - Provided under separate cover

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-2

 

RP-2               WAGGA WAGGA DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2010 AMENDMENT 27 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICY POSITION REVIEW

Author:                        Steven Cook 

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

At the 23 October 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, Council received a report outlining a draft amendment to the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan (WWDCP) 2010.   The Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 presently contains a range of matters that are out of date, incorrect, require further clarification, or need to be amended to reflect the policy position of Council. The draft amendment aims to resolve these matters, where possible, to ensure the WWDCP 2010 remains a contemporary and usable document, while the new, comprehensive DCP for Wagga Wagga is prepared.   Council resolved to place the draft amendment to the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 on public exhibition for the period 27 October 2023 to 24 November 2023.   Two submissions were received during the public exhibition period.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       note the submissions received in relation to the proposed ‘Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 Amendment 27 – Administrative and Policy Position Review’ during the exhibition period from 27 October 2023 to 23 November 2023 b       adopt the ‘Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan Amendment 27 – Administrative and Policy Position Review’ as exhibited, and as set out in the attachment to this report, with a commencement date of: i         For all sections other than ‘Section 1.10 Notification of a Development Application’, 22 January 2024, in accordance with Clause 1.6A of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 ii        For Section 1.10 Notification of a Development Application, upon adoption by Council of a Community Participation Plan

 

Background

 

At the 23 October 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, Council received a report outlining a draft amendment to the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan (WWDCP) 2010.

 

The Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 presently contains a range of matters that are out of date, incorrect, require further clarification, or need to be amended to reflect the policy position of Council. The draft amendment aims to resolve these matters, where possible, to ensure the WWDCP 2010 remains a contemporary and usable document, while the new, comprehensive DCP for Wagga Wagga is prepared.

 

Overall, the draft amendments are not expected to significantly alter how developments are assessed, as the changes are generally consistent with how the WWDCP 2010 is currently consistently applied.

 

At the 23 October 2023 meeting, Council resolved to place the draft amendment to the WWDCP 2010 on public exhibition for the period 27 October 2023 to 24 November 2023.

 

Council also resolved to receive a further report following public exhibition addressing any submissions made and proposing adoption of the development control plan amendment subject to any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period.

 

Discussion

 

The amendments, as exhibited, propose to delete Council’s public notification requirements from the WWDCP 2010, and replace these with a reference to the Community Participation Plan (CPP). This is consistent with the new regime set out in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, whereby notification and advertising requirements for development are now to be set out in the CPP rather than a DCP. Work on the CPP is yet to be completed. To ensure notification and advertising of Development Applications, Modification Applications and Reviews of Determination continues in the interim, it is proposed that adoption of the part of the amendment that deletes notification requirements be deferred until such time that the CPP has been adopted by Council.

 

Work has commenced on a review of ‘Section 5 - Natural Resource and Landscape Management’ of the WWDCP 2010, including the preservation of trees chapter. The changes exhibited in Amendment 27 are only minor and do not seek to fundamentally alter how developments are assessed. The review will consider more comprehensive amendments to the DCP in relation to the preservation of trees and native vegetation cover. It is proposed that any amendments to Section 5 coming out of this process form part of the broader comprehensive review of the DCP, which has now commenced.

 

Submissions

 

Two public submissions were received. The submissions were from two industry groups, the Wagga Wagga Branch of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), and the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists (IACA).

 

HIA Submission

The HIA noted that it largely supported the amendment. The HIA raised a question regarding whether provisions from State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 should be included within the DCP or not and sought Council feedback on this matter.

 

Generally, the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) is irrelevant when assessing a Development Application, as it provides standards for development that do not require Development Consent. Once these standards are not met, a full merits assessment is carried out. The standards set in the SEPP, however, sometimes have benefit as a starting point for the merit assessment, particularly where a development requires a Development Consent due to non-compliance with the SEPP on unrelated grounds. Historically, this has been used to facilitate, rather than restrict development, as it is often (but not always) illogical to have more onerous or restrictive provisions in the DCP than the SEPP.

 

Other matters raised by the HIA, and requiring further comment, are summarised below:

 

·     Retention of 6-week transitional period for DCP amendments.

 

A DCP only takes force once a notice is published on the Council website following a Council meeting, or at a later date, as set out in the notice. This date is able to be set by the Council. Removal of the prescribed notice period gives flexibility to implement amendments sooner that are of urgency or public benefit, whilst still retaining the capacity for Council to resolve a delayed commencement for amendments where considered appropriate.

 

·     Support retaining preferred solution example for Health Consulting Rooms.

 

This is proposed to be deleted as the image is entirely inconsistent with the written controls.

 

·     Retain notification requirements until Community Participation Plan is exhibited.

 

This comment is supported. See discussion above.

 

·     Controls C7 and C8 in Section 2.4 relating to signage in heritage conservation areas (HCA) are ambiguous and require clarity.

 

These controls are existing, operate well, and are not proposed to be amended under this modification to the DCP.

 

The controls require signage to complement the colour or finish of a building in a HCA, and for corporate colours to be limited to signage in HCAs. The two controls are not inconsistent. It is not necessary to apply corporate colours to a building to ensure signage is complementary.

 

·     RU4 zone is captured in Section 8 but is also included in section 9 as it is not listed as being excluded from section 9. RU4 zone should be added to the excluded zones in section 9.

 

The amendment intentionally proposes to capture development in the RU4 zone in both Section 8 and Section 9. This is due to the nature of the RU4 zone, sharing both rural and residential characteristics. It is considered necessary to assess development in the RU4 zone against the detailed residential development controls in Section 9, and there are existing controls that specifically relate to development in the RU4 zone in Section 9 for this purpose. It is also necessary to take into account how development in this zone relates to the rural environment, and controls relating to this are covered in Section 8. It would require a fundamental rewrite of the DCP to transfer all relevant controls for RU4 development into one section or the other, and this is beyond the scope of this review.

 

·     Site cover controls do not take into consideration differences between R1 and R3 zones.

 

The HIA submission raises legitimate questions regarding how site cover is used to control development across the R1 and R3 zones, and these matters should be further explored and discussed with the HIA into the future, and an evidence-based solution developed for a future comprehensive new DCP. It is considered, however, that increasing site cover in the R3 zone goes well beyond the scope of the proposed amendments, which sought to avoid fundamental policy or position changes.

 

The amendment proposed seeks to merge the R1 and R3 zones for clarity, as they both contain identical controls. The amendment also proposes a more logical application of the controls, and to remove illogical outcomes as lot sizes increase. It is acknowledged that there is further work to be done to resolve issues where site cover reduces for certain development types, but again, this requires further work, and goes beyond the intent of this amendment.

 

·     Site cover controls for secondary dwellings is significantly reduced under proposed amendment.

 

This is not correct. The control increases site cover for secondary dwellings in almost all circumstances. Presently the DCP is somewhat unclear, but it has been interpreted as that it restricts a primary dwelling-secondary dwelling situation to 50% of the site area (the alternative reading would mean that 100% of the site could be developed for a primary dwelling-secondary dwelling situation in many situations). At 50%, apart from illogically being more restrictive that the site cover permitted for single dwellings on a lot less than 600m², on lots 600m² to 900m², the control failed to provide for any additional site area for secondary dwelling developments.

 

The proposed control provides three options:

 

60m², 10% of the lot, or when calculated combined with the primary dwelling, the maximum site cover for a single dwelling for the lot size, whichever the greater.

 

With the greatest (or most flexible) being the one that applies. In other words, if a dwelling stands on the site and occupies 50% of the site, on a 700m2 lot, presently there is no additional site cover available for a secondary dwelling. Under this control, a further 10% of the lot, or 60m2, whichever greater could be developed. Alternatively, if a dwelling occupies 25% of a 1200m2 lot, the secondary dwelling could still be built to 40% of the lot subject to LEP controls and would not be restricted to the 60m2 or 10%.

 

It is important to also note that the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 contains a development standard that restricts secondary dwellings to 60m2 or 33% of the size of the principal dwelling, whichever the greater. It would be uncommon for a secondary dwelling to not be able to fit within the site area controls and still comply with the LEP. There is a small set of potential developments where there could be a very slight reduction in available site cover for secondary dwellings, and these are on lots 900m2 to 1500m2 where existing site cover for the primary dwelling falls between 30% and 40%. To be an issue, the existing dwelling would need to be large, and this would need to be combined with a very large secondary dwelling. In these instances, the development could still be assessed on its merits, and any variation to the control is likely to be minor. It is considered that this issue is not so significant to override the overwhelming benefits of amending this control, and the significant improvement in the situation it results in, without needing to fundamentally rewrite it.

 

·     Section 12.6 - retain image of preferred solution for health consulting rooms.

 

See comment above.

 

·     Section 12.6 – retain wording under preferred solution ‘a 300mm landscaped setback is required where side vehicle access is proposed.  Consideration should also be given to use of permeable surfaces’ with additional text

 

The wording under the preferred solution is not a control and is essentially a repetition of the wording in C6.

 

·     Concerns regarding change to total number of farm stay accommodation units permitted

 

Currently the DCP controls restrict development to one unit per allotment, and overall are significantly more restrictive in terms of farm stay accommodation than is permissible as complying development under SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

 

The proposed DCP controls are worded slightly differently to the SEPP (due to the overall format of the SEPP), but the outcome is essentially the same. Compared to current controls they are also more logically linked to landholding size, rather than the often arbitrary cadastre boundaries that sit behind the landholding, and allow multiple units on a single lot, subject to the overall size of the holding.

 

The control is not a minimum lot size control, but rather states:

The total number of buildings or manufactured homes being used as farm stay accommodation shall not exceed:

(i)    1 building or manufactured home used for the purposes of farm stay accommodation per 5ha, or

(ii)   6 buildings and manufactured homes used for the purposes of farm stay accommodation on the landholding.

Whichever the lesser.

 

A 2ha lot in a RU4 zone could propose one farm stay accommodation unit and comply with the control as it would be one building per 5ha. This would appear to resolve the HIA concerns.

 

IACA Submission

The matters raised in the IACA submission largely go beyond the scope of this review, proposing policy changes and new sections within the DCP, and should be used to inform the review of Section 5 that is being undertaken. With specific reference to the comments relating to the two controls proposed to be deleted under this amendment, the following comments are made:

 

·     Control C3 in Section 5.4 should be retained and amended.

 

Control C3 currently states:

 

Damage to the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) as specified in AS4970-2009 (Protection of trees on development sites - Australian Standard) is to be avoided. This includes both the cutting of roots and/or the compaction of soil within the TPZ.

 

The control in the DCP only applies on land mapped within the LEP as ‘Biodiversity’. The LEP map is inconsistent, and often does not correlate with vegetation. In addition, the need to manage TPZs has no correlation to the biodiversity layer, despite this being where the control is included in the DCP.

 

The control itself is not a control as such. There is nothing to assess the development against and essentially foreshadows a condition. This is not the purpose of a DCP. The submission proposes reframing the control, however, the fundamental issue remains that it is not a control on development, and it remains only applicable to the inconsistently mapped ‘Biodiversity’ layer of the LEP. The control adds no value to the Development Assessment process, applies inconsistently, and its removal does not stop Council imposing conditions around TPZs.

 

·     Control C5 in Section 5.4 should be retained.

 

Similar to C3, this control only applies in the ‘Biodiversity’ layer of the LEP. Therefore it can only be inconsistently applied under this section and often not in situations where valuable native vegetation exists. Furthermore, the control relates to matters that are in large part already otherwise managed under Section 5.3 of the DCP, and in the case of Asset Protection Zones, Section 4.

 

New plantings are managed under Section 5.3 and there are provisions for covenants in this section. Section 5.3 also covers the management of existing native vegetation and in many circumstances requires it to be fenced out. The section also contains notes regarding covenants for native vegetation. 

 

Generally, there is no requirement under Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 for covenants for APZs.

 

The covenant is not necessary to protect native vegetation in any event, and approval is still required for its removal. Covenants can end up being an expensive, ineffective and unnecessary burden, particularly where only minor development is proposed. As a consequence, the control is redundant and essentially duplicate of requirements elsewhere under the DCP.

 

If it is assessed that a covenant is required, this can still be required as a condition of consent, even if it is not included as a control in the DCP.

 

N/A

 

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

 

Growing Economy

Objective: Wagga Wagga is a hub for activity

Facilitate the development of vibrant precincts

 

It is important that the DCP remains a contemporary document that is usable and is able to be easily enforced. Where the controls and the intent of the DCP is unclear, it is more difficult to ensure that development meets the strategic intent of the Council, creates uncertainty for the community and developers, and creates additional opportunity for decisions to be appealed to the Land and Environment Court.

The DCP amendment was subject to public consultation for 28 days with notice published on the Council website. The following provides an overview of the engagement methods that were used 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)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

x

x

Consult

x

x

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

 

 

 

 

1.	Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 - Amendment 27 - Provided under separate cover
2.	Submission - Housing Industry Association, Wagga Wagga Branch - Provided under separate cover
3.	Submission - Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists - Provided under separate cover

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-3

 

RP-3               DA22/0009 - Alterations and Additions to existing pub (Sportsmens Club Hotel), 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga

Author:                        Cameron Collins 

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

The development application for alterations and additions to the Sportsmen’s Club Hotel is reported to Council for determination. The application proposes an extension to the existing building along the Beckwith Street frontage which will predominantly provide for an expanded gaming room area and also an expansion of the existing internal bistro area. The application also seeks approval for the use of various works undertaken to the interior of the pub that have been undertaken without prior consent. Finally, approval is sought for an existing beer garden area which has been established over an originally approved carparking area along the northern boundary of the site.   Under Section 1.11 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP), if a development application proposes a variation to numerical control under the DCP by greater than 10% and public submissions are received objecting to the specific subject of the control, then the application is required to be referred to Council for determination.  The applicant has requested a variation of greater than 10% with respect to the numerical carparking controls under section 2.2 of the DCP.  In addition, three public submissions have been received raising concerns with respect to parking requirements for the development. The application is therefore referred to Council for determination under this provision of the DCP.   The application was advertised for a period of 14 days from the 8 September 2023 to 22 September 2023. Three public submissions were received during the notification period. A full assessment of the application has been completed in accordance with Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and is provided as an attachment to this report.

 

 

 

Recommendation That Council approve DA22/0009 for alterations and additions to existing pub at 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga, subject to the conditions contained within the s4.15 Assessment Report.

 

 

Applicant	Sean O’Hara
Owner	SH Freehold PTY LTD Director – Sam Cruikshank Director – Sean O’Hara
Development Cost	$600,000
Development Description	Alterations and additions to pub

 

Key Issues

 

·      Loss of previously approved carparking on site and variation to carparking standards under DCP 2010 for further the provision of parking for the development.

·      Existing hours of operation of the pub and including the external beer garden area.

·      Amenity impacts on surrounding residential area.

·      Impacts on the streetscape and the heritage conservation area.

 

Assessment

 

·      The development site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential zone under the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010). Pubs are a prohibited land use within the R3 zone.

·      Despite the prohibition, the continuance of use of the pub is lawful as it is an “existing use” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act 1979. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 includes provision to allow Council to consider an enlargement, expansion and intensification of the existing use and also and alteration to a building to support an existing use.

·      The development has been assessed as meeting the relevant provisions of the LEP 2010 and the DCP 2010.

·      In accordance with the provisions of Section 1.11 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP 2010), the applicant has requested a variation with respect to the numerical carparking controls under section 2.2 of the DCP. The applicant’s submission with respect to the requested variation is considered to have justified the requested variation. It is recommended that the variation be supported.

 

·      The site is located within the heritage conservation area. The application has been assessed against the provisions of Clause 5.10 of the LEP 2010 and Section 3 of the DCP 2010 with respect to heritage conservation. It is satisfied that the development is consistent with the heritage conservation provisions and will not result in a detrimental impact on the heritage conservation area.

 

·      The development seeks approval for the use of an existing beer garden that has been established over a car park located on the site. Subject to recommended conditions relating to the hours of use of the site and the provision of appropriate screening for privacy, it is satisfied that the impacts of the development can be appropriately mitigated.

 

·      The application has been referred to NSW Police who have recommended that the applicant prepare a Licensed Premises Management Plan addressing a range of operational matters including the management of noise.

 

·      The application was advertised for a period of 14 days from the 8 September 2023 to 22 September 2023. Three public submissions were received during the notification period. The public submissions received raised concerns in relation to the development with respect to carparking, traffic safety, hours of operation, noise and other amenity impacts. All matter raised in submission have been addressed in the Section 4.15 assessment report.

 

·      The proposal complies with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Councils Policies and is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

 

Reasons for Approval

1.    The proposed development is consistent with the applicable objectives and clauses of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010.

2.    The proposed development is consistent with the objectives and controls of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010.

3.    The impacts of the proposed development are acceptable and can be managed via the recommended conditions of consent.

4.    The site is considered suitable for the proposed development.

5.    The development is in the public interest and consistent with objectives contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

 

 

Site Location

The site is identified as Lot 42 DP1281504, 107 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga. It has an area of 2032 square metres and is located on the north eastern corner of the intersection of Kincaid Street and Beckwith Street.

The site contains the existing 2 storey Sportsmens Club Hotel building located on the corner of the 2 adjacent streets. The site also includes various alterations and additions predominantly to the northern side of the original 2-stroey section of the hotel. A carparking area exists along the eastern side of the site and a beer garden along the northern side of the site.  The original 2 storey corner section of the building also incorporates a cantilevered awning that extends across part of Kincaid and Beckwith Streets.

The site is located with the Central Wagga Wagga area, with the Murrumbidgee Turf Club and Wagga Wagga Cricket Ground located to the west of the site, and residential dwellings surrounding to the north, east and south. The immediately adjoining properties to the north and east contain attached and detached single storey residential dwellings.

The site is also located within the heritage conservation area.

N/A

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

 

 

The Environment

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

Ensure sustainable urban development

 

Approval of the application is not considered to raise risk management issues for Council as the proposed development is generally consistent with LEP and DCP controls.

Full details of the consultation that was carried out as part of the development application assessment is contained in the attached s4.15 Report.

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)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

x

x

Consult

x

x

Involve

Collaborate

 

 

1.	DA22/0009 - Section 4.15 Assessment Report - Provided under separate cover
2.	DA22/0009 - Plans - Provided under separate cover
3.	DA22/0009 - Statement of Environmental Effects - Provided under separate cover
4.	DA22/0009 - Traffic Impact Assessment - Provided under separate cover
5.	DA22/0009 - Redacted public submissions - Provided under separate cover
6.	DA22/0009 - Applicant response to public submissions - Provided under separate cover

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-4

 

RP-4               PETITION - REMOVAL OF NAME PLAQUES AND SIGNAGE

Author:         Ben Creighton 

Executive:    John Sidgwick

         

 

Summary:

Council received a petition dated 23 October 2023 from 62 signatories.  As per Council’s Petition Policy (POL 086), a request can be made to Council seeking action or special consideration of a particular matter, that Council is authorised to determine, which is signed by at least ten different residents / ratepayers / interest parties from at least 10 different addresses.   The petition is “seeking the introduction of a Council Policy which would provide for the removal of naming plaques and / or signage recognising a person or persons in circumstances where such a person or persons have subsequently fallen from grace through inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviours.”

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       receive and note the petition b       note that Council already can remove names and signs from open space areas via the Parks Naming Policy (POL 055) c        receive a further report following a review of the Plaques Naming Policy (POL 028)

 

Council received a petition dated 23 October 2023 from 62 signatories.  As per Council’s Petition Policy (POL 086), a request can be made to Council seeking action or special consideration of a particular matter, that Council is authorised to determine, which is signed by at least ten different residents / ratepayers / interest parties from at least 10 different addresses.

 

The petition is “seeking the introduction of a Council Policy which would provide for the removal of naming plaques and / or signage recognising a person or persons in circumstances where such a person or persons have subsequently fallen from grace through inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviours.” 

 

The petition’s accompanying letter to the petition further states that: “There are a number of recent instances in various jurisdictions where local identities once recognised for a variety of reasons have fallen from grace and their public recognition subsequently removed.  It is considered appropriate Wagga Wagga City Council adopt a policy which provides for such removal in such circumstances.  The adoption of a fit and proper person test as used to determine the application of many awards, licences, appointments including professional awards and appointments would be the appropriate mechanism where a request from the community in this context was considered on just grounds. Examples could include imprisonment, criminal convictions, convictions for fraud and other civil finding, dishonesty, bankruptcy and other like matters.”

 

The removal of naming plaques and signage would predominately fall under two existing policies within Council.  The first being the Parks Naming Policy – POL 055 and the Plagues Policy – POL 028.  Both policies already have provisions which allow for the removal of a plaque, name or signage under a variety of circumstances.

 

Within the Parks Naming Policy a clause has been included that states:

 

 “Council reserves the right to renew the name of any open space area at its discretion”.

 

Within the Plaques Policy, there is a section that outlines the requirements of Plaques that have been installed as memorials.  This includes a clause that states:

 

Council does not guarantee to retain the plaque in perpetuity and would normally retain the plaque at its location for a period of not less than five years from the time of installation with the following exceptions:

 

·    The area in which the plaque is located is being redeveloped

·    The structure or support on which the item is located is to be removed or permanently altered

·    The use of the area in which the memorial is placed changes significantly in character and the plaque is not deemed suitable for the site.

 

Although not guaranteeing the retaining of a plaque in perpetuity, this clause provides only limited options for removal of a plaque up until five years have elapsed.

 

The adoption of an all-encompassing fit and proper person test can be difficult to implement as it can be subjective.  Instead, it is proposed to utilise the existing Policies to manage this issue. In simple terms, if it is identified by a community member that an individual is potentially not worthy of the recognition that has been given, then a report could be made to Council allowing consideration of the matter.    

 

To facilitate this within plaques policy it is proposed that a separate report be presented to Council following as part of a review of the policy.  This review would allow for the addition of a clause that would state:

 

“Council reserves the right to remove any plaque at its discretion”.

 

Once this is review is finalised and adopted, Council would then have a policy base for the removal of any plaque, name or signage if it is identified and resolved by Council that the person is no longer worthy of the recognition.

 

N/A

Parks Naming Policy – POL 055

Plaques Policy – POL 028

 

 

Community Place and Identity

Objective: Our community feel welcome, included and connected

Activate community spaces to promote connectedness

 

Council policies are essential to ensure transparent legal, fair and consistent decision making across the Council. They support Council in achieving its corporate objectives and provide a critical guide for staff, councillors and other stakeholders. In the absence of effective policies there is a greater risk of inconsistency, confusion and inefficiency and can lead to non-compliance with the requirements of legislation and regulations.

Internal consultation has occurred within the Regional Activation and Governance directorates of Council.

 

 

 

1⇩.

Petition - Removal of Name Plaques and Signage

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-4

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-5

 

RP-5               Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management

Author:         Samantha Pascall 

Executive:    Janice Summerhayes

         

 

Summary:

The draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management (draft PoM) is a ten-year document that provides clear direction as to the future use and management of Council owned land and the Council managed Crown land that make up the site. The draft PoM has been developed in consultation with relevant agencies, the community and in line with relevant legislation. Once approved by Council, the draft PoM will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for approval before being placed on public exhibition.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       endorse submitting the Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for review b       endorse the Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days once approved by NSW DPE c        note that the proposed additional annual maintenance budget outlined in the financial implications section of this report will be considered during the draft 2024/25 Long Term Financial Plan process d       receive a further report following public exhibition period detailing submissions

 

The draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management (draft PoM) is a ten-year document that provides clear direction as to the future use and management of Council owned land and the Council managed Crown land that make up the site. The draft PoM is required to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for approval before being placed on public exhibition.

 

The Marrambidya Wetland opened in 2016, transforming the disused ponds of the Narrung Street Sewage Treatment Plant, where the treated water is discharged into the wetland ponds. The site (see Figure 1) has become an important ecosystem providing a variety of habitats for aquatic and terrestrial environments. This site also has built facilities such as toilets, shelters, viewing platforms and active travel paths, creating a destination site and an opportunity for community members and visitors to enjoy natured-based recreation, learn about the environment and the traditional cultural practises of the Wiradyuri people.

 

Consultation and Development

The draft PoM has been developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders. External consultation included relevant agencies, as well as wider Wiradyuri and community consultation. This included:

 

·  Drop-in consultation sessions at Marrambidya Wetland

·  Community wide online survey

·  Meetings with NSW Crown Lands

·  Meetings with Mawang Gaway

·  Meeting with Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group

·  Consultation with Community Interest Groups.

The community wide online survey received 347 responses. The main themes included additional mowing and weed control, signage, maintenance of walking tracks, additional seating and education around dogs on leash. The results of the survey, in conjunction with direct consultation feedback were used to develop the four main areas of future actions in the draft PoM:

·   Maintenance – routine actions to maintain the wetlands including mowing, and maintaining the toilet facility, signage etc…

·   Infrastructure upgrades - actions that require larger scale upgrades to improve the safety and usability of the site.

·   Enhanced usage - actions based on increasing the number of people utilising the site and the quality of their experience.

·   Environment management - improving and maintaining the natural habitat.

 

Land to which the Draft PoM Applies

The draft PoM is attached as a separate document and provides clear direction on future uses and management actions to maintain the site. The site includes an 8.5ha parcel of Crown Land (Lot 7002 DP 1115536) that is managed by Council and includes part of the Narrung Sewage Treatment Plant (orange area in Figure 2) and key elements of the wetland such as carpark, Wiradyuri cultural areas, educational shelter and part of the wetland pond (purple area in Figure 2).  As part of the draft PoM it is proposed that changes be made to the Reserve Purpose of the Crown Land. The Crown parcel is currently reserved for ‘Sewerage’ however it is proposed to add the purposes ‘Public Recreation and Community Purpose’ to better reflect the current use of the site and categorised as ‘Natural area – Bushland’.

 

Table 1: Proposed land use types under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (CLM) and the Local Government Act 1993 (LG).

 

 

 

Figure 1: Land to which the Plan of Management applies (red area) and surrounds.

 

 

Figure 2: Crown land parcel showing Wetland area (purple) and Sewerage treatment plant area (orange). 

 

Funding to maintain Council’s public spaces is limited. The Marrambidya Wetland occupies a large area and requires several routine maintenance actions. Each action in the draft PoM has been identified as ‘funded’ or ‘unfunded’ with an indicative cost.

 

Council staff will endeavour to source funding for all actions marked ‘unfunded’ which may result in the action being carried out later than indicated in the table, or not at all if suitable funding cannot be sourced. Potential funding sources include:

 

·  Existing/In-kind – Council staff time and/or existing Council budget

·  GPR – General Purpose Revenue

·  Grants – Council will endeavour to apply for federal and state grants

The current annual maintenance budget for the Marrambidya Wetlands is $6,000 per year. To meet community expectations and responses received during consultation, an additional $77,000 would be required over the ten-year period.

 

This increase has been factored in to the 2024/25 draft LTFP budget process for consideration, proposed to be funded from General Purpose Revenue (GPR). The below table details the $77,000 over the ten-year period.

 

Table 2: Request for additional budget and corresponding maintenance actions

 

	24/25	25/26	26/27	27/28	28/29	29/30	30/31	31/32	32/33	33/34
Add. annual maintenance	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k	$4k
Maintain/ repair carpark								$17K
Walking tracks and levee banks		$5K					$5K
Infrastructure assets					$5K					$5K
Total $77k	$4K	9$K	$4K	$4K	$9K	$4K	$9K	$21K	$4K	$9K

Council has an obligation to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 1993 and the Crown Land Management Act 2016 to provide clarity in the future development, use and management of the community land and ensure consistent management that supports a unified approach to meeting the varied needs of the community.

 

The Draft Marrambidya Wetland PoM was developed to assist in achieving Council’s obligations under various legislation and to align with a number of key Council plans including:

·  Community Strategic Plan 2040: Wagga View

·  Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040

·  Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036

·  Recreation, Open Space & Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

·  Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030

The Environment

Objective: Our natural areas are protected and enhanced

Preserve and improve our natural assets

 

The draft Marrambidya Wetland PoM will assist Council to manage risk by ensuring we better address our obligations under various State and Commonwealth legislation.

 

 

The draft PoM has been developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders included relevant staff from the Property, Recreation, Parks and Gardens, Infrastructure, Finance and Community Service areas of Council. External consultation included relevant agencies, as well as wider Wiradyuri and community consultation. This included:

·  Drop-in consultation sessions at Marrambidya Wetland

·  Community wide online survey

·  Meetings with NSW Crown Lands

·  Meetings with Mawang Gaway

·  Meeting with Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group

·  Consultation with Community Interest Groups.

The community wide online survey received 347 responses. The main themes included additional mowing and weed control, signage, maintenance of walking tracks, additional seating and education around dogs on leash.

 

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)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

 

 

 

1.

Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management - Provided under separate cover

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-6

 

RP-6               LAKE ALBERT WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY

Author:         Ben Creighton 

Executive:    John Sidgwick

        

 

Summary:

Lake Albert (Lake) is a 121-hectare lake that has been a significant recreational, economic, and environmental asset to the city for more than a century. The Lake has a storage volume of approximately 4GL but suffers recurring periods of drying out and Blue Green Algae (BGA) outbreaks limiting its use during times when it contains water.   Council were successful in obtaining a 1.8G specific purpose water licence to support the Lake volume. In relation to BGA, staff have been reviewing several emerging products which are marketed as a preventative and or treatment of BGA. Three possible products have been investigated over the past 12 months.    This report provides information on the budget implications of continuing the pipeline, operating the pipeline and trialling the BGA treatment in the Lake. The pipeline from the river to the Lake is being designed now. The purpose of the report is to identify the forecast annual costs for inclusions in 2024/25 budget process and ongoing.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       note the information in the report regarding a possible algae treatment for Lake Albert b       consider funding a trial of the algae treatment in the February 2024 Councillor budget workshop, in conjunction with other budget considerations c        note that the expected potential future operating costs are likely to exceed $1,000,000 annually for the algae treatment and pipeline, excluding any costs attributable to the pipeline construction. d       note that these operational costs would require the identification of a funding source that could include a special rate variation

 

Lake Albert (Lake) is a 121-hectare lake that has been a significant recreational, economic, and environmental asset to the city for more than a century. The Lake has a storage volume of approximately 4GL but suffers recurring periods of drying out and Blue Green Algae (BGA) outbreaks limiting its use during peak times.

 

Staff have been reviewing several emerging products which act as a preventative and or treatment of BGA.

 

To achieve green alert level BGA counts must be <5000 cells/ml in water testing results.  If achieved this would mean that there would be no restrictions on the use of the Lake for recreational purposes.

 

A Councillor workshop was held 25 September 2023 to review options for a possible algae treatment to either prevent or address algal blooms within Lake Albert and allow the Lake to remain at the green alert level or better.

 

Two suppliers presented products at the workshop.  Following the workshop there was general consensus that staff review funding options for Waterzyme’s proposal.    

 

Waterzyme

 

Waterzyme is an emerging product that has just entered the market.  It has been developed in a partnership between an innovator based in Mildura and academics from Newcastle University. Waterzyme is added to water; its natural compounds bind to the walls of the cyanobacteria (BGA) causing the cyanobacteria to aggregate and drop to the bottom of the water within days of application. This starves the cyanobacteria of sunlight and triggers the destruction of cells. Waterzyme advise the product does not act on beneficial organisms in this way - its enzymes are selective and only act on the BGA.

 

Given the emerging nature of the product, minimal field testing and no large volume water body testing of this product has been undertaken. To establish if this product was effective, staff trialed this product (at no cost to Council other than staff time and water testing analysis) at the Collingullie treatment ponds.

 

As shown in the Waterzyme proposal, the trial achieved some positive results, particularly given the extremely high BGA counts that were present in the ponds which were greater than 3,000,000 cells/ml.  To give context, the highest reading ever received at Lake Albert is approximately 288,000 cells/ml.  It is also worth noting that Pond 2 also had small but continuous inflows of nutrient rich water.

 

Waterzyme’s initial offer to Council was based on commercial terms. Following discussions between staff and Waterzyme regarding a partnership to conduct field testing, Council received a significantly reduced offer for a 12 month period. Council would also be responsible for conducting water monitoring of the lake and providing this information to Waterzyme to form part of the field trial.

 

Discussions with Waterzyme have indicated they expect the treatment to last 12 months, however they will provide a product safeguard if any blooms occur during the back end of the Summer/Autumn season.

 

If Council were to proceed with this treatment option, there would be a requirement to turn off the sonar buoys as these would negatively impact the enzymes.

 

During the early stages of Council’s discussions, Waterzyme requested comment from EPA, NRAR, Fisheries and NSW Water. Although no agency specifically gave approval for the use of the treatment there were no objections to the treatment being undertaken.

 

Following the Councillor workshop held 25 September, staff held additional discussions with Waterzyme.  These discussions focused on the need for a trial to be two years and the 2-year cost to being reflective of the field-testing arrangement.

 

Council received a 2 year offer from Waterzyme on 20 October 2023 outlining proposed terms for a two-year agreement (attachment 4). 

 

This cost is significantly reduced from the anticipated future commercial cost of the product and has been reduced from the original annual trial cost.  Waterzyme has also noted that the proposed payment terms may be negotiated in line with Council needs.

 

If Council were to proceed with the trial, it is recommended that staff look to negotiate terms which would see 23 equal monthly payments paid retrospectively (subject to the trial being successful) following an initial product payment.

 

If the algae treatment were to progress past the two-year trial period, an alternative funding source/income stream would also need to be identified. The actual cost of this would be dependent on future commercial negotiations but is expected to be significantly greater than current cost for the trial.

 

At a Councillor budget workshop held 28 November 2023 it was requested that the funding of the algae treatment be considered alongside the potential funding required for the Lake Albert pipeline.

 

The scope of the pipeline project will allow for the construction of infrastructure to pump water 1800Ml from the Murrumbidgee River into the lake, the remediation of the foreshore and upgrade of two existing weir structures.

 

During mid-2023 staff submitted an EOI for funding for this project through the Australia Government’s Regional Growth Fund.  Notification of the successful EOI’s was made much later than anticipated and received on the 24 November 2023.  Council has now been invited to participate in the final application stage which includes the submission of a detailed application and business case for the project.  The closing date for full submissions is 15 January 2024.

 

Total project cost: $8,987,553 (excluding easement and land acquisition costs)

Total funding requested: $4,493,776

 

Funding Source
Council contribution	$4,493,776
Growing Regions Fund	$4,493,777
Total Proposed Project Budget	$8,987,553

 

Multiple funding options have been considered for the required Council co-contribution for the project and will be finalised and resolved at a later date if Council is successful with the grant application. 

 

The annual operating cost for the Lake Albert Pipeline is currently likely to exceed $500,000 per annum. This cost will be confirmed following completion of the design work which is currently being undertaken.

 

If the algae treatment trial is successful and Council wished to continue use of the treatment, and the Lake Albert Pipeline project was completed the total operational costs of both projects are likely to exceed $1,000,000 per annum. This does not include the construction cost of the pipeline.

 

Council does not have general purpose revenue (GPR) available to meet this cost therefore identification of an alternative funding stream will be required. Council might be able to identify funding sources for the next year, however this would likely be on the basis that ongoing funding would be provided as part as part of a special rate variation.

 

 

In the alternative Council would need to identify other community endeavours which would be discontinued to provide funding to the Lake algae treatment and pipeline.

 

The following options are available for Councillors to consider:

1. Support the recommendation of this report

2. Support a 2 year trial of the algae treatment

3. Support a 1 year trial of the algae treatment

 

If the trial is successful and Council wished to continue use of the treatment, and the Lake Albert Pipeline project was completed the total operational costs of both projects are likely to exceed $1,000,000 and possibly much higher. This does not include construction costs of the pipeline.

 

Council does not have general purpose revenue (GPR) available to meet this cost therefore identification of an alternative funding stream that could include a special rate variation will be required ongoing.

Lake Albert Management Plan

 

The Environment

Objective: Our natural areas are protected and enhanced

Preserve and improve our natural assets

 

Performance risks under the Contract will be addressed as part of the contractor performance management system. 

Waterzyme will provide a product safeguard where additional product will be supplied free of charge should an algal bloom occur within Lake Albert following the initial treatment.

 

Internal Consultation has been held with the City Strategy, Environment and Finance divisions of Council. Councillor workshops were held:

·  25 September 2023

·  28 November 2023

·  4 December 2023

 

 

 

1.	Waterzyme Product Pack 2023 - Provided under separate cover
2.	Waterzyme Presentation Wagga - Provided under separate cover
3.	1 year Waterzyme Proposal Lake Albert 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
4.	2 year proposal Letter Waterzyme 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 11 December 2023

RP-7

 

RP-7               Response to Notice of Motion - Call for a trial and demonstration to fix potholes properly and fast

Author:         Warren Faulkner 

         

 

Summary:

Response to the Notice of Motion adopted at the 18 September 2023 Council meeting, providing an analysis and recommendation in relation to a trial of the JCB Pothole Pro machine.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       receive and note the report b       engage Roadworx Industries to wet-hire a Pot-Hole Pro machine for a one week demonstration c        receive a further report following the demonstration that provides an evaluation of this machine against Councils current pothole filling and repair practices

 

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 18 September 2023, Council resolved to receive a report that includes:

 

a)      an analysis of the JCB Pothole Pro machine and its suitability for our road network

b)      a comparison of the JCB Pothole Pro machine against Council’s existing plant and equipment

c)      a process for organising a comprehensive trial of the JCB Pothole Pro machine (along with any ancillary associated equipment) as soon as possible

d)      the potential for other local government areas to participate in the trial of JCB Pothole Pro machine

 

Analysis of the JCB Pothole Pro machine and its suitability for our road network

 

The JCB Pothole Pro machine is a wheeled excavator with a profiling attachment fitted on the front of it (on the chassis) and a sweeper broom/bucket plus a chisel fitted as an attachment on the arm of the excavator as shown in the following photo.

 

 

The profiling attachment on the machine is 600mm wide and can mill the pavement to a depth of 170mm.  Milling of the pavement is the start of the repair process to square up a pothole and is done to either re-mix the existing pavement material for compaction to ensure a homogeneous base prior to sealing the patch or removal of the pavement to fill it with a new pavement material and seal it. 

 

The chisel on the arm of the excavator is 590mm wide and is used to provide vertical sides to the square patch following the milling process. 

 

The sweeper broom is 1.2m wide and sweeps the material that has been milled into a bucket (0.3m³) that is used to pick the material up and deposit it into the back of a tipper for disposal if the material is not going to be recycled.

 

These are the only functions the Pothole Pro performs.

 

The machine does not fill the milled out pavement with a new pavement material, nor does it compact the new pavement material or recycled material and seal it once the milling process is complete.  

 

The machine is being imported to Australia from England. The first two machines arrived in Australia in April 2023 and were purchased by Roadworx Industries.  There are no other machines currently available in Australia.

 

The machine is ideally suited for use with semi-rigid (bound and stabilised or deep lift asphalt) and rigid (concrete) pavements.  This is because a firm and stable base will be left in the bottom of the square patch once it has been milled and clean out, meaning that all that is required to complete the pothole repair is the asphalt fill and compaction in the case of a semi-rigid pavement or concrete in the case of a rigid pavement.

It should be noted that most of the pavements in England are semi-rigid or rigid pavements because of the cooler/wetter environment in comparison to Australia.

 

The majority of pavements within Australia are flexible (granular) pavements with a bitumen seal.

 

Wagga Wagga’s road network is characterised as follows:

 

·    2,309km overall – 1,095 km unsealed, 1,214km sealed

·    Of the sealed – 697km is non-urban, 517km is urban

·    Of the urban sealed network – 511km is flexible pavement, 6.5km is semi-rigid pavement (asphalt)

·    Of the urban sealed network – 423km is bitumen seal wearing course, 94km is asphalt wearing course

 

The data shows that only 6.5km of the Wagga Wagga road network is semi-rigid pavement, these pavements mainly being along Pearson/Dobney Street, Lake Albert Road and Kooringal Road where the roads have been rehabilitated over the last 4-5 years with a deep lift asphalt. 

 

Council is progressively rehabilitating more and more pavements by in-situ stabilising to turn them into bound pavements as well as using deep-lift asphalt, however at the present time, the extent of road that the Pothole Pro machine is ideally suited for is less than 2% of our network.

 

This does not mean that Council cannot purchase a Pothole Pro machine as the machine can be used on granular pavement repairs, however it may not be as efficient and effective as the current plant and equipment Council uses.

 

 

Comparison of the JCB Pothole Pro machine against Councils existing plant and equipment.

 

As previously mentioned, the JCB Pothole Pro machine is a wheeled excavator with a profiling attachment fitted on the front of it and a sweeper broom/bucket plus a chisel fitted as an attachment on the arm of the excavator. 

 

It was reported as part of the response to the Wagga Wagga Roads NOM at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 21 November last year that Council has Skid Steer Loader set-ups as shown in the following photo that include a profiling attachment to blend the existing pavement materials as well as a sweeper broom/bucket attachment. 

 

This equipment is currently in use and is mainly used to repair potholes in preparation for the bitumen reseal program as well as the reinstatement of road surfaces following trench excavation in the pavement by utility providers such as Riverina Water and APA Gas.

 

 

Hence, by way of direct comparison, the difference between the JCB Pothole Pro and Councils existing plant and equipment is that the profiling attachment and sweeper broom/bucket attachments are fitted to a wheeled excavator for the JCB Pothole Pro whereas they are fitted to a skid steer loader in Councils current set-up(s). 

 

It is acknowledged that the JCB Pot-Hole Pro does not need to interchange the profiling machine and the bucket with the sweeper broom and that it can travel to the work site by itself, however the profiling machine and the bucket with the sweeper broom are only 2 of the minimum resources required to complete pothole repairs.

 

To undertake repairs to potholes on the majority of roads within Wagga Wagga using a profiling attachment to square up the patch, the following minimum resources are required.

 

·    Traffic Control – to establish the work zone and provide a safe worksite for the workers and equipment on site as well as manage the safe movement of the road traffic around the work zone.

·    A profiling machine to ‘mill’ the pavement around the pothole to a uniform depth and create the squared up shape for the repair.

·    A rotating broom on the front of a bucket to sweep the milled pavement material into the bucket to pick it up and create the excavation in the pavement to be filled with hot asphalt.

·    A tipper truck to dump the pavement material removed for the squared up excavation into for removal from the site.

·    Hot bitumen to spray in the milled out and swept section of pavement to penetrate the surfaces of the excavation and create a ‘tack’ coat for the hot asphalt to stick (bond) to and prevent delamination and/or stripping of the asphalt.

·    Hot asphalt to fill the excavation

·    Labour to spread the hot asphalt in the excavation and prepare it for compaction

·  A smooth drum vibrating roller to compact the asphalt

 

Therefore, the trial of the JCB Pot-Hole Pro is just a direct comparison of it to the Skid Steer Loader and attachments set-up.  All the other resources, including a tipper truck, are still required.

 

For comparison purposes, the following table is provided.

 

 

* The details for the Pot-Hole Pro were taken from the following information on the JCB website and the brochure available to download.  It is unclear whether the details for the Pot-Hole Pro are inclusive of all the resource requirements mentioned above to complete a ‘squared up’ pot-hole patch.  It would appear the Repair Cost and Time presented in this for the milling and cleaning process only.

 

 

 

^# The information provided for the Skid Steer Loader and attachments set-up is based on the current pot-hole repairs being undertaken by a contractor over the last 4 months which is for a full-service. 

 

 

As part of the response to the Wagga Wagga Roads NOM in November 2022, it was reported to Council that we would engage local contractors to undertake best practice repairs of potholes in accordance with the methodology described in the report (the end result being a squared up patch) using funding that may be provided as part of the State Governments announcement of a Pothole Repair Round of the Fixing Local Roads program.

 

Since that time, Council was successful in gaining $793,152 for pothole repairs and engaged a contractor to undertake pothole repairs using the best practice methodology.  The contractor commenced pothole repairs in July 2023 and to the 30 November 2023 they have completed 320 permanent pothole repairs on totaling 4,696m².

 

The attached running sheet details where the potholes have been repaired to date using the best practice methodology.  Following are a couple of photos of the repairs on Eunony Bridge Road.

 

   

 

Hence, Council has captured good information that we can use to make comparisons between the way we currently repair and fill pot-holes, all we need now is to trial the Pot-Hole Pro in Wagga Wagga.

 

A process for organising a comprehensive trial of the JCB Pothole Pro machine

 

As advised earlier in the report, the JCB Pothole Pro is imported into Australia from England.  Contact has been made with JCB Australia and their agent (Cad-mac) who have confirmed they do not have the machine in stock.  The lead time on delivery of a machine is in the order of 18 months.  JCB and Cad-mac are therefore unable to provide a machine to trial. 

 

Contact has been made with Roadworx Industries who own the only two machines in Australia at the moment.  Roadworx are based out of Wollongong and have put on 2 demonstrations of the machine to date. 

 

A Wagga Wagga City Council Supervisor and plant operator in our patching crews attended the last demonstration at Ingleburn on Friday 27 October 2023.

 

Roadworx are agreeable to wet hiring and mobilising one of their Pot-Hole Pro machines to Wagga Wagga for a demonstration and have provided the following offer:

 

 

If Council are agreeable to the wet-hire offer of the machine, contact will be made with Roadworx Industries to provide the trial of the machine at their earliest convenience.  

 

 

Potential for other local government areas to participate in the trial of JCB Pothole Pro machine

 

An-e-mail has been sent to adjoining Councils to ask them if they are interested in participating in a trial of a JCB Pothole Pro machine either in the Wagga Wagga City Council Local Government area or within their Local Government area.  An update of their interest in participating in the trial will be provided at the pre-meeting briefing of Council.

 

There are no significant financial implications in adopting the recommendation.

 

A wet-hire trial of the Pothole Pro machine for a week period has been quoted as $14,491.  Council has a $1.4m Urban Sealed Maintenance operating budget (Job Number 18936) and will absorb this cost within that allocation.

 

Roadworx Industries are an LGP approved contractor on the Bitumen, Emulsions & Asphalt Materials contract (LGP213-2) and will be engaged via this contract.

 

Local Government Act 1993

 

Community leadership and collaboration

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

Our leaders represent our community

 

There are no risk management issues associated with this report for Council.

 

External consultation has been with JCB Australia, Cad-mac and Roadworx Industries about the JCB Pothole Pro.  Snowy Valleys Council, Greater Hume, Lockhart, Narrandera, Coolamon and Junee Shire Councils were contacted and asked if they would like to participate in the trial.

 

Internal Consultation has occurred between our Traffic and Transport division and Plant, Fleet and Buildings division.

 

 

1⇩.

Fixing Local Roads - Pothole Repair Fund

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-7

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-8

 

RP-8               Response to Notice of Motion - Special Events and Victory Memorial Gardens

Author:         Warren Faulkner 

         

 

Summary:

This report provides details of the parking arrangements and drop off zones in the streets surrounding the Victory Memorial Gardens and provides a list of all the events that have booked with Council in the Victory Memorial Gardens for the last 3 years.  The report was referred to the Local Traffic Committee at its meeting on the 16 November 2023.  The report does not recommend any changes to parking arrangements or drop off zones around the gardens.

 

 

Recommendation That Council receive and note the report.

 

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on the 10 January 2022, Councillor Koschel presented a Notice of Motion concerning special events at the Victory Memorial Gardens (VMG) and requested that Council:

 

a       receive a Report in relation to:

i         Options for Special Event Drop off Zones for special events

ii        Usage of the Victory Memorial Gardens for special events, and including (but not limited to):

·        A list of all major events and non-major events, including school formals etc., that have been reported to Council

·        The opportunity to have an event registry log for non-major events, so organisers can register an event with Council

·        The current parking situation during these events and the opportunity of changing bus zones to include drop-off zones to allow for community to safely attend during these events

b       provide a copy of the Report to the Local Traffic Committee

 

 

Victory Memorial Gardens is bounded by the Wollundry Lagoon to the north, Baylis Street to the east, Morrow Street to the south and Ivan Jack Drive to the west. 

 

There is no public off-street car park in the Gardens. 

 

On-Street car parking immediately adjoining the gardens is only available on Morrow Street (13 x 2P parallel parking bays 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12pm Sat) and Baylis Street (3 x 1P parallel parking bays 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat).  There is no On-Street Parking available on Ivan Jack Drive.

 

On-Street Parking is available on the opposite side of Morrow Street (12 x 1P parallel parking bays 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat plus 4 unrestricted parallel parking bays) and Baylis Street (6 x 1P parallel parking bays 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat) next to the Gardens.

 

An Off-Street public car park is also available on the opposite side of Morrow Street near its intersection with Ivan Jack Drive that has 6 x 1P 90⁰ parking bays 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat and 9 unrestricted 90⁰ parking bays.

 

There is 2 x parallel disabled parking only bays and a 15m Bus Zone (7am-7pm Sun-Wed, 7am-10pm Thur-Fri) on Baylis Street, 2 x 5.5m No Parking Zones and a 32m No Parking Zone – Tourist Bus Exempt Zone on Morrow Street immediately adjoining the gardens.  A 7m No Parking Zone exists on the opposite side of Baylis Street next to the Gardens.

 

NSW Road Rule 168 for No Parking Zones is:

 

168 No parking signs

 

(1)     The driver of a vehicle must not stop on a length of road or in an area to which a no parking sign applies, unless the driver:

          (a)     is dropping off, or picking up, passengers or goods, and

          (b)     does not leave the vehicle unattended, and

          (c)     completes the dropping off, or picking up, of the passengers or goods, and drives on, as soon as possible and, in any case, within the required time after stopping.

          Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

 

(2)     For this rule, a driver leaves a vehicle unattended if the driver leaves the vehicle so the driver is over 3 metres from the closest point of the vehicle.

 

(3)     In this rule:

          required time means:

          (a)     if information on or with the sign indicates a time—the indicated time, or

          (b)     if there is no indicated time—2 minutes, or

          (c)     if there is no indicated time, or the indicated time is less than 5 minutes, and rule 206 applies to the driver—5 minutes.

 

          Note 1. With is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 206 applies to a driver if the driver’s vehicle displays a current parking permit for people with disabilities and the driver complies with the conditions of use of the permit.

 

NSW Road Rule 179 allows Loading Zones to be used to drop off or pick up passengers.  There are 2 Loading Zones within 100m of the Victory Memorial Gardens, one is located on Baylis Street on the southeast corner of its intersection with Morrow Street and the other is located next to the Civic Centre on Morrow Street.

 

In summary, there is 6 drop off zones within 100m of the Victory Memorial Gardens, 53 car parking bays on Morrow Street and Baylis Street next to the Gardens, 4 Disabled Parking Bays and a Bus Stop.

 

A copy of the list of all major events and non-major events, including school formals, etc that have been reported to Council over the last three years is attached for the information of the Council.

 

Given the list of events that have occurred over the last 3 years at the Victory Memorial Gardens and that Council does not regularly receive complaints from customers about the lack of drop off zones, officers consider that the current arrangements are adequate to service the Victory Memorial Gardens and the events that it caters for and that no further action is required.

 

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

Local Government Act 1993

 

Community leadership and collaboration

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

Our leaders represent our community

 

The are no risk management issues associated with this report

Consultation has occurred with the Local Traffic Committee.

 

 

 

1⇩.

Bookings at the Victory Memorial Gardens

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-8

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-9

 

RP-9               FACILITY ADDITIONAL FEES & CHARGES

Author:         Joshua Walsh 

Executive:    John Sidgwick

         

 

Summary:

This report proposes to add a number of new fees for 2023/24 for Estella Public School, Duke of Kent Hall, McPherson Oval lighting and Oasis Aqua/Fitness classes.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       place the following new fees and charges on public exhibition for an extended period from 30 November 2023 to 31 January 2024   Estella Community Centre Fee and Charge Description 2023/24 Fee (exclusive of GST) GST 2023/24 Fee (inclusive of GST) Meeting Room - 4 hours (Weekdays)  $59.09  $5.91  $65.00 Meeting Room - 4 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $68.18  $6.82  $75.00 Meeting Room - 8 hours (Weekdays)  $118.18  $11.82  $130.00 Meeting Room - 8 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $136.36  $13.64  $150.00 Community & Not For Profit Group 50% reduction in hire rates School Hall - 2 hours (Weekdays)  $36.36  $3.64  $40.00 School Hall - 4 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $90.91  $9.09  100.00 Community & Not For Profit Group 50% reduction in hire rates   Duke of Kent Community Centre Fee and Charge Description 2023/24 Fee (exclusive of GST) GST 2023/24 Fee (inclusive of GST) Half Meeting room - 4 hours (Weekdays)  $45.45  $4.55  $50.00 Half Meeting room - 4 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $54.55  $5.45  $60.00 Half Meeting room - 8 hours (Weekdays)  $81.82  $8.18  $90.00 Half Meeting room - 8 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $100.00  $10.00  $110.00 Full Meeting room - 4 hours (Weekdays)  $90.91  $9.09  $100.00 Full Meeting room - 4 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $109.09  $10.91  $120.00 Full Meeting room - 8 hours (Weekdays)  $163.34  $16.36  $180.00 Full Meeting room - 8 hours (Weekends and Public Holidays)  $200.00  $20.00  $220.00 Community & Not For Profit Group 50% reduction in hire rates   McPherson Oval Sportsground Lighting Fee and Charge Description 2023/24 Fee (exclusive of GST) GST 2023/24 Fee (inclusive of GST) McPherson Oval training (100 lux) lighting fee (per hour)  $14.28  $1.43  $15.71 McPherson Oval competition (200 lux) lighting fee (per hour)  $25.21  $2.52  $27.73   Oasis - Aqua/fitness classes Fee and Charge Description 2023/24 Fee (exclusive of GST) GST 2023/24 Fee (inclusive of GST) Casual Option – Yoga, Pilates, Salti and Hiit (per class)  $18.18  $1.82  $20.00 Term Option (10 sessions)  $163.34  $16.36  $180.00   b       invite public submissions on the proposed new fees and charges until 31 January 2024 c        receives a further report following the public exhibition period: i.          Addressing any submission made in respect of proposed new fees ii.         Proposing adoption of the new fees and charges unless there are any recommended amendments that will require a further public exhibition

 

Council staff are proposing a number of new fees and charges for 2023/24 to facilitate new activities across a range of facilities.

The proposed facilities include:

·  Estella Community Centre (located with the public school),

·  Duke of Kent Community Centre

·  Oasis Aquatic Centre fitness classes

·  McPherson Oval lighting

Estella Community Centre

Council has entered an agreement with the Department of Education to allow community use of a community centre and the school hall at the Estella School for the broader community.  To date community use has been facilitated by the school, however these new fees and charges will allow community booking to be managed by Council via Council’s online booking system.  These fees and charges have been developed to reflect the existing fees and charges.

These facilities hire and lighting fees will be factored into Council’s annual operating income budget during the compilation of the 2024/25 Long Term Financial Plan.

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 2021

Regulation 201 Annual statement of council’s revenue policy

 

Community Place and Identity

Objective: Our community feel welcome, included and connected

Activate community spaces to promote connectedness

 

The charging of these fees will assist in recouping the facility maintenance and lighting costs, therefore reducing the impact on Council’s financial position.

The proposed new fees and charges will be publicly exhibited through Council News and on Councils website, seeking public submissions. Council staff will also be notifying the relevant stakeholders who will be using the various facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 11 December 2023

RP-10

 

RP-10            FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2023

Author:          Carolyn Rodney 

 

         

Summary:

This report is for Council to consider information presented on the 2023/24 budget and Long-Term Financial Plan, and details Council’s external investments and performance as at 30 November 2023.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       approve the proposed 2023/24 budget variations for the month ended 30 November 2023 and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report b       approve the proposed budget variations to the 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program including new projects and future year timing adjustments c        note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (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 d       note the details of the external investments as of 30 November 2023 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993 e       approve the proposed budget variations to the 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program that were included in CONF-2 RFT2023-27 Bolton Park Sporting Precinct D&C Tennis Courts and Clubhouse at Ordinary Council held on Monday 20 November 2023

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts a balanced budget position as of 30 November 2023.

 

The 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program has been reviewed by Council’s Project Management Team. This has resulted in project delivery timelines being rescheduled over the ten years and some projects being deemed no longer required and removed.  Proposed new budget variations in the table below and adjustments to the current and future year’s capital works program are detailed in the report attachment for Council’s consideration and adoption.

 

Council has experienced a positive monthly investment performance for the month of November when compared to budget ($409,007 up on the monthly budget). This is mainly due to better than budgeted returns on Council’s investment portfolio as a result of the ongoing movement in the interest rate environment, as well as a higher than anticipated investment portfolio balance.

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 40% of approved budget and is tracking slightly behind for the month of November 2023. An adjustment has been made to reflect the levy of rates that occurred at the start of the financial year. Excluding this adjustment, operating income received is 73% when compared to budget.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 46% of approved budget and is tracking over budget at this stage of the financial year, which is due to the payment of annual one-off expenses such as rates and insurance, along with one-off commitments raised for operating projects and multi-year contracts.

 

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 37% of approved budget. It is important to note that the actual income from capital is influenced by the timing of the receipt of capital grants and contributions in relation to expenditure incurred on the projects.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 34% of approved budget including pending projects.  Excluding commitments, the total expenditure is 15% when compared to the approved budget.

 

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 1 JULY 2023 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2023
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
	ORIGINAL BUDGET 2023/24	BUDGET ADJ 2023/24	APPROVED BUDGET 2023/24	YTD ACTUAL   EXCL COMMT'S 2023/24	COMMT'S 2023/24	YTD ACTUAL + COMMT'S 2023/24	YTD % OF BUD
Revenue
Rates & Annual Charges	(79,700,947)	0	(79,700,947)	(32,698,950)	0	(32,698,950)	41%
User Charges & Fees	(32,607,964)	1,992,180	(30,615,784)	(12,318,701)	0	(12,318,701)	40%
Other Revenues	(3,040,358)	0	(3,040,358)	(2,878,128)	0	(2,878,128)	95%
Grants & Contributions provided for Operating Purposes	(13,891,687)	(5,887,729)	(19,779,416)	(3,693,630)	0	(3,693,630)	19%
Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes	(43,630,578)	(28,637,049)	(72,267,627)	(27,859,580)	0	(27,859,580)	39%
Interest & Investment Revenue	(4,873,916)	0	(4,873,916)	(3,556,511)	0	(3,556,511)	73%
Other Income	(1,564,445)	(22,667)	(1,587,112)	(847,353)	0	(847,353)	53%
Total Revenue	(179,309,895)	(32,555,265)	(211,865,160)	(83,852,852)	0	(83,852,852)	40%
Expenses
Employee Benefits & On-Costs	56,172,711	228,830	56,401,540	21,099,392	0	21,099,392	37%
Borrowing Costs	3,363,314	0	3,363,314	1,310,179	0	1,310,179	39%
Materials & Services	41,316,274	14,685,589	56,001,863	20,867,512	10,809,434	31,676,947	57%
Depreciation & Amortisation	44,291,577	0	44,291,577	18,454,824	0	18,454,824	42%
Other Expenses	1,954,429	83,560	2,037,989	922,937	370,451	1,293,388	63%
Total Expenses	147,098,304	14,997,979	162,096,283	62,654,844	11,179,885	73,834,729	46%
Net Operating (Profit)/Loss	(32,211,591)	(17,557,286)	(49,768,877)	(21,198,008)	11,179,885	(10,018,123)
Net Operating Result Before Capital (Profit)/Loss	11,418,987	11,079,763	22,498,751	6,661,572	11,179,885	17,841,457
Cap/Reserve Movements
Capital Expenditure - One Off Confirmed	33,539,246	47,705,763	81,245,009	16,295,320	24,114,512	40,409,832	50%
Capital Expenditure - Recurrent	21,649,500	9,568,082	31,217,583	4,552,788	6,625,168	11,177,955	36%
Capital Expenditure - Pending Projects	38,732,266	2,577,592	41,309,858	10,787	120,880	131,668	0%
Loan Repayments	7,523,436	0	7,523,436	2,718,098	0	2,718,098	36%
New Loan Borrowings	(10,609,635)	(972,614)	(11,582,248)	0	0	0	0%
Sale of Assets	(1,490,575)	(2,317,180)	(3,807,755)	(471,852)	0	(471,852)	12%
Net Movements Reserves	(12,841,071)	(39,004,359)	(51,845,429)	0	0	0	0%
Total Cap/Res Movements	76,503,167	17,557,286	94,060,453	23,105,142	30,860,560	53,965,702
Net Result after Depreciation	44,291,577	0	44,291,577	1,907,134	42,040,445	43,947,579
Add back Depreciation Expense	44,291,577	0	44,291,577	18,454,824	0	18,454,824	42%
Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit	0	0	0	(16,547,690)	42,040,445	25,492,755

 

Years 2-10 Long Term Financial Plan (Surplus) /Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023/24 Revised Budget Result – (Surplus) / Deficit	$’000s
Original 2023/24 Budget Result as adopted by Council Total Budget Variations approved to date. Budget Variations for November 2023	$0K $0K $0K
Proposed Revised Budget result for 30 November 2023 - (Surplus) / Deficit	$0K

 

The proposed Operating and Capital Budget Variations for 30 November 2023 which affect the current 2023/24 financial year are listed below.

 

 

 

2023/24 Capital Works Summary

 

The below table is the proposed summary of the current Capital Works Program for the next ten years, and includes the proposed adjustments in this report and the attached Capital Works Reset, pending Council resolution:

 

 

Capital Works Category (continued)	Proposed 2027/28 Pending	Proposed 2028/29 Pending	Proposed 2029/30 Pending	Proposed 2030/31 Pending	Proposed 2031/32 Pending	Proposed 2032/33 Pending
One-off Projects (per attachment)	$18,294,398	$15,258,879	$15,063,915	$7,265,304	$861,142	$8,585,460
New One-off Projects – (current year budget variation table above, along with Jim Elphick Tennis previously adopted report, budget variation resolution required)	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Recurrent Program	$24,175,469	$23,529,246	$23,080,213	$24,465,750	$25,614,797	$26,074,949
Proposed Total Capital Works Program	$42,469,867	$38,788,125	$38,144,128	$31,731,054	$26,475,939	$34,660,409

 

 

Current Restrictions

 

 

RESERVES SUMMARY
30 NOVEMBER 2023
	CLOSING BALANCE 2022/23	ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2023/24	BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 20.11.2023	PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution*	BALANCE AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2023
Externally Restricted
Developer Contributions - Section 7.11	(33,518,693)	5,650,317	4,550,043		(23,318,333)
Developer Contributions - Section 7.12	(427,766)	(28,137)	0		(455,903)
Developer Contributions - Stormwater Section 64	(7,952,971)	461,121	392,363		(7,099,487)
Sewer Fund	(45,473,006)	(486,810)	3,979,413		(41,980,402)
Solid Waste	(28,001,560)	1,115,349	9,217,416	200,000	(17,468,794)
Specific Purpose Unexpended Grants & Contributions	(13,419,243)	0	13,419,243		0
SRV Levee Reserve	(6,316,594)	0	46,718		(6,269,877)
Stormwater Levy	(5,350,848)	3,299,121	962,248		(1,089,479)
Total Externally Restricted	(140,460,680)	10,010,962	32,567,444	200,000	(97,682,274)
Internally Restricted
Additional Special Variation (ASV)	(630,214)	(304,627)	0		(934,841)
Airport	0	0	0		0
Art Gallery	(3,804)	0	0		(3,804)
Bridge Replacement	(277,544)	0	40,739		(236,805)
Buildings	(1,816,155)	222,330	255,413		(1,338,412)
CCTV	(47,471)	12,476	0		(34,995)
Cemetery	(1,246,587)	(240,585)	30,437		(1,456,735)
Civic Theatre	(127)	0	0		(127)
Civil Infrastructure	(8,750,164)	1,975,590	401,233		(6,373,341)
Council Election	(305,964)	(117,566)	0		(423,531)
Economic Development	(407,131)	0	388,773		(18,358)
Emergency Events Reserve	(245,427)	(91,807)	50,000		(287,235)
Employee Leave Entitlements Gen Fund	(3,604,926)	0	0		(3,604,926)
Environmental Conservation	(116,578)	0	0		(116,578)
Event Attraction	(969,436)	0	198,755	530,000	(240,681)
Financial Assistance Grants in Advance	(12,361,442)	0	0		(12,361,442)
Grant Co-Funding	(500,000)	0	0		(500,000)
Gravel Pit Restoration	(807,726)	13,333	0	26,500	(767,892)
Information Services	(2,419,649)	906,761	92,772		(1,420,116)
Insurance Variations	(50,000)	0	0		(50,000)
Internal Loans	(6,215,667)	(768,775)	1,004,695		(5,979,747)
Lake Albert Improvements	(127,751)	38,377	0		(89,374)
Library	(166,718)	(155,915)	0		(322,633)
Livestock Marketing Centre	(6,581,531)	1,077,258	2,737,085		(2,767,188)
Museum Acquisitions	(54,612)	10,000	0		(44,612)

 

 

 

*The proposed budget variations included in the Reserves Summary table above do not include the adjustments as proposed in the Capital Works Reset attachment.

 

 

 

 

Investment Summary as at 30 November 2023

In accordance with Regulation 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, details of Wagga Wagga City Council’s external investments are outlined below.

Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/10/2023 $	Closing Balance Invested 30/11/2023 $	November EOM Current Yield %	November EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mths)
At Call Accounts
NAB	AA-	443,090	685,082	4.35%	0.29%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	1,875,581	13,618,148	4.35%	5.82%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	23,618,532	21,704,508	4.40%	9.28%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Macquarie Bank	A+	9,445,918	9,478,088	4.15%	4.05%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total At Call Accounts		35,383,120	45,485,827	4.33%	19.45%
Short Term Deposits
AMP	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.40%	0.43%	15/11/2023	15/11/2024	12
AMP	BBB	2,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	30/11/2022	30/11/2023	12
CBA	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.69%	0.43%	30/01/2023	30/01/2024	12
Australian Military Bank	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.06%	0.43%	24/05/2023	24/05/2024	12
Australian Unity	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.44%	0.43%	8/06/2023	11/06/2024	12
ING Bank	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.62%	0.86%	26/06/2023	26/06/2024	12
ING Bank	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.65%	0.86%	30/06/2023	28/06/2024	12
Heritage and People's Choice	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.80%	0.43%	10/07/2023	10/07/2024	12
CBA	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.27%	0.86%	31/08/2023	30/08/2024	12
Australian Unity	BBB+	0	1,000,000	5.49%	0.43%	27/11/2023	27/11/2024	12
Suncorp	A+	0	2,000,000	5.46%	0.86%	30/11/2023	29/11/2024	12
ING Bank	A	0	1,000,000	5.46%	0.43%	30/11/2023	29/11/2024	12
Total Short Term Deposits		13,000,000	15,000,000	5.42%	6.41%
Medium Term Deposits
BOQ	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.20%	0.86%	4/01/2022	4/01/2024	24
BOQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.78%	0.43%	1/06/2022	3/06/2024	24
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.32%	0.86%	28/06/2021	29/06/2026	60
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.80%	0.86%	15/11/2021	17/11/2025	48
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.03%	0.86%	6/11/2019	6/11/2024	60
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.83%	0.86%	28/11/2019	28/11/2024	60
Judo Bank	BBB-	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.30%	0.43%	3/12/2021	4/12/2023	24
ICBC	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.75%	0.43%	6/01/2020	8/01/2024	48
BOQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.00%	0.43%	28/02/2020	28/02/2025	60
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.20%	0.43%	1/04/2020	1/04/2025	60
ICBC	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.85%	0.43%	29/05/2020	29/05/2025	60
ICBC	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.86%	0.43%	1/06/2020	2/06/2025	60
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.75%	0.86%	25/06/2020	25/06/2025	60
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.75%	0.86%	25/06/2020	25/06/2025	60
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.60%	0.86%	29/06/2020	28/06/2024	48
ICBC	A	3,000,000	3,000,000	5.07%	1.28%	30/06/2022	30/06/2027	60
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.42%	0.86%	7/07/2020	8/07/2024	48
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.50%	0.86%	17/08/2020	18/08/2025	60
BoQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.25%	0.43%	7/09/2020	8/09/2025	60
BoQ	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.25%	0.86%	14/09/2020	15/09/2025	60
NAB	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.23%	0.43%	14/09/2023	16/09/2024	12
AMP	BBB	1,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	25/05/2022	27/11/2023	18
ICBC	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.20%	0.43%	7/12/2020	8/12/2025	60
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	0.95%	0.86%	29/01/2021	29/01/2026	60
NAB	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.08%	0.43%	22/02/2021	20/02/2026	60
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.25%	0.86%	3/03/2021	2/03/2026	60
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.40%	0.86%	21/06/2021	19/06/2026	60
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.32%	0.86%	25/06/2021	25/06/2026	60
ICBC	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.32%	0.43%	25/08/2021	25/08/2026	60
AMP	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.00%	0.86%	18/10/2021	17/10/2024	36
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.56%	0.86%	30/11/2021	29/11/2024	36
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.00%	0.86%	8/02/2022	10/02/2025	36
P&N Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.40%	0.86%	9/03/2022	10/03/2025	36
P&N Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.00%	0.86%	10/03/2022	11/03/2024	24
MyState	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.20%	0.86%	2/03/2022	3/03/2025	36
CBA	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.28%	0.86%	26/04/2022	26/04/2024	24
CBA	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.78%	0.86%	4/05/2022	6/05/2024	24
CBA	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.99%	0.86%	4/05/2022	5/05/2025	36
ING Bank	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.76%	0.43%	23/05/2022	23/05/2024	24
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.95%	0.86%	6/06/2022	6/06/2024	24
Australian Unity	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.15%	0.86%	8/06/2022	11/06/2024	24
Suncorp	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.40%	0.86%	22/06/2022	14/12/2023	18
MyState	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.45%	0.86%	29/06/2022	28/06/2024	24
BoQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.50%	0.43%	7/07/2022	7/07/2025	36
CBA	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.25%	0.43%	12/08/2022	12/08/2025	36
P&N Bank	BBB	3,000,000	3,000,000	4.55%	1.28%	29/08/2022	29/08/2025	36
Australian Military Bank	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.55%	0.86%	2/09/2022	2/09/2025	36
P&N Bank	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.40%	0.43%	9/09/2022	9/09/2025	36
BoQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.70%	0.43%	4/10/2022	4/10/2024	24
AMP	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.95%	0.86%	21/10/2022	21/10/2024	24
ICBC	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.20%	0.86%	21/10/2022	21/10/2025	36
AMP	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.75%	0.43%	15/11/2022	14/11/2024	24
AMP	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.80%	0.43%	21/11/2022	20/11/2025	36
P&N Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.75%	0.86%	16/12/2022	16/12/2024	24
Police Credit Union	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.04%	0.86%	15/02/2023	17/02/2025	24
Police Credit Union	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.94%	0.86%	14/03/2023	14/03/2025	24
P&N Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.00%	0.86%	14/03/2023	15/03/2027	48
Hume Bank	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.75%	0.86%	31/03/2023	31/03/2025	24
Auswide	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.95%	0.86%	13/04/2023	13/04/2026	36
P&N Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.20%	0.86%	20/04/2023	20/04/2027	48
P&N Bank	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.20%	0.43%	26/05/2023	26/05/2026	36
ING Bank	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.37%	0.86%	21/08/2023	21/08/2025	24
P&N Bank	BBB	0	1,000,000	5.45%	0.43%	30/11/2023	28/11/2025	24
Total Medium Term Deposits		105,000,000	105,000,000	3.12%	44.90%
Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt
Westpac	AA-	2,534,478	2,512,140	BBSW + 88	1.07%	16/05/2019	16/08/2024	63
Suncorp	A+	1,251,531	1,256,295	BBSW + 78	0.54%	30/07/2019	30/07/2024	60
ANZ	AA-	2,021,886	2,004,429	BBSW + 77	0.86%	29/08/2019	29/08/2024	60
HSBC	AA-	2,516,914	2,526,491	BBSW + 83	1.08%	27/09/2019	27/09/2024	60
ANZ	AA-	1,506,656	1,512,519	BBSW + 76	0.65%	16/01/2020	16/01/2025	60
NAB	AA-	2,007,492	2,015,662	BBSW + 77	0.86%	21/01/2020	21/01/2025	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,112,961	1,102,368	BBSW + 112	0.47%	4/02/2020	4/02/2025	60
Macquarie Bank	A+	2,025,730	2,009,087	BBSW + 84	0.86%	12/02/2020	12/02/2025	60
BOQ Covered	AAA	558,266	553,171	BBSW + 107	0.24%	14/05/2020	14/05/2025	60
UBS	A+	1,497,943	1,503,882	BBSW + 87	0.64%	30/07/2020	30/07/2025	60
CBA	AA-	1,996,662	2,005,089	BBSW + 70	0.86%	14/01/2022	14/01/2027	60
Rabobank	A+	1,989,828	1,998,148	BBSW + 73	0.85%	27/01/2022	27/01/2027	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	994,208	985,230	BBSW + 100	0.42%	10/02/2022	10/02/2027	60
NAB	AA-	2,412,976	2,393,454	BBSW + 72	1.02%	25/02/2022	25/02/2027	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,661,682	1,668,369	BBSW + 98	0.71%	17/03/2022	17/03/2025	36
ANZ	AA-	2,029,523	2,013,555	BBSW + 97	0.86%	12/05/2022	12/05/2027	60
NAB	AA-	1,721,856	1,707,268	BBSW + 90	0.73%	30/05/2022	30/05/2025	36
Suncorp	A+	910,613	902,536	BBSW + 93	0.39%	22/08/2022	22/08/2025	36
ANZ	AA-	2,561,524	2,538,671	BBSW + 120	1.09%	4/11/2022	4/11/2027	60
NAB	AA-	2,551,827	2,529,216	BBSW + 120	1.08%	25/11/2022	25/11/2027	60
Suncorp	A+	1,114,069	1,117,663	BBSW + 125	0.48%	14/12/2022	14/12/2027	60
CBA	AA-	2,022,240	2,032,511	BBSW + 115	0.87%	13/01/2023	13/01/2028	60
Bank Australia	BBB	1,926,957	1,906,587	BBSW + 155	0.82%	22/02/2023	22/02/2027	48
Bendigo-Adelaide Covered	AAA	1,007,512	1,011,195	BBSW + 115	0.43%	16/06/2023	16/06/2028	60
CBA	AA-	2,528,028	2,506,826	BBSW + 95	1.07%	17/08/2023	17/08/2028	60
ANZ	AA-	2,112,837	2,122,939	BBSW + 93	0.91%	11/09/2023	11/09/2028	60
Bank Australia	BBB	1,651,680	1,658,682	BBSW + 150	0.71%	30/10/2023	30/10/2026	36
Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt		48,227,879	48,093,982		20.56%
Fixed Rate Bonds
ING Covered	AAA	668,211	677,210	1.10%	0.29%	19/08/2021	19/08/2026	60
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	3,000,000	3,000,000	1.00%	1.28%	24/08/2021	16/12/2024	40
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	3,000,000	3,000,000	1.50%	1.28%	24/08/2021	15/12/2026	64
BoQ	BBB+	1,702,354	1,728,190	2.10%	0.74%	27/10/2021	27/10/2026	60
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.50%	0.86%	6/08/2021	15/12/2026	64
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.50%	0.43%	14/07/2021	15/12/2026	65
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.30%	0.86%	29/04/2021	15/06/2026	61
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.00%	0.86%	30/11/2020	15/12/2025	60
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	1.00%	0.43%	20/11/2020	15/12/2025	61
Northern Territory Treasury	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	1.00%	0.86%	21/10/2020	15/12/2025	62
Total Fixed Rate Bonds		18,370,565	18,405,400	1.30%	7.87%
Managed Funds
NSW Tcorp	NR	1,824,585	1,893,336	3.77%	0.81%	17/03/2014	1/11/2028	175
Total Managed Funds		1,824,585	1,893,336	3.77%	0.81%
TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		221,806,149	233,878,545		100.00%
LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK		2,511,893	2,508,164
TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		219,294,256	231,370,381

 

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 21%, fixed rate bonds around 8% 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 increased over the past month, up from $219.29M to $231.37M. This increase is reflective of the 2^nd quarter rates instalments being due on 30/11/23, as well as Council receiving some of its grant funding income during the month.

 

 

Monthly Investment Movements

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council redeemed the following investment securities during November 2023:

 

 

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment securities during November 2023:

 

 

Rollovers – Council rolled over the following investment security during November 2023:

 

 

Monthly Investment Performance

 

Interest/growth/capital gains/(losses) for the month totalled $771,839, which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $362,832 - outperforming budget for the month by $409,007.

 

Council’s outperformance to budget for November is mainly due to better than budgeted returns on Councils investment portfolio as well as a higher than anticipated investment portfolio balance. This is a result of the ongoing movements in the cash rate made by the Reserve Bank of Australia, with the latest increase in early November 2023 bringing the cash rate to 4.35% from a record low of 0.10% in April 2022.

 

Council also experienced a positive return on its NSW T-Corp Managed Fund for the month of November, with the fund returning +3.77% (or +$68,751) as domestic (+5.03%) and international (+8.87%) shares rallied strongly this month.

 

 

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* of 4.34% (annualised), Council’s investment portfolio returned 3.96% (annualised) for the month of November. This underperformance against the benchmark for the month is mainly due to lower returns on fixed deposits and bonds due to a proportion of these being locked in prior to the unexpected RBA rate hikes, as well as aggressive increases in the AusBond Bank Bill index due to the current interest rate environment. On Cash and At‑Call accounts returned 4.20% (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, Council’s investment portfolio has returned 3.37%, marginally underperforming the AusBond Bank Bill index by -0.39%. Councils investment portfolio has continued to outperform the AusBond Bank Bill Index* over the longer-term time period, returning 2.19% per annum over the past 3 years – outperforming the benchmark by 0.61% over this time.

 

* 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

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 2021

Section 212 - Reports on council investments

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

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

All relevant areas within Council have consulted with the Finance Division in relation to the budget variations listed in this report.

 

The Finance Division has consulted with relevant external parties to confirm Council’s investment portfolio balances.

 

 

1⇩.	Recurrent Capital Works Program 2023/24 to 2032/33
2⇩.	Capital Works Program 2023/24 to 2032/33 Reset