Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 25 November 2024.

Present

The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

Councillor Allana Condron

Councillor Georgie Davies

Councillor Richard Foley

Councillor Tim Koschel

Councillor Jenny McKinnon

Councillor Amelia Parkins

Councillor Karissa Subedi

Councillor Lindsay Tanner

In Attendance

Chief Operating Officer                                                          (Mr S Gray)

Director Community                                                               (Ms J Summerhayes)

Director Infrastructure Services                                            (Mr H Pavitt)

Director City Engineering                                                      (Mr W Faulkner)

Director Regional Activation                                                 (Mr J Sidgwick)

Chief Financial Officer                                                           (Mrs C Rodney)

Director Economy, Business & Workforce                          (Mrs F Piltz)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance             (Mr D Galloway)

Manager Community Services                                             (Ms M Scully)

Executive Manager - Major Projects                                    (Mr D Woods)

Destination & Events Coordinator                                        (Ms K Parker)

Manager City Growth & Regional Assets                           (Mr B Creighton)

Corporate Governance Coordinator                                    (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Officer                             (Ms L Magrath)

Governance Officer                                                                (Ms K West)

NOTICE TO MEETING

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.

Council Meetings are also subject to filming and photographing by media agencies which may form part of news and media broadcasts. Members of the gallery are also advised that recording the proceedings of the meeting of the council is prohibited without the prior authorisation of the council.

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

An apology for non-attendance was received and accepted for the General Manager, Mr P Thompson on the Motion of Councillors T Koschel & A Parkins.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

24/RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and A Parkins

That Council grant a leave of absence to Councillor Karissa Subedi for the 16 December 2024.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1         ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 11 NOVEMBER 2024

24/327       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and L Tanner

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 November 2024 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor T Koschel declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024 the reason being that he works for a financial institution and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Director Economy, Business & Workforce, Mrs F Piltz declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-1 - Gregadoo Waste Management Centre the reason being a person mentioned in the report is a relative and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

24/328       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That the standing orders be varied for the meeting as set out hereunder:

• Items where councillors wish to speak
• Items where no councillors wish to speak
• Confidential
• Matter of urgency
• Closure of Meeting

That RP-1, RP-3, RP-4, RP-6, RP-9 and RP-10 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1      NOTICE OF MOTION - ROAD RENEWAL FUNDING

24/329       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and A Parkins

That Council staff provide a report outlining the funding made available for road renewal funding if every expense line item in Councils budget excluding staff costs is reduced by 5%. The report is to identify any risks to the budget created by this proposal, as well as indicating the potential increase in road renewal the proposal would generate.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

NOM-2      NOTICE OF MOTION - PROPOSAL TO INVESTIGATE THE NATIONALISATION OF REX AIRLINES

24/330       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and G Davies

That Council:

a recognises the critical importance of Rex Airlines in maintaining essential regional air connectivity, which supports the economic, social, and healthcare needs of regional Australians, including the Riverina

b write to the Federal Government, encouraging them to investigate all possibilities to improve and secure regional air travel in Australia

c write to the Federal Member for the Riverina, Hon Michael McCormack MP to request their position on this matter

d advocate to Local Government NSW and the Australian Local Government Association calling for broader support among councils to protect affordable regional aviation services

e requests the federal government to also collaborate with the state and territory governments to develop a contingency plan for the nationalisation of Rex Airlines, ensuring a unified approach to safeguarding essential regional air services in the event of Rex’s collapse

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

Reports from Staff

RP-1          PETITION - ONGOING MAINTENANCE ISSUES OF SENIORS COMMUNITY CENTRE

24/331       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       receive and note the attached petition

b       note action to address items raised within the petition

c       request staff advise the petition contact person of Council’s determination in accordance with Council’s Petition Policy (POL 086)

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-2          Draft Destination Management Plan 2025-2034

24/332       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and T Koschel

That Council:

a       place the draft Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan on public exhibition from Friday 29 November 2024 to Sunday 16 February 2025 and invite public submissions during that period

b       receive a further report following the public exhibition period:

i         addressing any submissions made in respect of the draft Plan

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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-3          Presentation of the 2023/24 Financial Statements

24/333       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       receive the Audited Financial Statements, together with the Auditor’s Reports on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

b       receive a further report if any public submissions are received

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-4          FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024

24/334       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       approve the proposed 2024/25 budget variations for the month ended 31 October 2024 and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report

b       approve the proposed budget variations to the 2024/25 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program including new projects and 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 at 31 October 2024 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

e       accept the grant funding offers as presented in this report

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-5          REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356

24/335       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and L Tanner

That Council:

a       in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, provide financial assistance to the following groups:

i         Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre

b       note the proposed budget available for financial assistance requests for the remainder of the 2024/25 financial year

c note that this fee waiver is approved up to 30 June 2025, and if the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre are requesting future year fee waivers, that a further formal request to Council will be required, to be considered at a further Council Meeting

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-6          Boundary Adjustment - Wagga Cricket Ground - 111 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga

24/336       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       endorse the proposed plan of subdivision of Lot 1 DP 663066 and Lot 7314 DP 1141841 as outlined in this report

b       consent to an application by the Murrumbidgee Turf Club to NSW Department of Industry - Crown Lands to become Crown Land Managers of the proposed Lot 42 in the proposed plan of subdivision as outlined in this report

c       delegate authority to the General Manager or their delegate to execute any necessary documents to give effect to this resolution

d       authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal as required

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-7          HARRIS PARK AMENITIES UPGRADE

24/337       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       endorse the transferring of grant funds of $955,000 awarded to Wagga Rugby League from NSW Office of Sport to Council

b       receive a further report on the efforts to gain additional funding for this project and clarification on the next steps in relation to the grant, should that funding not be gained

c       approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-8          DRAFT Submission to Discussion Paper - Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practices

24/338       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council endorses the draft submission to the Office of Local Government’s discussion paper on Councillor conduct and meeting practices.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-9          CODE OF CONDUCT STATISTICS

24/339       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council receive and note the Reporting Statistics on Code of Conduct Complaints about Councillors and the General Manager, in accordance with Part 11 of the Administrative Procedures of the Code of Conduct.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-10        RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS

24/340       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council receive and note the following registers:

a       Active Resolutions as at 19 November 2024

b       Active Notice of Motions as at 19 November 2024

c       Resolutions including Notice of Motions completed from 20 August 2024 to 19 November 2024

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

RP-11        QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

24/341       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and T Koschel

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
D Tout
A Parkins
A Condron
L Tanner
K Subedi

closed COUNCIL

24/342       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and A Parkins

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 6.59pm.

CARRIED

AT THIS STAGE OF THE MEETING THE PRESS AND PUBLIC GALLERY RETIRED FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING.

Confidential Reports

CONF-1    Gregadoo Waste Management Centre

24/343       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and G Davies

That Council:

a       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to proceed with the negotiations and purchase of land as outlined in the body of this report 

b       authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal to any documents as required

c       authorise an application for the use of funds afforded to Council in the Transgrid Community Project Initiative, and use these funds to purchase the property

d       approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
D Tout
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner

CONF-2    LAKE ALBERT WATER TREATMENT

24/344       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into an agreement to trial the treatment and management of Blue Green Algae within Lake Albert using Hydro2050 technology as outlined in the body of the report

b approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report relating to the 2024/25 financial year

c in accordance with S55 Part 3(I) not call for tenders for the supply of the Hydro2050 technology due to the proprietary nature of the technology and the unavailability of competitive tenderers

d authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal as required

e receive a further report following the trial of Hydro2050

f continue to investigate other options while the trial is underway

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
A Condron	D Tout
R Foley	G Davies
T Koschel	A Parkins
J McKinnon
K Subedi
L Tanner

Reversion to open COUNCIL

24/345       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and A Condron

That this meeting of the Closed Council revert to an open meeting of the Council, the time being 7.45pm.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
D Tout
A Parkins
A Condron
L Tanner
K Subedi

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7.46pm.

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                                      MAYOR