Agenda of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 10 February 2025

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

MM-1

Mayoral Minute

MM-1 MAYORAL MINUTE - SISTER CITY ACTIVITES

Summary:

Since the local government election a letter of invitation has been received inviting a delegation from Wagga Wagga to attend the 2025 Historic Wall Festival in Nördlingen. In addition, a letter has been received from the City of Leavenworth requesting that Wagga Wagga host a delegation in the city during 2025.

In October Council resolved to form a Sister City Working Group and appointed representative Councillors. Draft Terms of Reference have been developed and it is now intended to call for expressions of interest from community members wanting to join the group.

Recommendation

That Council:

a appoint the Mayor and the General Manager to lead a delegation to attend the 2025 Historic Wall Festival in Nördlingen from 12 September to 14 September 2025

b delegate authority to the Mayor and General Manager to enter into negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nördlingen Manufacturing company referred to in this report during the 2025 festival

c call for expressions of interest from Councillors and community members who are interesting in attending Nördlingen as part of the delegation

d endorse paying economy return airfares and any reasonable incidental expenses for the Mayor and General Manager only for the visit to Nördlingen

e provide in principle support in hosting a delegation from the City of Leavenworth in 2025

f call for expressions of interest from community members seeking to participate in the Sister City Working Group

g approve the draft Terms of Reference for the Sister City Working Group

h authorise the Mayor in conjunction with the Sister City Working Group to finalise the Terms of Reference for the Working Group

i approve the budget variation as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

Report

Nördlingen

In early November I received the attached letter of invitation from the Lord Mayor of the City of Nördlingen, Mr David Wittner to lead a delegation of approximately 10 people from Wagga Wagga to attend the Historic Wall Festival in Nördlingen from 12 September to 14 September 2025. The festival is only held every three years. The letter of invitation is attached for the information of Councillors.

At the 2022 event, The Mayor and General Manager held discussions with an international manufacturing company based in Nördlingen and toured one of their facilities. Subsequent communication has confirmed that there is interest by that company in a Wagga Wagga based project to explore opportunities for the company in Australia. The last correspondence suggested that we consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Council and the company to pursue the concept. It is the intention that attendance at this year’s festival will provide the ideal opportunity to negotiate that MOU and firm up the relationship with the manufacturer.

The Mayor’s office in conjunction with the General Manager will seek expressions of interest from Councillors and community members who are interesting in attending this event as part of the delegation.

Council only covers related costs for the Mayor and General Manager only. This usually only involves direct economy flight related costs with other costs being covered by the host. All other delegates are responsible for their own costs.

Leavenworth

On 21 January 2025 I received the attached letter from the Mayor of the City of Leavenworth with a request to host a delegation of six to the City. The delegation would consist of the Mayor, the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager and their respective partners.

Further details can be discussed by member of the Working Group once it is formed to finalise dates, itinerary and any other detail. It is important to note that Leavenworth is also a City that has very strong ties with the military in its own city as does Wagga Wagga.

Financial Implications

The total estimated costs for Nördlingen visit will be in the order of $6000 to $8000 (details to be confirmed once the visit is endorsed).

The costs for the visit by the City of Leavenworth are unknown at this stage as we are the hosting city. Further details will be provided to Councillors as arrangements are worked through.

All costs for both visits will be funded from the Sister Cities Reserve which has a balance of $30,590 as at 31 December 2024.

Policy and Legislation

Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy (POL 025)

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We have opportunities to connect with others

Outcome: Groups, programs and activities bring us together

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

This has been discussed with the General Manager.

Attachments

1 ⇩.	Letter from Nordlingen
2 ⇩.	Letter from Leavenworth
3 ⇩.	Draft Sister City Working Group - Terms of Reference

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

RP-1

Reports from Staff

RP-1 DA23/0674 - PUB, BOTTLE-SHOP AND FUNCTION CENTRE WITH ASSOCIATED CAR-PARKING - 77 AVOCET DRIVE, ESTELLA, LOT 1485 DP1294262

Author: Amanda Gray

General Manager: Peter Thompson

Summary:

The development application is reported to Council for determination.

Under Section 1.11 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP), if a development application proposes a variation to a numerical control under the DCP by greater than 10% and public submissions are received objecting to the 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. A variation to operational hours is sought under section 10.3 of the DCP as well as a variation to bicycle parking under this same section.

The application was advertised for a period of 14 days from the 28 August – 11 September 2024. Five 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 DA23/0674 for a new pub at 77 Avocet Drive, Estella, (Lot 1485 DP 1294262) subject to the conditions contained within the s4.15 Assessment Report.

Development Application Details

Applicant	The Trustee for Estella Hotel Holdings Unit Trust Director: Sean O’Hara
Owner	Gracelands Estates Pty Ltd (Wagga) Directors: Anni-Ilona Alatalo Antti Kullervo Alatalo Juha Eerik Alatalo
Development Cost	$10 million
Development Description	Pub, bottle-shop and function centre with associated car-parking

Report

Key Issues

· Suitability of the site for development.

· Variation to carparking standards under DCP 2010.

· Proposed hours of operation of the pub.

· Amenity impacts on surrounding residential area.

· Impacts on the streetscape.

Site Location

The site is bound by Avocet Drive to the north, the Estella shopping centre to the east and vacant residential land to the south. Directly to the west of the site is land zoned as RE1, this land will be developed as an area of open space in association with the approved residential subdivision to the south-west. The extract below identifies the approved subdivision with the open space land wrapping around to the south of the subject site (highlighted) and a new road beyond. There are new residential lots approved to the southern side of the new road.

The land is generally vacant and consists of open paddock with rocky outcrops sloping down from west to east. The site is elevated and benefits from views to the south across the river.

Assessment

· The application seeks consent for a new pub. The proposal includes:

i) A three-level detached building including a drive-through bottle shop, dining and bistro area, sports bar, children’s playground, lounge, gaming area, cocktail bar and function rooms.

ii) There are outdoor terraces at both ground and first floor offering views across the flood plain towards the city.

iii) Access to the site is from Avocet Drive, there will be 190 car parking spaces provided on site.

iv) Landscaping is proposed throughout the site including within the front and side setbacks and upon the building.

v) Earthworks to create a basement area that includes the drive-through, storage, garbage and servicing areas.

Extracts of the proposed elevation plans are included below.

· The subject site is zoned E1 Local Centre under the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010). Pubs are permitted with consent within the E1 zone.

· 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. A variation to bicycle parking is also required and has been justified by the applicant. The applicant’s submission justifies the two variations, and both are supported.

· The venue includes a number of different areas that will experience different peak usage. The assessment of car parking assumes that all parts of the development will be fully occupied at all times, and this is unrealistic for a development of this size.

· The initial calculations identify that 487 car parking spaces are needed to comply with the DCP controls whereas 190 spaces are proposed. Equally 24 bicycle racks are required whereas 10 are proposed. The proposed number of parking spaces is significant and greater than any other licensed premises offer within the local area. The full justification is included in the assessment report.

· The application is supported by a traffic and parking assessment. The report has modelled the predicted increased vehicle movements upon the local road network and found that there are no adverse impacts upon the service of key road intersections in the area. The analysis includes the opening of the connection of Pine Gully Road and Avocet Drive and associated increase in vehicle movements. One recommendation proposed by Council’s traffic engineer is to include give way signs at Gunn Drive due to the proximity of the proposed driveway into the pub opposite this intersection.

· The development has proposed operational hours of 10am to 3am. These hours will vary slightly across the premises, for example the bistro service will end at 9pm and the bottle shop will close at midnight. The application is supported by a Noise Impact Assessment. Subject to mitigation measures the report concludes that the noise impacts associated with the development comply with the applicable noise standards and criteria.

· The application has been referred to NSW Police who have prepared a detailed response and analysis of the impacts of a new licenced premises within a residential neighbourhood. Whilst the Police support the development, they raise concerns about the increase in alcohol related crime and the potential for anti-social behaviour. To manage these impacts, it is recommended that the applicant prepare a Crime Prevention Management Plan addressing a range of operational matters to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime.

· A key issue raised in the police submission is the proposed late-night trading after midnight. There are significant concerns with the operational hours and the proposed 3am closing is not supported. The police note that there are difficulties responding to alcohol related crime incidents after midnight as resources are focused within the CBD where there are many late-night trading licenced venues.

· The premises whilst on commercial zoned land are set within a residential neighbourhood that continues to develop to the south and west of the subject site. The impact of the development upon both the character and the amenity of the neighbourhood must be considered and the proposed late-night trading raises concerns in this regard. There are also social impacts associated with the increased accessibility to alcohol and gaming rooms the long term of use of which has the potential for detrimental impacts within the area. Together with matters raised by the police it is considered that a more appropriate time for the closing of a new suburban licenced premises would be midnight. This is equal to the closest existing comparable pub at the Palm and Pawn in North Wagga.

· The development proposes a large, detached building that will impact upon the existing streetscape. The development includes earthworks that allow the building to be partly set into the site and utilise the basement area for servicing and waste collection. The building is also set back into the site towards both the front and rear boundaries that assists in mitigating the bulk of the development, Finally the pub will be viewed within the context of the Estella shopping centre that is also a large detached commercial building that presents differently to the residential streetscape. For each of these reasons the bulk and scale of the development is acceptable.

· The application was advertised for a period of 14 days from the 28 August – 11 September 2024. Five public submissions were received during the notification period. The public submissions received raised concerns in relation to the development with respect to the operational hours, carparking, traffic safety, increased crime, noise and other amenity impacts. All matter raised in the submissions have been fully addressed in the Section 4.15 assessment report.

· The proposal complies with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Council’s 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. Any variations to adopted controls within the DCP have been fully justified.

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.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

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

Ensure sustainable urban development

Risk Management Issues for Council

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.

Internal / External Consultation

Full details of the notification and consultation that occurred 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

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

Attachments

1.	s4.15 Assessment Report - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
2.	Plans Set - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
3.	Landscape Plans - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
4 .	Statement of Environmental Effects - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
5 .	Noise Impact Assessment - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
6 .	Parking & Traffic Impact Assessment - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
7 .	CPTED Report - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
8 .	Social Impact Assessment - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
9 .	Draft Plan of Management - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
10 .	NSW Police referral reply - DA23-0674 - Provided under separate cover
11 .	Submissions - Redacted - DA23 0674 - Provided under separate cover
12 .	DA23 0674 - Submissions - DA23 0674 This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it deals with: personnel matters concerning particular individuals. - Provided under separate cover

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

RP-2

RP-2 PROPOSED PLANNING AGREEMENT TOLLAND RENEWAL PROJECT

Author: Belinda Maclure

Executive: John Sidgwick

Summary:

At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 26 August 2024, Council resolved to place the draft planning agreement for the Tolland Renewal Project on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, with a report to be presented to Council at a future date addressing any submissions made and recommending whether to enter into the proposed planning agreement.

Public exhibition was undertaken between 2 September 2024 and 30 September 2024, with no submissions received.

This follows an earlier public exhibition period undertaken in June 2024, during which Council received 5 (five) submissions in support of the proposed planning agreement. The matter has been re-exhibited following advice that both the proposed planning agreement and a copy of the explanatory note must be publicly exhibited together.

The proposed Planning Agreement is now ready for Council endorsement.

Recommendation

That Council:

a notes there were no further submissions received relating to the draft deed and explanatory note during the second public exhibition period

b authorise the General Manager or their delegate to execute the planning agreement including the explanatory note and any other relevant documents on behalf of Council relating to the Tolland Estate Renewal Project

c authorise the affixing of the Wagga Wagga City Council common seal to all relevant documents as required

Report

In March 2024, Council received a draft deed for a proposed planning agreement from Homes NSW. In addition to the requirements of the development, the proposed planning agreement offered to construct active travel infrastructure, recreational assets and community facilities in the Tolland area, in lieu of the payment of Section 7.11 contributions required for the subdivision development.

Homes NSW provided a Contributions Works Delivery Plan, which supports the draft deed and which provides details of the infrastructure projects included in the offer, including costs and delivery timeframes.

The draft planning agreement was report to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 27 May 2024, after which Council exhibited the draft deed for the planning agreement for a period of 28 days. Five public submissions were received, with all submissions supportive of the proposed planning agreement.

Following the exhibition period, staff became aware that Section 205 (3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires “a copy of the explanatory note must be exhibited with the copy of the proposed agreement, amendment or revocation when it is made publicly available in accordance with the Act”.

The matter was reported to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 26 August 2024, with Council resolving to:

a note the five (5) public submissions received during the public exhibition period of June 2024 for the draft planning agreement in relation to the Tolland Renewal Project development

b place the proposed Planning Agreement and Explanatory Note on public exhibition again for a period of 28 days

c receive a further report following the exhibition and submission period:

i addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed planning agreement and Explanatory Note; and

ii recommending to either enter into the proposed planning agreement or recommending to not enter into a proposed planning agreement

The draft planning agreement and explanatory note were placed on public exhibition for a further 28 days between 2 September 2024 and 30 September 2024, with no additional submissions received.

Financial Implications

The Section 7.11 contributions that would be required for the development are estimated to be $3.5 million (in 2023/24 dollars). Homes NSW has offered to enter into a planning agreement with a value of works totalling $7.1 million (in 2023/24 dollars). This means that the value of the infrastructure to be provided under the proposed planning agreement is significantly more than the Section 7.11 contributions required for the development.

As Section 7.11 contributions will not be collected in this instance, Council will not collect funds to be allocated to projects identified in the Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 -2034 (LICP). When the current LICP was developed, the Tolland area was expected to increase by only 5 lots. The Tolland Renewal Project increases the lots in the area by approximately 300, with significantly more contributions collected than anticipated by the current LICP.

Policy and Legislation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Sections 7.4 and 7.11 (formerly Sections 93F and 94)

Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, Part 9, Division 1, Section 205 (3)

Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

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

Ensure sustainable urban development

Risk Management Issues for Council

The draft deed for the proposed planning agreement includes clauses to manage the risks for Council and the developer alike during the implementation stage. As the developer in this case is the State Government the likelihood of the identified risks in the draft deed becoming an issue are considered low.

Internal / External Consultation

The draft planning agreement has been on public exhibition for a period of 28 days twice during 2024.

Attachments

1.	Wagga Wagga City Council and New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation Voluntary Planning Agreement - Provided under separate cover
2.	Explanatory Note of Voluntary Planning Agreement - Provided under separate cover

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

RP-3

RP-3 DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN - WAGGA WAGGA 2050 - PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Author: Christine Priest

General Manager: Peter Thompson

Summary:

This report provides details of the process in developing the draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) – Wagga Wagga 2050 and recommends the CSP be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Recommendation

That Council:

a place the draft Community Strategic Plan Wagga Wagga 2050 on public exhibition from Tuesday 11 February 2025 until Wednesday 12 March 2025 and invite public submissions during that period

b receive a further report following the public exhibition period:

i addressing any submission 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

Report

The draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP), Wagga Wagga 2050 has been developed through strong collaboration and engagement with the community.

The CSP is the highest-level plan for Council. The purpose of the CSP is to identify the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future and to plan strategies to achieving these goals (Integrated Planning & Reporting Guidelines. September 2021. p12)

In accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines, the minimum timeframe for a CSP is 10 years and it is required to address 4 key questions:

1. Where we are now?

2. Where do we want to be in 10 years’ time?

3. How will we get there?

4. How will we know we have arrived?

These questions help identify the community’s vision, aspirations and priorities and establish baseline targets, strategies, and measures to aid performance monitoring and reporting. (Integrated Planning & Reporting Handbook. September 2021. p18)

Through the engagement the importance of Wagga Wagga being a vibrant, growing and sustainable community and a regional leader were messages that came through strongly and have subsequently informed the vision.

The proposed vision as included in the draft CSP is shown below:

Wagga Wagga: a Vibrant, Growing and Sustainable Regional City.

Following these themes further, within the CSP 4 key strategic focus areas have been identified and form the basis of the draft document.

Vibrant	Wagga Wagga is a vibrant place to live, work and visit. We foster a thriving cultural, social, and recreational scene, where creativity, diversity and our rich cultural heritage are valued, and people feel safe and secure within our community.
Growing	Wagga Wagga is a progressive regional city with a strong economic future for our local government area and wider region. Wagga Wagga is the Southern Regional Capital of NSW.
Sustainable	We plan for future generations with a focus on sustainability. We protect the environment and embrace best practice as we move towards net zero emissions for the Community and Council.
Regional Leader	Wagga Wagga is a regional leader. We lead by example and set the standard for innovation, collaboration and resilience driving progress. Our approach is underpinned by good governance and planning.

The Local Government Act – section 402 outlines that Council must review the CSP before 30 June in the year following an ordinary election of Council. Therefore, following the local government election in September 2024 it means that the CSP must be adopted by Council by 30 June 2025.

As per the recommendation in this report it is proposed that the draft CSP ‘Wagga Wagga 2050’ be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 12 February 2025.

Financial Implications

Costs associated with the public exhibition are minimal and are covered under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Budget item.

Policy and Legislation

OLG Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework Guidelines

Local Government Act 1993 – section 402

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga

Ensure our community feels heard and understood

Risk Management Issues for Council

Significant community engagement has been undertaken and informed the development of the draft CSP. Not endorsing this document to be placed on public exhibition would have a negative impact on the perception of the community members who were involved in its development and may impact Council’s ability to meet legislative timelines.

Internal / External Consultation

Initial engagement

The draft CSP has been developed following a period of extensive community engagement spanning a period for over 12 months from October 2023.

The engagement was structured to move through 4 key stages:

The engagement campaign for Wagga Wagga 2050, had the call to action to ‘Help shape our future’ which was highly visible and effective within the community. Through the engagement process Council reached approximately 100,000 people in terms of informing them of the process and intent of the CSP.

Council heard from close to 2,500 members of our community who actively put forward a submission to help inform the draft CSP.

A summary of the engagement is detailed within the draft Community Strategic Plan Wagga Wagga 2050.

Information on the engagement is also available at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au.

The engagement methods that were used were varied and extensive as shown in the matrix below.

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Public Exhibition

Whilst the CSP is on public exhibition the community will have an opportunity to have further dialogue with Council and provide a submission.

Councillors will also be present at some engagement sessions providing a further opportunity for the community to interact with Council.

Submissions will be accepted online through Council’s haveyoursay page, via letters, emails or in person at one of the following engagements.

1. Business round table meeting: Wednesday 5 February 4pm-5pm

2. Wheelchair AFL Bolton Park Stadium near Oasis: Wednesday 12 February 6pm-7.30pm

3. Kooringal Mall: Thursday 13 February 4pm-6pm

4. Lake Village Shopping Centre: Saturday 15 February 8am-10am

5. Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides: Sunday 16 February 10am-11am.

6. Oasis Aquatic Centre: Tuesday 18 February 3.30pm-5.30pm

7. Humula Sports Club: Wednesday 19 February 5.30pm-6.30pm

8. Southcity Shopping Centre: Thursday 20 February 4pm-6pm

9. First Nations Engagement: Tuesday 25 February 10am-12pm

10. Uranquinty (outside café): Saturday 22 February 8am-10am

11. Estella Shopping Centre: Monday 24 February 3pm-5pm

12. Mangoplah Pub: Wednesday 26 February 5.30pm-6.30pm

13. Turvey Park Shopping Centre: Thursday 27 February 4pm-6pm

14. Northshore Café (North Wagga): Friday 28 February 10am-11am

15. Oura Hall (Progress Association Community Night): Friday 28 February 5.30pm-6.30pm

16. Tarcutta Park (BBQ): Tuesday 4 March 5.30pm-7pm

17. Currawarna Community Centre (BBQ): Thursday 6 March 5.30pm-7pm

18. Galore: Galore have again requested engagement via email

19. Collingullie: letterbox drop, and social media as discussed with progress association representative

20. Ladysmith engagement: date and time to be confirmed

Attachments

Draft Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan - Provided under separate cover

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

RP-5

RP-5 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - FOREST HILL COMMUNITY HALL

Author: Joshua Walsh

Executive: Fiona Piltz

Summary:

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

The report provides details on what plans are currently in place to construct a community hall, and funding sources available including any government grants.

Recommendation

That Council:

a approve proceeding with the development of a concept plan for the proposed Forest Hill Community Hall and Amenities building

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

Report

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 October 2024, a Notice of Motion was resolved:

That Council receive a report on the progress of constructing a Community Hall in Forest Hill, including but not limited to:

a plans (if any) that are currently in place to construct a community hall

b if plans haven't started, how do we start the process of replacing the community space that was demolished

c funding sources available including any government grants

This report is provided in accordance with the resolution and provides feedback on the project's next steps, following initial investigations and consultations.

Initial meetings have been held with the Forest Hill Neighbourhood Network. The group highlighted their following key needs for the proposed Community Hall:

· Indoor basketball court-sized space

· Individual meeting rooms

· Stage

· Kitchen

· Toilets

· Car parking

Additional discussions held with Housing NSW confirmed their interest in utilising the facility, while the Murra Mia Aboriginal Corporation and the Salvation Army have also expressed support for the project.

During the consultation staff also organised a site visit to the Glenfield Park Community Centre (GPCC) for the Forest Hill Neighbourhood Network as this facility contains features similar to those requested by the group. The group indicated that the GPCC court area, meeting room, toilets, and car parking at the facilities would be suitable and services the needs being proposed, however they noted a more functional kitchen would be required.

During the consultation, the Forest Hill community group provided initial concepts they developed proposing building the hall at the tennis court site. However, during the discussion it was identified a central location similar to that of the current amenities block may offer better accessibility and connectivity for all users of the surround facilities. It has also been identified that there may be an opportunity to upgrade the existing tennis courts to a multipurpose recreational space with reduced maintenance requirements compared to the existing dirt surface in the future. This project will be considered as a part of the revised Recreation Open Space and Community Strategy which is currently under review.

The Forest Hill Oval site currently has an amenities block situated in a central location between the sporting ovals. This block comprises two changerooms, a canteen, storage, and public toilets but is outdated and in need of substantial upgrades.

Previous consultation with Football Wagga has indicated their interest in utilising the facility, provided the existing sportsground amenities are upgraded. The current amenities are not suitable to support a club using the venue as a home ground.

Previous engineering advice obtained by Council staff concluded:

· The existing structure, including footings, walls (single skin), and roof, does not comply with current building standards.

· Refurbishment would require extensive strengthening works and repair of damaged sections, making replacement more feasible.

· The existing sewer and stormwater systems should be assessed for effectiveness.

Previous geotechnical investigations have also been conducted at the site which show layers of unsuitable fill and highly reactive clay, that will need to be considered in the design of any future building.

Given the condition of the existing amenities, it is proposed to begin a project that would see the demolition of the current amenities block and the construction of a new facility that combines upgraded sportsground amenities with the proposed Community Hall that services both the sporting precinct and broader community needs.

If approved, further consideration of the best location of the building would need to be undertaken in conjunction with stakeholders to determine the most suitable location while balancing environmental constraints, future development opportunities and accessibility for all users.

Council staff have obtained a quote of $13,650 from a building designer for the development of a concept plan. The scope of work includes:

· Initial meeting with Council representatives to clarify the scope of works

· On-site investigation and documentation of the existing building and site

· Preparation of concept plans, including:

o Scaled conceptual site, floor, elevation, and section plans

o Artist impressions/perspective views

· Presentation of the concept plan to Council representatives

· Incorporation of feedback and adjustments (one round of bulk changes)

· Approval of the concept plan

· Provision of a confidential cost estimate from local builders

Financial Implications

At present, there is no funding allocated to the Forest Hill community amenities planning design or construction. Within the adopted Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) Capital Works Program amenities upgrades are identified annually with closer years identified for a specific facility and later years identified as TBC so they can be allocated to a specific facility closer to the delivery date based on asset condition.

There is the opportunity to allocate future TBC funding to the Forest Hill project. The next available unallocated budget is 2031/32, totalling $326,553. This could be used to leverage additional grant funding which would be required for a project of this scale.

Council staff have obtained a quote of $13,650 from a building designer for the development of a concept plan. It is proposed that these funds be bought forward from the future funding to allow a concept design to be developed. This will result in a budget remaining in the 2031/32 financial year of $312,903, which will be used to leverage grant funding for the project to proceed.

Policy and Legislation

Recreation Open Space and Community Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Place and Identity

Objective: Our community are proud of where we live and our identity

Support and grow strong and resilient village and neighbourhood communities

Risk Management Issues for Council

The risks associated with implementing this project relate to process, cost, environmental, WHS and contractor performance. These risks are addressed as part of the Council’s project management and contractor performance management systems.

Internal / External Consultation

Council staff have held face-to-face consultations meetings with the Forest Hill community group and Housing NSW. Additional support for the project has been provided by Murra Mia Aboriginal Corporation and the Salvation Army.

Internal consultation has occurred with Council’s Facilities and Community team with both providing comment and support the concept of the project.

Pending the outcome of this report, additional internal and external consultations would be undertaken to ensure an appropriate design and outcome is developed.

Attachments

1 ⇩.	FHNN concepts 1
2 ⇩.	FHNN concepts 2
3 ⇩.	FHNN concepts 3
4 ⇩.	FHNN meeting minutes
5 ⇩.	Murra Murra support email

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 10 February 2025

RP-6

RP-6 QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

Author: Scott Gray

Summary:

This report is to respond to questions with notice raised by Councillors in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

Report

The following questions with notice were received prior to the meeting, in accordance with the Code of Meeting Practice.

Councillor Foley

1. What measurable safety improvements can be directly linked to the Community Safety Action Plan, and what data supports this?

2. Crime Prevention Committee:

Given the rising crime rates and growing community concerns, can the Council genuinely address these issues though two annual Community Safety Days, compared to re-establishing a dedicated Crime Prevention Committee-bringing together willing community participants, police, and experts in their fields-which has the potential to be more practically effective in developing strategies, securing funding, and delivering long-term safety improvements?

3. Strategic Crime Planning:

What strategic plans has the Council implemented to address recent increases in crime, and how do they align with measurable goals and community concerns?

4. Effectiveness of Community Safety Days:

How does the Council evaluate the effectiveness of two Community Safety Days, and how has feedback shown they adequately address the widely held community concerns about public safety, street crime, and related issues?

5. Budget for Crime Prevention:

What percentage of the Council’s budget is allocated to crime prevention, and what evidence shows these initiatives are working?

Question1

Community safety is about recognising the need for all sections of the community to work together to create a safer environment for people to work, live and travel. This means building partnerships between police, government agencies, local councils, community organisations, and individuals to promote and realise community safety for all.

Wagga Wagga City Council has a strong and positive working relationship with NSW Police, which is the lead agency for crime management in the community. Wagga Wagga City Council's role in community safety is across four key categories - Facilitate, Advocate, Deliver, Partner across three pillars detailed below.

Council recognises community services and support agencies that are already delivering programs designed to address community safety, so the priority and action items listed in the revised Community Safety Action Plan (CSAP) 2022-2026 strengthen the existing response and allow for future partnership initiatives.

Three main priority areas in the revised CSAP 2022-2026 are:

1) Safe Homes and Neighbourhoods

2) Safe and respectful relationships, and

3) Safer Cities

For Councillors’ awareness here is an update on measurable projects and programs that Council has recently undertaken that can be directly linked to the actions outlined in the CSAP:

Priority One | Safe homes + Neighbourhoods

Deliverable	Status	Highlights
1.1 Advocate for additional resources through grant funding opportunities to address community safety concerns for key community crime prevention stakeholders, particularly those impacting on children and young people	Ongoing	Council staff and the Mayor’s office regularly provide support letters for other lead agencies and organisations applying for funding and resources to address community safety. Council staff also administer the Wagga Youth Interagency Group meetings (bimonthly) and the Wagga Access Reference Group (monthly) meetings and participated in regular external groups meetings related to community health and wellbeing including the Wagga Community Drug Action Team, Youth Action Meetings, Wagga Aboriginal Interagency Group, Wagga Domestic Violence Liaison Committee, Triple H Forum (Housing, Humanitarian Services and Homelessness and Multicultural Interagency Network.
1.2 Provide infrastructure, development approvals and amenity upgrades in line with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Principles	Ongoing	Through planning assessments and where appropriate staff take into account CPTED principles as well as in project management for infrastructure e.g. the public toilet network across the LGA for lighting, security and passive surveillance. Staff work with Police and on their request to complete Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments which has occurred over the life of the plan across neighbourhoods.
1.3 Advocate for training opportunities in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training to key departments of Wagga Wagga City Council such as regional activation, town and social planning	Ongoing	Staff have completed Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training focused on planning and the built environment to create safer public spaces and neighbourhoods with further training scheduled for 2025 and continue to undertake CPTED assessments with Police in locations recording higher crime rates.
1.4 Wagga Wagga City Council to review and update a Graffiti Management Plan (GMP)	On track	The GMP is an internal sub plan of the Community Safety Action Plan and is an internal document as part of the staff delivery program. The GMP is publicly available online so that the community can understand the roles and responses that Council can provide in the management of Graffiti, alongside other useful community and other government information. The GMP is being updated for currency of information and will be updated on Council’s website for community information by 30 June 2025.

Priority Two | Safe + respectful relationships

Deliverable	Status	Highlights
2.1 Partner & Facilitate – Partner with Wagga Wagga Local Area Command to facilitate delivery of quarterly Community Safety Precinct meetings	Ongoing	Delivery of two-Family Community Safety Days in partnership with Wagga Local Area Command and emergency services agencies per calendar year. These events have been held at Riverside with strong attendance from the community providing an opportunity for residents to engage with Police, other emergency services organisations and Council staff to provide feedback and raise issues regarding community safety matters. Prior to these events was the community safety precinct meetings held at different sites however in consultation with Police these were replaced with the now held Family Community Safety Days to maximise engagement with the wider community. The CSAP 2022-2026 is available of n Council’s website and an enhanced webpage is being developed to enable easy-access use by community to be completed by March/April 2025. This platform will also list when the Family Community Safety Days are being held. The next one is scheduled for April 2025.
2.2 Partner with Wagga Wagga Local Area Command and Wiradjuri and First Nations Elders to deliver a Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee monthly	Ongoing	Council staff partnered with Wagga Police conduct regular Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee meetings. Previously these were held at Council’s Civic Centre and in recent times these are now administered by Police and held at the Police Station.
2.3 Partner with domestic violence related community organisations to acknowledge 16 Days of Activism (annually November to December) through delivery of events	Ongoing	Council annually supports the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre’s 16 Days of Activism vigil. Council staff have also presented community training opportunities including Gender and Disaster Preparedness funded by the Commonwealth government through the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 -2032 and Understanding and Reporting Hate Crimes with NSW Police and a series of DFV training session including topics such as Coercive Control training for frontline workers in November 2024 as part of the 16 Days of Activism.
2.4 Partner with Wagga Women's Health to provide educational workshops for schools, as an outcome of the DV2650 primary prevention project	Complete	These workshops are facilitated by the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre and funded through the DV2650 program and have been delivered.
2.5 Partner – Wagga Wagga City Council sit on local Domestic Violence Liaison Committee (DVLC)	Ongoing	Council’s Community Development Coordinator represents on the local DVLC and in partnership with the DVLC, Council led the coordination of a 12 month long community campaign No More Silence on Family and Domestic Violence which was launched as part of the 16 Days of Activism in November 2023 and due to the success of this campaign based on feedback and support from the DVLC this campaign continues in 2025 with the Mayor Clr Dallas Tout featured in this campaign along with seven local identities from the Wiradjuri community, Police, Health, Education and other sectors.
2.6 Partner – Wagga Wagga City Council to facilitate linkage between Wagga Women’s Health Centre and Wiradjuri Elders to organise a Domestic Violence focused First Nations consultative committee	Complete	Council has connected the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre with Mawang Gaway (Wagga Wagga based Aboriginal consultative group run by local Elders and Community members).

Priority Three | Safer cities

Deliverable	Status	Highlights
3.1 Partner & Facilitate – Wagga Wagga Local Area Command to facilitate delivery of monthly Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee meetings	Ongoing	As per 2.2 as this is a repeat for this priority area
3.2 Facilitate & Provide – the funding and running of the De-Tag program in the Wagga Wagga LGA in partnership with Department of Communities and Justice – Community Corrections	Ongoing	Council continues to partner with the Department of Communities and Justice – Community Corrections and this program currently continues to be funded.
3.3 Provide – Wagga City Council be the auspice of funds to run local Community Drug Action Team	Ongoing	Council continues to be the funding auspice and is an active partner in the Wagga CDAT annual programs.
3.4 Wagga Wagga City Council to plan and advocate for funding to use functional and or creative lighting treatments to enhance lighting across the city and improve safety in public spaces. Lighting to be prioritised to the high crime areas highlighted through hotspot mapping and in consultation with relevant stakeholders	Ongoing	Council teams actively investigate and apply for funding opportunities to develop and deliver functional and/or creative lighting treatments to enhance lighting across the city and improve safety in public spaces. For example the creative lighting treatment to the large Cypris Tree in the VMG a high use public space. Early in the plan street lighting upgrades was prioritised against mapping of crime areas. Council staff continue to apply for grant funding for creative and functional lighting upgrades. Staff are currently awaiting the outcome of a creative lighting treatment project application that has submitted in November 2024 to the NSW Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants – Arts and Culture
3.5 Wagga Wagga City Council to conduct regular Licensed Premises Reference Group meetings with Wagga Wagga Local Area Command representation. This is to ensure CPTED principles are considered for proposed developments involving licensed premises, proposing late night trading hours or events where alcohol is served	Ongoing	Staff attend regular Licensed Premises Reference Group meeting with Police to ensure CPTED principles are considered for proposed developments involving licensed premises, proposing late night trading hours or events where alcohol is served.
3.6 Partner and provide - Wagga Wagga City Council to review and update CCTV memorandum of understanding (MOU) in collaboration with Wagga Wagga Local Area Command	Ongoing	Memorandum of understanding is an agreement between WWCC and NSW Police that outlines the intentions and responsibilities for the management and ongoing use of the CCTV camera network and systems. Find the MOU here: https://wagga.nsw.gov.au/community/programs-and-initiatives/cctv Council manages and continues to invest and maintain a substantial security network across the city including CCTV cameras at 51 locations (total of 656 cameras which is added to each year, funding dependent), Alarm Systems at 47 locations and Security Lighting (Flood lights) at 36 locations Funded CCTV upgrades in the 24/25 FY at the Senior Citizens Centre and Ngurra Hub, Ashmont to ensure all Council owned Community Centres in the City are included in the CCTV camera monitoring network.
3.7 Council to include CPTED in any updates of the Development Control Plans across all four years.	Complete	As per 1.5 Guiding Principles #4 Quality Public Domain of the Wagga Wagga DCP - Section 1 – General: i. To achieve vibrant and attractive public spaces ii. To enhance opportunities for community connection iii. To design for crime prevention and public safety

Question 2

The response received back from the community on their experience of the Community Family Day events has been positive, with the impacts measured through the amount of community members engaging and reporting issues to the Police and other first responders along with Council staff who attend these events. Police have confirmed that they see the value in these informal community family safety events as another option open to the community as part of a broader strategy to regularly report their concerns or seek feedback on any matters relating to community safety in our community. In past Council elected terms, there were two iterations of a Crime Prevention Committee/Working group, however from 2022 Council determined that this was not the preferred method of engagement based on negligible impact as there are existing formal channels for reporting crime issues. At the same time Council adopted the revised Community Safety Plan, as discussed in Question 1. The other consideration for running such a committee/working group is the resourcing requirement to administer such a committee, along with the resource time that would be required for other agencies to also attend, on top of other existing interagency frameworks already actively in place.

It is important to note that the Family Community Safety Days is one activity amongst many community-based engagement and prevention program activities run throughout the year and having a range of initiatives reaches a range of community issues and contact points. In addition to this staff recently met with senior local area police to reconfirm the schedule of on ground engagements that occur regularly with the community on safety issues. Along with the Family Community Safety Days delivered in partnership with Council and other first responders, Police invest in a broad range of community engagement activities including the Coffee with a Cop, Shopping Centre pop up events, School engagement program, partnerships with PCYC case management program, participating in the local Elder Abuse Committee, delivery of quarterly Police Aboriginal Committee (PAC), engagement opportunities at the Ashmont, and SLAYS (Showcasing, learning about Youth Supports) Tolland and Kooringal Hubs, and the bi-monthly youth interagency.

Question 3

The Wagga Wagga Community Safety Action Plan (CSAP) 2022-2026 is a level two strategic document that guides Council with a framework of priorities and actions for a four-year period. It was written in line with Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2040.

Council staff have just completed a new draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2040 which has involved extensive community consultation and will be tabled for Council consideration to be placed on public exhibition. This plan includes community safety focus area based on community feedback. The CSAP 2022-2026 followed on from the success of its predecessor, the Crime Prevention Plan (CPP) 2017- 2021. The current CSAP 2022-2026 has a community safety focus, with the understanding that everyone has a role to play in keeping their community safe. The revised CSAP 2022-20026 was informed by both the community consultation findings and supported by research and data from multiple sources, including the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and localised crime data and statistics sourced from Police, as Council does not record any crime data. In terms of crime data back which informed the CSAP 2022-2026 Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) for the BOCSAR reporting period January 2020 to December 2020, the top five crime types by rate of incident were:

1. Malicious damage to property

2. Breach bail conditions

3. Break and enter dwelling

4. Harassment and threatening behaviour

5. Steal from motor vehicle

The 2021 community consultations that informed the 2022-2026 Community Safety Action Plan provided the following top five concerns:

1. Break and enter of homes

2. Domestic and family violence

3. Arson

4. Sale and use of illegal drugs

5. Alcohol related assault

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), trend data over the last two years shows an increase in Breach Apprehended Violence Order and Breach bail conditions. All other offences are either ‘stable’ or decreasing for the same period, for example: the two-year trend data up to September 2024 shows that there is a 16.5% decrease in break and enter dwelling offences in Wagga Wagga. The next publication of crime data BOCSAR will be released in March 2025.

Key considerations when measuring crime or analysing crime data were identified in a report that was tabled to the House of Representatives as follows: (Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, 2004 Inquiry into crime in the community: victims, offenders, and fear of crime, House of Representatives Committees,https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=laca/crimeinthecommunity/report.htm). Police continually encourage that community members actively report crime through the established crime reporting channels so accurate data can be collated and Police can prioritise response. Comparative Crime Data for Wagga Wagga as follows:

· Top five ranking crime types 2020 compared to 2024 (Important to note that there are slight changes in the numbers from previous years as alleged offenders are acquitted or charges dropped, charges re-categorised due to new information).

Oct 2020 – Sept 2021

1. Malicious Damage to property – 890

2. Intimidation, stalking and harassment – 535

3. Steal from motor vehicle – 516

4. Domestic Violence Related Assault - 508

5. Breach bail conditions – 478

Oct 2021 – Sept 2022

1. Malicious Damage to property – 757

2. Intimidation, stalking and harassment – 550

3. Steal from motor vehicle – 585

4. Breach bail conditions – 544

5. Domestic Violence Related Assault - 492

Oct 2022 – Sept 2023

1. Malicious Damage to property – 731

2. Intimidation, stalking and harassment – 601

3. Domestic violence related assault – 500

4. Breach bail conditions - 499

5. Non-domestic violence related assault - 449

Oct 2023 – Sept 2024

1. Malicious Damage to property – 753

2. Breach bail conditions - 824

3. Intimidation, stalking and harassment – 661

4. Domestic violence related assault – 540

5. Steal from motor vehicles – 433

This data is publicly available here:

https://bocsar.nsw.gov.au/statistics-dashboards/open-datasets/trend-data-files.html

Although domestic and family violence did not rank highly in the BOCSAR statistics as a high crime rate of incident, the Priority Two - Safe and Respectful Relationships (on page 31 of the revised draft CSAP 2022-2026), has a clear focus on continuing to see Council engage in and advocate for initiatives related to addressing this issue. There is also acknowledgement of the emerging understanding of coercive control as a sub-category of this crime type. It is important to note that Council is not a direct service provider as our community has state-funded local service providers contracted to lead and provide a range of domestic and family violence crisis and intervention support services. A report on this particular area was tabled to the Ordinary Council meeting on 25 March 2024.

The identified priority areas of the revised CSAP 2022-2026 are outlined in Question 1 however it is noted that this does not preclude staff from continuing to be involved or deliver other community safety initiatives, for example, through on-going programs and services like community safety audits, event activations, and outreach programs, which all contribute to community safety outcomes. For example:

· Delivery of the annual Back to School Party events that have occurred in Tolland and more recently in Kooringal, providing much needed access to education supplies, food relief, and safe introductions with local services, along with the delivery of the Tolland Community Clean Up Day with Homes NSW and a Youth Mental Health First Aid community training program in 2023/24.

· During Seniors Festival and Youth Week 2024, Council partnered with Anglicare Financial Counselling and Services NSW/Australia to host a series of workshops on financial literacy, which is a key barrier to escaping violence and assisting survivors to become independent

Question 4

The Family Community Safety Day events are evaluated through crowd counts, face-to-face engagement on the day, online feedback surveys, and de-briefing opportunities from first responders involved in the day. Feedback from Family Community Safety Days to date have been positive, with 94% of survey respondents stating that they would recommend the activity to others. As previously stated, the effectiveness of the Family Community Safety Days should be considered as part of a broader community engagement strategy that occurs to ensure community has multiple opportunities to have face to face contact with Police, other first responders, and Council staff, to discuss/report community safety issues.

Question 5

Council allocates financial support toward a range of projects and programs that support Council’s efforts to make inroads across the three main priority areas that are the focus of the CSAP 2022-2026, that include:

1) Safe Homes and Neighbourhoods

2) Safe and respectful relationships, and

3) Safer Cities

Council does not have a separated reportable community safety budget allocation, as Council delivers many services across all its areas of the organisation that considers community safety in its operations, including City Planning, Parks & Open Spaces, Recreation, Facilities and Asset Management, Infrastructure, IT, Media and Communications, Cultural and Community Development.

Staff continually apply for external funding to deliver projects and programs that contribute to community safety and to strengthen the cohesiveness and connectedness of our community, including funding for lighting treatments located in crime hot spots, community education programs on domestic and family violence, and youth and community development programs such as the recent event Kooringal Kicks and Tricks Youth and Family event, and License for Change youth driving skills project.

Councillor A Condron

Does Council have an Oasis Management Plan

The Oasis has a business plan which is updated annually through Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting process which incorporates KPI’s for visitations, memberships, and swim school enrolments. The 24/25 plan was developed following an extensive service review and a zero-based budgeting process that was undertaken during the 23/24 financial year. The Oasis also has an operational management plan and supporting documents that guide the operations and ensure that the facility meets established industry guidelines and best practice.

Onsite strategic facility development is guided by the Council adopted Bolton Park Masterplan which was developed following extensive community and stakeholder engagement in 2019.

Councillor G Davies

Would like an update on the zebra crossing outside of the new riverside playground area, when is this going to be repainted?

The installation approved for this location is a Shared Wombat Crossing, as resolved by Council at its meeting on 8 May 2023.

Council resolved at its meeting on 22 August 2022, to install two DDA-compliant (Disability Discrimination Act) Mobility Parking Spaces on the southern kerb of Johnston Street, east of the Church Street intersection.

These projects are not currently included in Council's works program for this financial year. Council will review the budget towards the end of the FY year to determine if funds can be allocated for completion within this financial year. If not, it will be scheduled for completion in the 2025/26 financial year.

Councillor J McKinnon

A Galore Resident has raised concerns regarding the state of Central Island Road near Old Man Creek. The road shoulder has collapsed in the last flood event and would council please advise of any planned attention as this is on a school bus route.

Council has completed road works for the flood restoration; however, the embankment restoration design is still in progress, with a likely commencement timeframe of April/May.

Councillor A Parkins

Can the Mayor and General Manager provide an update on what advocacy in the last 6 – 12 months on each of the 16 items listed in the advocacy. In particular, more recently there has been a lot of conversations about abortion services and that is at the top of our Advocacy plan. It would be interesting to know what has been done on behalf of Council.

There are a number of items within the plan that require further collation, so a response will be provided at the next Council Meeting.

Councillor L Tanner

Would like an update on the Community Representation on Committees

A report will be presented to Council at the next Ordinary Council Meeting recommending appointment of community and industry representatives to Council’s Advisory Committees and Panels.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga

Ensure our community feels heard and understood

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

Budget Summary (rounded to the nearest dollar where applicable)
Total Section 356 Contributions, Grants and Donations 2024/25 Budget allocation	$2,190,329
Total of Section 356 Contributions, Grants and Donations budget allocations approved during 2024/25 Operational Plan adoption*	($2,156,731)
Total of fee waivers approved to date this financial year	($1,310)
Revised Balance of Section 356 budget available for requests received during the 2024/25 financial year	$32,288
1) Rotary Shine Committee	($365)
Subtotal Fee Waivers included in this report proposed to be funded from the Section 356 Budget	($365)
Proposed Balance of Section 356 fee waiver financial assistance budget for the remainder of the 2024/25 Financial Year	$31,923