Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 24 February 2025.

Present

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

General Manager                                                                    (Mr P Thompson)

Director Community                                                               (Ms J Summerhayes)

Director Infrastructure Services (Acting)                             (Mr H Pavitt)

Director City Engineering                                                      (Mr W Faulkner)

Director Regional Activation                                                 (Mr J Sidgwick)

Director Economy, Business & Workforce (Acting)           (Mrs F Piltz)

Chief Financial Officer                                                           (Mrs C Rodney)

Chief Operating Officer                                                          (Mr S Gray)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance             (Mr D Galloway)

Manager Community Services                                             (Ms M Scully)

Economic Development Officer                                            (Mrs S Hanrahan)

Property Coordinator                                                              (Mr M Dombrovski)

Manager City Growth & Regional Assets                           (Mr B Creighton)

Corporate Governance Coordinator                                    (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Officer                             (Mrs M Oldaker)

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

No apologies were received.

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 10 FEBRUARY 2025

25/032/      RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and L Tanner

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 10 February 2025 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 GREGADOO ROAD CORRIDOR STRATEGY the reason being that she has a relationship with one of the land owners in the area and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor A Condron declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 2023/24 REGIONAL DROUGHT RESILIENCE PLANNING PROGRAM - ROUND 2 the reason being that she works for an agricultural dealership and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF EASEMENT OVER CROWN LAND - LOT 467 DP 823317 the reason being that she lives in close proximity to the acquisition and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor A Condron declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-6  ORGANISATION STRUCTURE the reason being that she has an immediate family member who is a Council employee and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor G Davies declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-1 APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PANEL MEMBERS the reason being a member of her 'Getting It Done' Council election group applied for a position on a committee and remained in the chamber during its consideration as she was not on the selection panel.

Councillor R Foley declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL the reason being that he is a candidate for the upcoming federal election and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor J McKinnon declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL the reason being that she lives in the vicinity of the railway, however not close enough to be affected by noise and vibration and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor A Parkins declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 2023/24 REGIONAL DROUGHT RESILIENCE PLANNING PROGRAM - ROUND 2 the reason being that she works for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly Department of Regional NSW) who are the funding body referred to in the report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor K Subedi declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-1 APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PANEL MEMBERS the reason she knows someone who applied and remained in the chamber during its consideration as she was not on the selection panel.

Councillor L Tanner declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary in NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL the reason being a he is a Director of Transport for NSW  and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor T Koschel declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025 the reason being that he works for a financial institution and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-5 RFT CT2025037 Northern Growth Area the reason being he has a family member with a business in the area and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

25/033       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

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-2 to RP-6, M-1, CONF-1, CONF-2 and CONF-6 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

PUBLIC DISCUSSION FORUM

Councillor R Foley declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber the time being 6:08pm.

NOM-1 - NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL

· Mr Luke Grealy - Speaking in Favour of the Report

· Mr Chris Roche - (Wagga Residents & Ratepayers Association) - Speaking in favour of the report

Councillor R Foley re-entered the chamber the time being 6:25pm.

RP-7   QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

· Dr Vickie Burkinshaw (Purple Pyjamas) - Speaking in favour of the report

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE STANDING ORDERS

25/034       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and J McKinnon

That Council move forward consideration of the following reports to follow the Public Discussion Forum:

· NOM-1 - NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL

· RP-7 - QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1      NOTICE OF MOTION - INLAND RAIL

Councillor R Foley declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber the time being 6:31pm.

25/035       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council:

a write to the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government within the next 21 days, and instruct that the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and the NSW Government will:

i appoint an expert to identify a suitable easement for a rail bypass of the City of Wagga Wagga, and ensure this easement is appropriately preserved and utilised

ii provide grade separation at the Bourke and Docker Street level crossing

iii install elevators at pedestrian bridge upgrades to ensure access by all members of our community; and

iv conduct a Road Safety Audit following delivery of the project, with ARTC liable to fully address any deficiencies identified by the audit at their cost

b write to all candidates in the upcoming Federal election seeking their commitment to improving the impacts of the Inland Rail project on Wagga Wagga via a commitment to item (a)

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor R Foley re-entered the chamber the time being 6:58pm.

Reports from Staff

RP-7          QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

25/036       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reports from Staff

RP-1          GREGADOO ROAD CORRIDOR STRATEGY

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:12pm.

25/037       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and G Davies

That Council:

a       endorse the amendments to TT7 “Gregadoo Road Corridor” in the 2019-2034 Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan as outlined in the body of this report

b       endorse that the section of Gregadoo Road between Plumpton Road and Main Street be constructed to urban standards (kerb & gutter – 13m wide between kerbs comprising of 2 x 3.5m travel lanes + 2 x 3.0m parking lanes) in any future upgrade of the road and/or intersections

c       endorse that the section of Gregadoo Road between Main Street and Mitchell Road be constructed to rural standards (11m formation comprising of 2 x 3.5m travel lanes + 2 x 2.0m sealed shoulders) in any future upgrade of the road and/or intersections

d       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to place the draft amendment to the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and invite public submissions

e       receive a further report following the exhibition and submission period addressing any submission made in respect of the draft document

f        note that a further report will be provided regarding land acquisitions required to enable implementation of items (a), (b) and (c) above following consultation with land owners along Gregadoo Road

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor A Condron re-entered the chamber the time being 7:14pm.

RP-2          REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356

25/038       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, provide financial assistance to the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc (AECG) for this calendar year for $742.50

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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-3          FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025

25/039       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       approve the proposed 2024/25 budget variations for the month ended 31 January 2025 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 January 2025 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
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner
D Tout

RP-4          2023/24 REGIONAL DROUGHT RESILIENCE PLANNING PROGRAM - ROUND 2

25/040       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       place the Regional Drought Resilience Plan and associated documents on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 26 Feb 2025 to 26 March 2025 and invite submissions until 21 March 2025 on the document

b       receive a further report following the public exhibition and submission period:

i         addressing any submission made in respect of the Regional Drought Resilience Plan

ii        proposing adoption of the Regional Drought Resilience 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
A Condron
G Davies
R Foley
T Koschel
J McKinnon
A Parkins
K Subedi
L Tanner
D Tout

RP-5          OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - 1 JULY 2024 TO 31 DECEMBER 2024

25/041       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council receive and note the Operational Performance Report for the period 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-6          DRAFT Submission to Model Meeting Code Amendments

25/042       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council endorses the draft submission to the Office of Local Government’s Model Meeting Code amendments.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-7 Questions with Notice was moved forward to follow the public discussion forum.

Committee Minutes

M-1            LOCAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES - 23 JANUARY 2025

25/043       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       receive the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 23 January 2025

b       approve the installation of pedestrian refuges and associated regulatory signs and line marking either side of the Fernleigh Road intersection on Mitchelmore Street in accordance with Council Plan Registration C2169 Sheet Number 003 Issue C dated 15 January 2025

c       approve the installation of signs and line marking at the Mill Street Hampden Avenue Intersection as shown on Council Plan Registration C2253 Sheet Number 001 Issue 2 drawn 21 January 2025

d       approve the Signage and Line Marking at the Cootamundra Boulevarde/ Avocet Drive / Pine Gully Road Roundabout as per Council Plan Registration C2288 Sheet Number 018 Issue 3 dated 13 January 2025

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

closed COUNCIL

25/044       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillor J McKinnon and G Davies

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 7:14pm.

CARRIED

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

Confidential Reports

CONF-1    APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PANEL MEMBERS

25/045       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council appoint community representatives to the following committees as contained in this report:

· Australia Day Community Committee

· Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee 

· Museum of the Riverina Community Advisory Committee

· Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Advisory Panel

· Public Art Advisory Panel

· Sporting Hall of Fame Panel

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-2    2024-26 GISSING OVAL AMENITIES UPGRADE

25/046       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council:

a       accept the negotiated offer of PCR Building Services PTY Ltd (ABN 99 114 293 677) for upgrade of the amenities at Gissing Oval for the lump sum of $909,216.84

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a contract with PCR Building Services PTY Ltd (ABN 99 114 293 677) for upgrade of the amenities at Gissing Oval

c       authorise the affixing of Council’s Common Seal to all documents that may be required

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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-3    ROAD DISPUTE - ACCESS BETWEEN YABTREE ROAD AND STURT HIGHWAY

25/047       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council:

a       note the history of this matter 

b       authorise the General Manager or delegate to write to the relevant parties confirming that Council will not exercise its compulsory acquisition powers to acquire the track in use and recommending that parties seek independent legal advice as to their further options

c       direct the General Manager to work with the parties and endeavour to reach a solution

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-4    PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF EASEMENT OVER CROWN LAND - LOT 467 DP 823317

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:28pm.

25/048       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That Council:

a       proceed with the compulsory acquisition of easement(s) over the land described as Lot 467 DP 823317 in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991

b       make application to the Minister and the Governor for approval to acquire easement(s) over Lot 467 DP 823317 by compulsory process pursuant to Section 186 of the Local Government Act 1993

c       pay compensation to all interest holders entitled to compensation by virtue of the compulsory acquisition on the terms set out in the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991

d       agree that all minerals are exempt from the acquisition of the easement(s)

e       delegate authority to the General Manager or their delegate to take each further step necessary to obtain approval from the Minister, the Governor or any public authority as may be necessary, and take all actions as may be necessary, to give notices and otherwise carry out the acquisition by means of compulsory acquisition

f        following receipt of the Governors approval, give effect to the acquisition by publication of an Acquisition Notice in the NSW Government Gazette and such other publication as may be required by law

g       if required, authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into an access and construction licence over Lot 467 DP 823317 pending the finalisation of the acquisition process

h       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate and enter into a Deed with Alatalo Bros or nominated entity in relation to the acquisition of easement(s) over the land described as Lot 467 DP 823317 as set out in this report

i         authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal to all necessary documents as required to give effect to this resolution

j         approve the budget variations as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor A Condron re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:30pm.

CONF-5    RFT CT2025037 Northern Growth Area

Councillor T Koschel declared a Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:36pm.

25/049       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and L Tanner

That Council:

a       accept the tender of App Corporation Pty Limited (ABN 29 003 764 770) t/a The APP Group for the Northern Growth Area Technical Studies and Updated Structure Plan for the lump sum of $872,944.00 excluding GST

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a Contract with App Corporation Pty Ltd (ABN 29 003 764 770) for the Northern Growth Area Technical Studies and Updated Structure Plan

c       authorise the affixing of Council’s Common Seal to all documents that may be required

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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-6    ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

25/050       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council endorse the organisation structure changes and recommendations outlined in the report distributed under separate cover.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reversion to open COUNCIL

25/051       RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and L Tanner

That this meeting of the Closed Council revert to an open meeting of the Council, the time being 7:38pm.

CARRIED

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7:40pm.

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                                      MAYOR