Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 1 December 2025.

 

 

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

General Manager                                                                    (Mr P Thompson)

Director Community                                                               (Ms J Summerhayes)

Director Infrastructure Services                                            (Mr H Pavitt)

Director City Engineering                                                      (Mr W Faulkner)

Chief Financial Officer                                                           (Mrs C Rodney)

Chief Operating Officer                                                          (Mr S Gray)

Director Economy, Business & Workforce                          (Mrs F Piltz)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance             (Mr D Galloway)

Manager Community Services                                             (Ms M Scully)

Cultural Officer                                                                        (Ms L Reynolds)

Library Services Manager                                                      (Ms C Bolton)

Destination & Events Coordinator                                        (Mr C Farquharson)

Corporate Governance Coordinator                                    (Mrs N Johnson)

Corporate 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

No apologies were received.

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 17 NOVEMBER 2025

 

25/378       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and G Davies

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 17 November 2025 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that her current employer has an affiliation with one of the persons mentioned in the report and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor G Davies declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that she is employed by the same organisation as one of the applicants and remained in the Chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-5 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that a family member has a sub-lease on a hangar at the Wagga Wagga Airport and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor T Koschel declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being he attended a conference with one of the applicants named in report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 REQUEST FOR ONGOING FEE WAIVER the reason being that in the list of 71 organisations noted in the recommendation several of the recipients are sponsored by his family’s business and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor L Tanner declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-5 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that numerous applicants are known to him from prior professional relationships having worked at the airport for many years and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that he is on a Board with one of the applicants named in the report and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Director Community, Ms J Summerhayes declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS the reason being that she is known to one of the applicants named in the report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

 

Chief Executive Officer, Mr S Gray declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 REQUEST FOR ONGOING FEE WAIVER the reason being he is the President of Wagga Basketball who hold a council licence and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 


 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

25/379       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-2, CONF-1 to CONF-3 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

PUBLIC DISCUSSION FORUM

RP-3     Visitor Information Centre Location

·           Mr Dennis Blackett - Speaking against the recommendation

 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE STANDING ORDERS

 

25/380       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and L Tanner

That Council move forward consideration of RP-3 Visitor Information Centre Location to follow the public discussion forum.

CARRIED

 

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

Reports from Staff

RP-3          Visitor Information Centre Location

 

25/381       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council defer consideration of RP-3 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE LOCATION, pending further discussions about solutions.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

 

RP-1          NORTH WAGGA LEVEE GRANT FUNDING

 

25/382       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and T Koschel

That Council:

a       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate to enter into a funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority for $9,100,775 of grant funding for the DRF3-0077 North Wagga Wagga 5% AEP Levee Construction & Third-Party Impact Mitigation Project

b       approve the budget variations as detailed in the financial implications section of this report

c       authorise the affixing of Council’s Seal to all relevant documents as required

d       ​write to the Minister for Recovery and Small Business, The Hon. Janelle Saffin MP, thanking her for the grant and inviting her to visit Wagga Wagga for a sod turn or other appropriate milestone in the project​ 

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

 

RP-2          PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN COUNCIL AND THE RIVERINA WATER COUNTY COUNCIL

 

25/383       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       endorse the attached draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Wagga Wagga City Council and the Riverina Water County Council

b       delegate authority to the Mayor to sign the MOU on behalf of Council

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

RP-3 Visitor Information Centre Location was moved forward to follow the public discussion forum.

 

 

RP-4          Request for ongoing Fee Waiver

Councillor T Koschel and Chief Operating Officer, Mr S Gray declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6:19pm.

 

A Motion was moved by Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

 

That Council:

a       note that Council currently provides an annual subsidy of more than $1.8M to Community Groups through the provision of Community Licence arrangements at heavily discounted rates

b       approve a one-off waiver of the Community Licence fee for Demonstration Gardens Wagga Wagga for the 2025/26 financial year

c        have further discussions regarding Community Licence fee arrangements, subsidies and any future waiver considerations as part of the 2026/27 budget process

 

An AMENDMENT was moved by Councillor L Tanner and seconded by Councillor R Foley

 

That Council:

a       note that Council currently provides an annual subsidy of more than $1.8M to Community Groups through the provision of Community Licence arrangements at heavily discounted rates

b       defer a decision on the one-off waiver of the Community Licence fee for Demonstration Gardens Wagga Wagga for the 2025/26 financial year

c        review the community licence subsidies discussions regarding Community Licence fee, subsidies and any future waiver considerations by March 2026 prior to the 2026/27 budget process

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE AMENDMENT

For the Amendment

Against the Amendment

D Tout

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

The AMENDMENT on being put to the meeting was CARRIED and became the MOTION.

25/384       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley  

That Council:

a       note that Council currently provides an annual subsidy of more than $1.8M to Community Groups through the provision of Community Licence arrangements at heavily discounted rates

b       defer a decision on the one-off waiver of the Community Licence fee for Demonstration Gardens Wagga Wagga for the 2025/26 financial year

c       review the community licence subsidies discussions regarding Community Licence fee, subsidies and any future waiver considerations by March 2026 prior to the 2026/27 budget process

CARRIED

 


 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Councillor T Koschel and Mr S Gray re-entered the chamber, the time being 6:50pm.

 

RP-5          RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR TIM KOSCHEL

 

25/385       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and R Foley

That Council:

a       note the resignation of Councillor Tim Koschel, effective from 31 January 2026

b       acknowledge the significant contribution made and express appreciation for Councillor Koschel’s dedicated service to the City of Wagga Wagga, including his role as Chairperson of Riverina Water County Council and his contribution across three Council terms

c       note the process for filling the casual vacancy created by this resignation in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, including the use of the countback method resolved by Council on 14 October 2024

d       note that Councillor Koschel’s resignation will create a vacancy in Council’s representation on Riverina Water County Council and that Council will determine a replacement representative following the completion of the countback process and appointment of a new councillor

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

RP-6          CODE OF CONDUCT STATISTICS

 

25/386       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley 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

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

RP-7          QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

 

25/387       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

 

closed COUNCIL

25/388       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and L Tanner  

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 7:01pm.

CARRIED

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

 

 

 

Confidential Reports

CONF-1    RFT CT2026021 LAKE ALBERT PIPELINE - SUPPLY OF PIPES

 

25/389       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       accept option B and the tender of Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 56 079 613 308) for the Supply of Pipes for the Lake Albert Pipeline project

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter a Contract with Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 56 079 613 308) for the Supply of Pipes for the Lake Albert Pipeline project for the lump sum price of $643,365.88 excluding GST

c       authorise the affixing of Council’s Common Seal to all relevant documents as required

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

 

CONF-2    Request to write off Sewer Non-Residential Charges

 

25/390       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council

a       write off sewer charges of $1,900.22  for the property outlined in this report

b       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

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

CONF-3    COMMISSIONING OF CREATIVE LIGHTING PUBLIC ARTWORK - WOLLUNDRY AMPHITHEATRE LIGHTING

 

25/391       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and L Tanner

That Council:

a       accept the recommendation of the Public Art Advisory Panel (PAAP) to commission artist Cruickshank Design Studio for the Creative Light Spaces 2025/26 commission

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a contract with recommended artist Cruickshank Design Studio for the Creative Light Spaces 2025/26 commission

CARRIED

 


 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

CONF-4    APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:03pm.

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the Chair and the chamber, the time being 7:03pm.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor G Davies assumed the Chair, the time being 7:03pm.

25/392       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins  

That Council appoint community representatives to the Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail Steering Committee as contained in this report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

G Davies

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor G Davies vacated the Chair, the time being 7:07pm.

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout and Councillor A Condron re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:07pm.

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout assumed the Chair, the time being 7:07pm.

 

CONF-5    APPOINTMENT OF WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:07pm and did not return to the Chamber.

25/393       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and L Tanner

That Council appoint community representatives to the Wagga Wagga Airport Special Purpose Committee as contained in this report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

L Tanner

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

 

Reversion to open COUNCIL

25/394       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That this meeting of the Closed Council revert to an open meeting of the Council, the time being 7:10pm.

CARRIED

 

 

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7:12pm.

 

 

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                                      MAYOR