Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 19 January 2026.

 

 

Present

The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

Councillor Georgie Davies

Councillor Richard Foley

Councillor Tim Koschel

Councillor Jenny McKinnon

Councillor Karissa Subedi

Councillor Lindsay Tanner

In Attendance

General Manager                                                                    (Mr P Thompson)

Director Community (Acting)                                                 (Mrs C Hood)

Director Infrastructure Services (Acting)                             (Mr R Graham)

Chief Financial Officer                                                           (Mrs C Rodney)

Chief Operating Officer                                                          (Mr S Gray)

Executive Director Housing & Strategic Planning             (Mrs F Hamilton)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance             (Mr D Galloway)

Property Coordinator                                                              (Mr M Dombrovski)

Economic Development Officer                                            (Mrs S Hanrahan)

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.

 

Welcome to Country

Respected Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Mary Atkinson performed the Welcome to Country.

 

 

Acknowledgement Of Country

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

 

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

REFLECTION

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

APOLOGIES

An apology for non-attendance was received and accepted for Director Economy, Business & Workforce, Mrs F Piltz and Director Infrastructure, Mr H Pavitt on the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and Councillor L Tanner.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Council noted that leave of absence was granted to Councillor A Condron at the 17 November 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting and Councillor A Parkins at the 15 December 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 11 DECEMBER 2025

 

26/001       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and G Davies

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 11 December 2025 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

 

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

CM-2         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 15 DECEMBER 2025

 

26/002       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and R Foley

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15 December 2025 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in M-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 17 DECEMBER 2025 the reason being that a family member has a sub-lease on a hangar at the airport and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - BANKING AND POSTAL SERVICES IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA the reason being that he works in the finance industry and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-2 NOTICE OF MOTION - REQUEST FOR REPORT: TARGETED REVIEW OF MOBILE FOOD VENDOR POLICY (POL 062) the reason being that he has family members that work in the retail food industry and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor T Koschel declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 the reason being that he works in the finance industry, and his workplace is named in this report and remained in the chamber the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor K Subedi declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-2 NOTICE OF MOTION - REQUEST FOR REPORT: TARGETED REVIEW OF MOBILE FOOD VENDOR POLICY (POL 062) the reason being that she has a family member who operates a catering business and a cafe in Wagga Wagga. The type of business does not directly affect a review of the mobile food vendor policy and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

26/003       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and J McKinnon

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 CR-1 and RP-2 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1      NOTICE OF MOTION - BANKING AND POSTAL SERVICES IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6:41pm.

26/004       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon  

That Council:

a       note the ongoing closure of regional bank branches across Australia and the growing pressure this place on already-stretched post offices which are also facing closure or downgrading of services

b       acknowledge the findings of the 2023–24 Senate Inquiry into Bank Closures in Regional Australia, which recommended that access to banking and cash be designated as an essential service and that the Federal Government investigate the feasibility of a government-owned bank operating through post offices

c       recognise the significant and predictable negative impacts these closures have on regional communities, small businesses, older residents, and local economies reliant on reliable access to cash and essential services

d       write to the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, and the Minister for Communications requesting an urgent response to the Senate Inquiry report, commitment to its recommendations, and the commissioning of an expert panel to investigate the establishment of a government post office bank

e       provide copies of this resolution to the Member for Riverina and the Member for Farrer seeking their support for immediate Federal action

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

L Tanner

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

NOM-2      NOTICE OF MOTION - REQUEST FOR REPORT: TARGETED REVIEW OF MOBILE FOOD VENDOR POLICY (POL 062)

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and remained vacated from the chamber.

26/005       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and G Davies

That Council:

a       note the Mobile Food Vendor Trading in Public Places (Parks and Reserves) Policy has local approvals provisions and that Council has the authority and responsibility to ensure its policies remain contemporary, proportionate, and evidence-based

b       note that the current policy contains fixed caps, blanket exclusion distances, and prescriptive controls that limit activation of public spaces and restrict participation by mobile food vendors without demonstrated evidence of benefit

c       acknowledge that a modern, outcomes-based approach to mobile food vending can:

i         activate parks, reserves, and public spaces, particularly outside standard business hours

ii        provide low-barrier business opportunities that support small operators and reduce reliance on high-rent commercial premises; and

iii       improve public safety and amenity through increased legitimate use and passive surveillance.

d       affirm that any revised policy must:

i         continue to meet approval, safety, and amenity requirements

ii        protect Council from undue financial and legal risk; and

iii       be cost-neutral or revenue-positive through appropriate fees, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms.

e       request the General Manager to prepare a report within six (6) months that:

i         replaces fixed permit caps and blanket exclusion rules with evidence-based, location- and time-specific controls

ii        introduces trial and temporary approvals to test activation outcomes without long-term commitment or increased risk

iii       improves transparency and consistency in assessment, renewal, and enforcement processes; and

iv      ensures the policy continues to operate effectively as a Local Approvals Policy

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

Councillor T Koschel re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:04pm.

Councillor Report

CR-1          COUNCILLOR REPORT - LGNSW WATER MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2025

 

26/006       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and J McKinnon

That Council receive and note the report on attendance to the 2025 LGNSW Water Management Conference.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1          FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

 

26/007       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That Council:

a       approve the proposed budget variations and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report

b       approve the proposed budget variations to the 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 December 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

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

 

RP-2          REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356

 

26/008       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and J McKinnon

That Council:

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

i         Wagga Wagga Aboriginal Education Consultative Group – AECG Meeting for $400.00

ii        Army 125th Birthday Community Event for $290.00

b       note the proposed budget available for financial assistance requests for the remainder of the 2025/26 financial year

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

RP-3          QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

 

26/009       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and J McKinnon

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

Committee Minutes

M-1            CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 17 DECEMBER 2025

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

26/010       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and J McKinnon

That Council:

a       receive and note the minutes of the Wagga Airport Special Purpose Committee meeting held on 17 December 2025

b       adopt the amended Terms of Reference for the Wagga Airport Special Purpose Committee

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

Councillor G Davies re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:13pm.

 

closed COUNCIL

26/011       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 7.13pm.

CARRIED

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


 

Confidential Reports

 

CONF-1    LAND ACQUISITION

 

26/012       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That Council:

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

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

c       agree in principle, on finalisation of the acquisition, to classify the land described as Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 1143881 and identified as 216 Ashfords Road, Gregadoo as operational land in accordance with section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993

d       authorise the General Manager or delegate to place the proposed resolution 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 proposed classification

f        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

G Davies

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

Reversion to open COUNCIL

26/013       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 7.23pm.

CARRIED

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

T Koschel

 

K Subedi

 

L Tanner

 

 

 

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7.35pm.

 

 

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                                      MAYOR