Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 23 February 2026

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 23 February 2026.

Present

The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

Councillor Georgie Davies

Councillor Allana Condron

Councillor Richard Foley

Councillor Jenny McKinnon

Councillor Amelia Parkins

Councillor Lindsay Tanner

In Attendance

General Manager (Mr P Thompson)

Director Community (Acting) (Ms C Hood)

Director Infrastructure Services (Mr H Pavitt)

Chief Financial Officer (Mrs C Rodney)

Chief Operating Officer (Mr S Gray)

Director Economy, Business & Workforce (Mrs F Piltz)

Executive Director Housing & Strategic Planning (Mrs F Hamilton)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance (Mr D Galloway)

Manager Development Assessment & Building

Certification (Mr C Collins)

Development Assessor – SKM Planning and Design (Mr K McNicol)

Corporate Governance Coordinator (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Coordinator (Mr M Casey)

Corporate Governance Officer (Ms K West)

PROCEDURAL MOTION - SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS

26/031 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That Council suspend standing orders to permit approved Public Forum speakers who were unable to be heard due to time constraints to present their Public Forum addresses, the time being 6.00pm.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

PROCEDURAL MOTION - REINSTATE STANDING ORDERS

26/032 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and L Tanner

That Council reinstate standing orders and continue with the Ordinary Council Meeting agenda, the time being 6.28pm.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

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.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - COUNCILLOR AUDIO-VISUAL ATTENDANCE

26/033 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and L Tanner

That Council approve the request from Councillor J McKinnon to attend the meeting by audio-visual link due to illness, in accordance with the provisions of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

APOLOGIES

No apologies were received.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Council noted that Leave of Absence was granted to Councillor K Subedi at the 15 December 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting for the period 10 February 2026 to 10 March 2026.

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 9 FEBRUARY 2026

26/034 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 9 February 2026 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
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
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 - 11 FEBRUARY 2026 the reason being that a family member has a sub-lease hangar at the Airport, and vacated the chamber during consideration of the matter.

Councillor R Foley declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOR-1 - NOTICE OF RESCISSION - DA25/0067 - MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, INCLUDING MONOPOLE AND COMPOUND the reason arising from prior internal correspondence with fellow Councillors regarding the potential relocation of the proposed telecommunications facility to the area adjacent to the Rural Fire Service shed at Norman Duck Oval and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor L Tanner declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 Development Application DA23/0598 - Livestock Processing Industry (Abattoir) - 2056 Oura Road, Oura the reason being that a volunteer who assisted with his local government election campaign resides in Oura, and remained in the chamber during consideration of the matter.

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 Development Application DA23/0598 - Livestock Processing Industry (Abattoir) - 2056 Oura Road, Oura the reason being that he is a resident of Oura, and vacated the chamber during consideration of the matter.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

26/035 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley 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-6 to RP-8 and CONF-1 to CONF-4 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
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

Notices of Motions of Rescission

NOR-1 NOTICE OF RESCISSION - DA25/0067 - MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, INCLUDING MONOPOLE AND COMPOUND

Councillor R Foley declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the Chamber the time being 6.35pm.

A Motion was moved by Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council:

a rescinds Resolution No. 26/019 from the 9 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, which reads as follows:

i That the Council refuse DA25/0067 ‘Mobile Telecommunications Facility, Including Monopole and Compound’ at Lot 2 DP 731292, 20 Kapooka Road, San Isidore for the following reasons. Issues have been raised about contamination of uncontaminated land by PFAS through stormwater flows. With knowledge that stormwater will be displaced by the structure it is not appropriate to approve the structure without the decision makers having the technical information that the environmental impact will be managed in a way that leads to approve the development. Unacceptable visual impact also forms part of the refusal.

b defer determination of DA25/0067 ‘Mobile Telecommunications Facility, Including Monopole and Compound’ at Lot 2 DP 731292, 20 Kapooka Road, San Isidore, pending a site inspection by available councillors.

An AMENDMENT was moved by Councillor A Parkins and seconded by Councillor J McKinnon

That Council:

a rescinds Resolution No. 26/019 from the 9 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, which reads as follows:

b approve DA25/0067 for a ‘Mobile Telecommunications Facility, Including Monopole and Compound’ at Lot 2 DP 731292, 20 Kapooka Road, San Isidore, subject to the conditions outlined in the s4.15 Assessment Report.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE AMENDMENT

For the Amendment	Against the Amendment
J McKinnon	D Tout
A Parkins	G Davies
	A Condron
	L Tanner

The AMENDMENT on being put to the meeting was LOST.

That Council:

a rescinds Resolution No. 26/019 from the 9 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, which reads as follows:

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
J McKinnon	D Tout
A Parkins	G Davies
	A Condron
	L Tanner

The MOTION on being put to the Meeting was LOST.

Councillor R Foley re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:08pm.

Reports from Staff

RP-1 Development Application DA23/0598 - Livestock Processing Industry (Abattoir) - 2056 Oura Road, Oura

The Mayor, Councillor D Tout, declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest, vacated the Chair and the chamber at 7.08pm, and did not return to the chamber for the remainder of the meeting.

Councillor G Davies assumed the Chair the time being 7:08pm.

26/036 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and R Foley

That Council approve DA23/0598 for a Livestock Processing Facility (Abattoir) at 2056 Oura Road, subject to;

a the conditions contained within the attached s4.15 Assessment Report; and

b the General Terms of Approval, including the livestock processing limit condition (Condition L6.1), as issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under Notice Number 1636833 dated 18 December 2024.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON DEVELOPMENT OR PLANNING MATTERS - SECTION 375A(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies	L Tanner
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins

RP-2 DA25/0488 - Multi dwelling housing (4 x 2 storey dwellings), 2 x swimming pools & community titled subdivision, Lot 69 DP 802097, 2 Neerim Close, Kooringal

26/037 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and A Parkins

That Council approve DA25/0488 for a ‘Multi dwelling housing (4 x 2 storey dwellings), 2 x swimming pools & community titled subdivision’ at Lot 69 DP 802097, 2 Neerim Close, Kooringal, subject to the conditions outlined in the attached s4.15 Assessment Report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON DEVELOPMENT OR PLANNING MATTERS - SECTION 375A(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

RP-3 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - WAGGA WAGGA - KUNMING SISTER CITY INDUSTRY COOPERATION & INVESTMENT DELEGATION - REQUEST FOR REPORT

26/038 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council:

a direct the General Manager to prepare a detailed package of goals and objectives to be achieved if a delegation to Kunming is pursued

b request the General Manager seek advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding foreign policy alignment, engagement protocols and any risks associated with a proposed delegation

c receive a further report at the second meeting in April outlining the outcomes of (a) and (b) and any implications for Council participation

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

RP-4 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 JANUARY 2026

26/039 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and A Parkins

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 approve the Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) for the quarter ending 31 December 2025

d 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

e note the details of the external investments as at 31 January 2026 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

f accept the grant funding offers as presented in this report

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

RP-5 GRANT FUNDING FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AT HUMULA

26/040 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and L Tanner

That Council:

a authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate to enter into a funding agreement with the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts to replace the Humula Bridge at Eight Mile Road

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

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

d write to the Hon Catherine King MP to thank her for the grant funding provided to Wagga Wagga City Council and extend an invitation to visit Wagga Wagga

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

RP-6 RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS

26/041 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council receive and note the following registers:

a Active Resolutions as of 6 February 2026

b Active Notice of Motions as of 6 February 2026

c Resolutions including Notice of Motions completed from 11 October 2025 to 6 February 2026

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-7 NSW ELECTORAL COMMISSION COUNT BACK PROCESS AND TIMEFRAME

26/042 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council:

a note the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Councillor Tim Koschel effective from 31 January 2026

b note the legislated process and NSW Electoral Commission timetable for the countback election to fill the casual vacancy

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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-8 SUBMISSION OF MOTIONS - 2026 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

26/043 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council submit the motions outlined in the report to the 2026 National General Assembly.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-9 QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

26/044 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and R Foley

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ELECTION OF CHAIR

26/045 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and A Condron

That the Council appoint Councillor R Foley as the Chair for M-1 - CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 11 FEBRUARY 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
G Davies
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

Committee Minutes

M-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 11 FEBRUARY 2026

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7:46pm.

26/046 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors L Tanner and A Condron

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Wagga Airport Special Purpose Committee meeting held on 11 February 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
A Condron
R Foley
J McKinnon
A Parkins
L Tanner

Councillor G Davies re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:47pm.

Confidential Reports

CONF-1 MAJOR EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND FILMS SPONSORSHIP ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERSHIP

26/047 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council appoint two industry representatives to the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Advisory Panel as contained in this report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-2 PROPOSED WRITE OFF OF UNCOLLECTABLE RATES

26/048 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council authorise in accordance with Clause 131 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 the write off of $75,200.22 in total for four (4) rates & charges debts deemed not cost effective to recover, as detailed in this confidential report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-3 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION REPORTS - NSW FIRE COMMISSIONER

26/049 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council:

a receive two (2) reports and recommendations dated 20 November and 19 December 2025 from the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, in accordance with Schedule 5, Part 8, Section 17 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

b note a further report will be provided at the Council meeting of 9 March 2026 including a recommendation as to whether Council should exercise its statutory duty to issue fire safety orders

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-4 REQUEST TO WAIVE RATES AND CHARGES

26/050 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and L Tanner

That Council:

a authorise in accordance with Clause 131 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 the write off of $83,746.27 in rates and charges, as detailed in this confidential report

b include the annual 50% fee waiver of rates in future Delivery Programs

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7.50pm.

…………………………………………………..

MAYOR