Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 11 May 2026.

 

 

Present

Councillor Georgie Davies

Councillor Allana Condron

Councillor Richard Foley

Councillor Michael Henderson

Councillor Jenny McKinnon

Councillor Amelia Parkins

Councillor Karissa Subedi

In Attendance

General Manager                                                         (Mr P Thompson)

Director Community & Environment                               (Mrs C Priest)

Director Infrastructure Services                                     (Mr H Pavitt)

Director Planning & Regulatory Services                       (Ms J Costa)

Chief Financial Officer                                                  (Mrs C Rodney)

Chief Operating Officer                                                (Mr S Gray)

Manager Development Assessment & Building

Certification                                                                 (Mr C Collins)

Senior Town Planner                                                    (Ms V Rice)

Manager Plant, Fleet & Buildings                                  (Mr D Davey)

Corporate Governance Coordinator                              (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Officer                        (Ms L Magrath)

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

Apologies for non-attendance were received and accepted from The Mayor, Councillor D Tout, and the Director Economy, Business & Workforce, Mrs F Piltz, on the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins.

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

 

26/124      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Condron and M Henderson

That Council grant leave of absence to Councillor L Tanner for 11 May 2026 and Councillor A Parkins for 9 June 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1        CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 13 APRIL 2026

 

26/125      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and R Foley

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 13 April 2026 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 DA25/0458 - GARAGE AND SECONDARY DWELLING ABOVE - LOT 2 DP 18092 - 134 FORSYTH STREET, WAGGA WAGGA the reason being that she owns property in close proximity to the proposed development and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 RFT CT2026044 WHEEL LOADER GWMC the reason being that she has a relationship with a business mentioned in the report and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 2026/27 AIRPORT FEES & CHARGES ADOPTION 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 G Davies declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in M-2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 22 APRIL 2026 the reason being that the reason being that a family member has a sub-lease hangar at the Airport and remained in the chamber during consideration of the matter.

 

Councillor M Henderson declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 RFT CT2026044 WHEEL LOADER GWMC the reason being that a close family member works for one of the companies that submitted a tender and vacated the chamber during consideration of the matter.

 

Councillor J McKinnon declared a Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 RFT CT2026044 WHEEL LOADER GWMC, the reason being that a close relative works for one of the tenderers, and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Director Community & Environment, Mrs C Priest, declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 DA25/0458 - GARAGE AND SECONDARY DWELLING ABOVE - LOT 2 DP 18092 - 134 FORSYTH STREET, WAGGA WAGGA the reason being that she has family members living in the vicinity of the development, she remained in the chamber during consideration of the matter.

 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

26/126      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

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, RP-2, RP-4, M-1 to M-3, CONF-1, CONF-3 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1     NOTICE OF MOTION - BURRINJUCK DAM AUGMENTATION FEASIBILITY STUDY

A Motion was moved by Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

 

That Council:

a      endorses the submission to the Australian Government titled ‘Rebuild Burrinjuck Dam to 4,000 Gigalitres

b      writes to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water, the NSW Minister for Water and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Water Grid Authority calling for the immediate commissioning of a fully funded feasibility study into the augmentation of Burrinjuck Dam to 4,000 Gigalitres

c      writes to the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina and Shadow Minister for Water, requesting their commitment to advocate for a National Water Grid Authority feasibility study into the augmentation of Burrinjuck Dam to 4,000 Gigalitres, noting that Burrinjuck Dam lies within his electorate and directly affects his constituents

d      writes to Dr Joe McGirr MP, Member for Wagga Wagga, requesting that he advocate directly to the NSW Minister for Water and the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for the NSW Government’s active participation in and co-funding of a National Water Grid Authority feasibility study into Burrinjuck Dam augmentation, consistent with the NSW Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy

e      forwards this resolution and the submission to Local Government NSW for the attention of Murray–Darling Basin member councils; and

f       requests that a report be brought back to Council once responses have been received from the relevant ministers, agencies and local members

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

R Foley

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

The MOTION being put to the meeting was LOST.

NOM-2     NOTICE OF MOTION - INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT POLICY AND SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS

 

26/127      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council:

a      notes that Wagga Wagga City Council maintains Sister City relationships with Kunming (China), Nördlingen (Germany) and Leavenworth (USA)

b      requests the Sister City Working Group and relevant staff undertake a review of Council’s existing Sister City relationships and investigates further broader national and international engagement opportunities, including alignment with Council’s strategic priorities

c      requests Sister City Working Group and relevant staff prepare a draft National and International Engagement Policy, informed by the outcomes of the review and relevant legislative requirements (using the attached Wyndham City Council International Engagement Policy as a model)

d      receives a further report within six (6) months outlining:

i       the outcomes of the review, including recommendations on existing and potential future relationships; and

ii      a draft National and International Engagement Policy for Council’s consideration

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

M Henderson

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

Councillor Report

CR-1        2026 NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

 

26/128      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receives and notes the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1        DA25/0458 - GARAGE AND SECONDARY DWELLING ABOVE - LOT 2 DP 18092 - 134 FORSYTH STREET, WAGGA WAGGA

Councillor A Condron declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6:47pm.

26/129      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council refuse DA25/0458 for garage and secondary dwelling above at 134 Forsyth Street (Lot 2 DP 18092).

CARRIED

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

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

Councillor A Condron re-entered the chamber, the time being 7:05pm.

 

RP-2        REGIONAL HOUSING STRATEGIC PLANNING FUND - ROUND 4

 

26/130      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council:

a      authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate to enter into a funding agreement with the NSW Government Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund Program

b      approve the budget variation 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

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION – ELECTION OF CHAIR

The Chair, Councillor G Davies, declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 2026/27 Airport Fees & Charges Adoption and vacated the Chair and the chamber at 7.03pm, leaving the position of Chair vacant.

 

The General Manager, Mr P Thompson, conducted the election for the position of Chair and called for nominations. Councillor R Foley self-nominated and was duly elected Chair for the duration of consideration of agenda item RP-3 2026/27 Airport Fees & Charges Adoption.

26/131      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council appoint Councillor R Foley Chair for agenda item RP-3 2026/27 Airport Fees & Charges Adoption.

CARRIED

 

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

RP-3        2026/27 AIRPORT FEES & CHARGES ADOPTION

Councillor G Davies declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the Chair and the chamber, the time being 7.05pm.

 

Councillor R Foley assumed the Chair at 7.05pm.

26/132      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council:

a            note that there was one (1) public submission received during the exhibition period for the 2026/27 Airport fees and charges

b            adopt the Airport Fees and Charges for the 2026/27 financial year, to commence from 1 July 2026, as reported to Council on 9 March 2026 and placed on public exhibition

c             commence the new Passenger Service Charges from 1 August 2026

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

Councillor R Foley vacated the Chair, the time being 7.06pm.

 

Councillor G Davies re-entered the chamber and assumed the Chair, the time being 7.06pm.

 

 

RP-4        REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356

 

26/133      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council:

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

i       Cockatoo Initiative for $560.00

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

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

RP-5        INTEGRATED PLANNING AND REPORTING (IP&R) - DRAFT DOCUMENTS FOR EXHIBITION

 

26/134      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council:

a      place the following documents on public exhibition for 28 days commencing 12 May 2026 and concluding on 9 June 2026:

i      draft Delivery Program 2025/2029 and 2026/27 Operational Plan

ii     draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026/27

iii    draft Fees and Charges for the financial year 2026/27

b      receive a further report after the public exhibition period:

i      addressing any submissions made in respect of the draft documents

ii     proposing adoption of the IP&R suite of documents

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

RP-6        AUDIT RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

 

26/135      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and K Subedi

That Council:

a      note the change in Councillor representation on the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee from Councillors Lindsay Tanner to Councillor Amelia Parkins

b      appoint an alternate Councillor member to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for the remainder of the current Council term

 

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

Councillor R Foley nominated Councillor M Henderson.

 

Councillor M Henderson accepted the nomination.

 

Councillor M Henderson was duly appointed as the alternate Councillor member to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for the remainder of the current Council term.

 

 

RP-7        RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS

 

26/136      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the following registers:

a      Active Resolutions as of 24 April 2026

b     Active Notice of Motions as of 24 April 2026

c      Resolutions including Notice of Motions completed from 6 February 2026 to 24 April 2026

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

RP-8        QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

 

26/137      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon 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

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

Committee Minutes

M-1          CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA TO LADYSMITH RAIL TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE - 15 APRIL 2026

 

26/138      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive the minutes of the Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail Steering Committee Meeting held on 15 April 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

M-2          CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE - 22 APRIL 2026

 

26/139      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Wagga Airport Special Purpose Committee meeting held on 22 April 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

M-3          CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - 16 APRIL 2026

 

26/140      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Committee Meeting held on 16 April 2026.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

closed COUNCIL

26/141      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Condron and R Foley

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 7.26pm.

CARRIED

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

 

 

confidential Reports

CONF-1    OUTSTANDING DEBTS DEEMED UNECONOMICAL TO RECOVER - PROPOSED WRITE OFF LIST

 

26/142      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council:

a      authorise in accordance with Clause 131(4)(d) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 the write off $30,724.21 in total for four (4) debts that have been deemed not cost effective to attempt to recover, as detailed in confidential Attachment A of this report

b      note the debts which are under $1,000 each as detailed in confidential Attachment B have been authorised to be written off by the General Manager under his delegation 1.56

c      approve the funding sources 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

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

CONF-2    RFT CT2026040 OASIS ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

 

26/143      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and M Henderson

That Council:

a      in accordance with Clause 178(1)(b) of the Local Government (General Regulation) 2021, decline all tenders for the design and construction of the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Energy Efficiency Upgrades Project

b      pursuant to clause 178(3)(e) of the Local Government (General Regulation) 2021, authorise the General Manager, or their delegate, to enter into negotiations with any person with the intention of entering into a contract for the design and construction of the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Energy Efficiency Upgrades Project

c      note that the reason for entering into negotiations is that the tender bids submitted require modifications and these variances cannot be undertaken without negotiation

d      note the reason for not inviting fresh tenders is that it is expected negotiation will provide a satisfactory outcome

e      direct the General Manager to bring a report back to Council on the outcome of the negotiations which includes cost comparisons to the existing system costs

CARRIED

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

CONF-3    RFT CT2026041 SUPPLY OF MEMORIAL PLAQUES

 

26/144      RESOLVED:

                On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council:

a      accept the schedule of rates submitted by Phoenix Foundry Pty Ltd (ABN: 28 002 784 223) & Matthews Bronze Unit Trust Pty Ltd (ABN: 94 077 038 337) for a period of 24 months

b      authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into a contract with Phoenix Foundry Pty Ltd (ABN: 28 002 784 223) & Matthews Bronze Unit Trust Pty Ltd (ABN: 94 077 038 337) for a period of 24 months

c      authorise the General Manager or their delegate to extend the Contracts for 3 x 12 month periods, as set out in the Contract documents, at the sole discretion of Council

d      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

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

CONF-4    RFT CT2026044 WHEEL LOADER GWMC

Councillors M Henderson and A Condron declared Significant Non-Pecuniary Interests and Councillor J McKinnon declared a Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, resulting in a loss of quorum. The report will be considered at the next Council Meeting on 25 May 2026.

 

 

Reversion to open COUNCIL

26/145      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 7.42pm.

CARRIED

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

G Davies

 

A Condron

 

R Foley

 

M Henderson

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

K Subedi

 

 

 

 

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7.45pm.

 

 

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                     MAYOR