Agenda of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 12 October 2026

Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 12 October 2026.

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 12 October 2026

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE PRECIS PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 3

REFLECTION 3

APOLOGIES 3

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 3

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3

Reports from Staff

RP-1 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - GAMBLING LOSSES IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND THEIR IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES 4

RP-2 MANGOPLAH AND HUMULA FLOOD STUDY FINALISATION 13

RP-3 WAGGA WAGGA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) PARKING AND TRAFFIC STUDY 18

RP-4 PROPOSED EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CAMPAIGN - EXPANSION AND ELECTRIFICATION FOR HEAVY VEHICLE EV CHARGING AT TARCUTTA TRUCK STOP 35

RP-5 PETITION - RETENTION OF ROUNDABOUT AT THE INTERSECTION OF MACLEAY & COLEMAN STREET WAGGA WAGGA 38

RP-6 RIVER ROAD APPENDIX TO WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN (LICP) 2019 - 2034 40

RP-7 APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FOR CHARITY ORGANISATIONS - 2026/27 FINANCIAL YEAR 54

RP-8 REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356 57

RP-9 PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE POLICY (POL 097) 60

RP-10 2027 COUNCIL MEETING DATES 94

RP-11 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST RETURNS - COUNCILLORS AND DESIGNATED PERSONS 2026 98

RP-12 QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE 101

Committee Minutes

M-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 111

Confidential Reports

CONF-1 RFT CT2027006 LMC SHEEP LOADING RAMPS RENEWAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT 115

CONF-2 RFT2026036 ORCHESTRA PIT UPGRADE CONSTRUCTION CIVIC THEATRE 116

CONF-3 PROPOSED COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LAND - PART LOT 124 IN DEPOSITED PLAN 757246 117

CONF-4 PROPOSED COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF EASEMENT OVER LOT 16 IN DEPOSITED PLAN 855254 118

CONF-5 PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF LAND 119

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

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 21 SEPTEMBER 2026

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 September 2026 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

Attachments

1 ⇩.

Minutes – Ordinary Council Meeting – 21 September 2026.

120

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-1

Reports from Staff

RP-1 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - GAMBLING LOSSES IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND THEIR IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Author: Madeleine Scully

Executive: Christine Priest

Summary:

This report is presented to Council in response to NOM-3 Gambling Losses in New South Wales and their impact on local communities adopted at the 13 July 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

Report

At its Ordinary Meeting held on 13 July 2026, Council considered NOM-3 – Gambling Losses in New South Wales and their Impact on Local Communities and resolved as follows.

NOM-3 Notice of Motion - Gambling Losses in New South Wales and Their Impact on Local Communities

26/217 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and R Foley

That Council:

a notes with concern the continued growth in poker machine gambling losses across New South Wales and the associated social, health and economic impacts on communities

b recognises gambling harm as a significant public health and community wellbeing issue affecting individuals, families and local communities, including regional communities

c expresses its support for evidence-based gambling harm minimisation measures, including:

i Mandatory cashless gaming with effective harm reduction features;

ii Reduced operating hours for gaming machines;

iii Stronger self-exclusion programs;

iv Greater transparency around gambling losses and venue data;

v Increased funding for gambling counselling, treatment and community education.

d requests the Mayor writes to the Premier of New South Wales, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Member for Wagga Wagga seeking stronger action to reduce gambling harm across NSW

e requests the NSW Government continue progressing meaningful gambling reform based on recommendations from public health experts, community organisations and independent reviews

f receives a report outlining existing Council partnerships and opportunities for Council to partner with local health providers and community organisations to promote awareness of gambling harm and available support services, including during Gambling Harm Awareness Week and other relevant community wellbeing initiatives

Report

Background

Council acknowledges the far-reaching impacts of gambling harm on individuals, families, and the wider community. Through leadership, partnerships, and advocacy, Council provides ongoing support toward initiatives that build financial literacy, encourage positive help-seeking behaviours, and promote community wellbeing.

This report outlines the current activities of Council to reduce gambling harm in the community through actively delivering and partnering with a diverse range of local services to increase financial literacy and positive help-seeking behaviours through accessible community programming and campaigns.

This report also identifies future opportunities to strengthen several of Council’s policies to reduce the impact of gambling harm within the community and further restrict the promotion, marketing, and delivery of gambling-related products, services, and activities.

d) requests the Mayor writes to the Premier of New South Wales, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Member for Wagga Wagga seeking stronger action to reduce gambling harm across NSW

e) requests the NSW Government continue progressing meaningful gambling reform based on recommendations from public health experts, community organisations and independent reviews

In response to items d) and e) a letter was issued on 31 July 2026 by the Mayor to the Premier of New South Wales, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Member for Wagga Wagga seeking stronger action to reduce gambling harm across NSW and requested the NSW Government continue progressing meaningful gambling reform based on recommendations from public health experts, community organisations and independent reviews.

A copy of this letter is attached to this report for Councillor’s reference, noting Council has received an acknowledgement from Premier Minns office, but not yet received a response from the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing office as of 6 October 2026.

f) receives a report outlining existing Council partnerships and opportunities for Council to partner with local health providers and community organisations to promote awareness of gambling harm and available support services, including during Gambling Harm Awareness Week and other relevant community wellbeing initiatives

Council staff collaborate with a broad range of local organisations to strengthen financial literacy, promote positive help-seeking behaviours and increase community awareness of gambling harm and available support services. This year the Community Development team have partnered with a diverse range of local support organisations such as the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) to deliver Mental health First Aid courses and community workshops on ‘Difficult conversations’ which include topics of gambling harm and available supports. Council also cross-promoted the recent Gambling Mental Health First Aid course delivered at Pro Patria and staff are currently seeking more funding opportunities to continue the delivery of the significantly subsidised certificate-based courses in the future.

Financial literacy and promoting positive help-seeking behaviour is a key focus of many of Council’s community programming initiatives. For example, as part of Seniors Festival and Youth Week, Council worked in collaboration with local support services such as Anglicare Financial Counselling and Services Australia.

Further key information (below) outlines other activities undertaken by staff and in partnership with local community organisations to coordinate and promote local service programs and campaigns to support and inform our community about gambling harm including:

- Council is an active member of several local interagencies including the Triple H Forum (Housing, Homelessness and Human Services), the Wagga Wagga Aboriginal Interagency Group and Wagga Wagga Youth Interagency Group. These interagency groups have a focus on increasing awareness of gambling-related harm and its impacts on individuals, families and the wider community. They deliver counselling and support services, share information and data, and work collaboratively on local initiatives to keep our community healthy and safe.

- Staff also attend the Local Liquor Accord meetings where issues relating to community safety, legislation updates and local initiatives are discussed.

- Council supports the Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) by auspicing their funding, managing project acquittals and supporting this group’s campaign initiatives and programs. CDAT is a volunteer-driven local group that reduces alcohol and drug-related harms by running primary prevention campaigns and hosting community workshops on awareness and harm reduction. They collaborate with local residents and agencies to build resilience through co-hosting wellbeing events and distributing evidence-based resources.

- Wagga Wagga City Library operates 7 days per week and holds a significant free collection of titles and digital resources on gambling harm, overcoming personal addiction and compulsive behaviours, financial counselling, alcohol and other drugs and how to assist a loved one. Library staff are trained to help members of the community access these resources in a welcoming, accessible and non-judgemental environment. The library delivers a broad suite of free community information and educational programs that include these topics.

- Council owns and manages accessible community infrastructure such as community centres and halls that identify community support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, as non-fee charging groups, when booking Council-managed community facilities.

By providing free access to safe, well-maintained community centres and halls, Council removes a key barrier for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm and other forms of addiction. These accessible and affordable meeting spaces located in the CBD and across suburban neighbourhoods and rural villages, reduce the barriers to seeking help, enabling individuals to connect locally with peers who share lived experiences on their pathway to recovery.

- Council’s Annual Grants program has multiple categories that support community led projects and initiatives that encourage financial literacy, mental health and seeking support to overcome or prevent addictions such as gambling.

- Council pays an annual subscription for the free Wagga Wagga Community Directory online platform. This is a downloadable, print ready and accessible directory to assist community members to find information about health services, financial counselling and social support services available in Wagga Wagga.

- Council’s Commercial Advertising on Council Assets Policy (POL 023) outlines requirements governing advertising on Council-owned assets and prohibits the promotion of gambling-related products and services. At the next scheduled review of Council policies and guidelines some opportunities have been identified to further strengthen Council’s approach to preventing gambling harm in our community. This includes explicitly prohibiting the promotion of gambling and betting activities at the next scheduled review of the Temporary Event Signage Policy and as part of the Sportsground Sponsorship Signage Strategy, which is currently being reviewed by the Wagga Leisure and Strategic Recreation team. This review will include explicitly outlining the restrictions on gambling-related programs, marketing, and promotional activities across Council-managed assets and services.

NSW ‘GambleAware’ Week (19 October – 25 October 2026)

As detailed on the NSW government’s GambleAware Week website it states:

“GambleAware Week is an annual initiative that brings communities together to raise awareness of gambling harm and encourage conversations about support.

This year GambleAware Week focuses on reducing the stigma associated with gambling harm by making an often-hidden issue more visible and encouraging open conversations.

Developed with people who have lived experience of gambling harm, the campaign aims to build understanding, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. It also encourages people to visit the GambleAware website: gambleaware.nsw.gov.au for information, practical tools and support services.”

In recognition of GambleAware Week from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 October 2026, the temporary lights in the street trees in Fitzmaurice Street along with the Civic Centre’s Coat of Arms and the Museum’s Historic Council Chambers site, have been scheduled to light up in blue to support this year’s GambleAware Week.

Staff at the Wagga Wagga City Library are also currently preparing a focus display during GambleAware Week of the books and resources available to access or loan from the library. This display will accompany the temporary lighting display, to support community members seeking information on gambling harm, addiction and legal resources.

The official GambleAware Week campaign collateral will also be promoted on Council social platforms, in a Council News article, with campaign posters distributed throughout the Civic Centre Arcade, Library and staff areas.

Staff will continue to actively explore funding, partnerships and advocacy opportunities to support initiatives that increase awareness of gambling-related harm to improve access to information, support services, and pathways to assist any community members in need of support and information.

Financial Implications

All services currently being undertaken by Council staff as detailed in this report are funded in the endorsed operational budget 2026/27 financial year.

Policy and Legislation

Commercial Advertising on Council Assets Policy (POL 023)

On 2 April 2026, the Federal Government announced a Gambling Reforms package to include:

· restrictions on wagering advertising, including a ban during live sports and in sports venues

· boosting enforcement action against illegal gambling services

· strengthening the operation of BetStop—the National Self-Exclusion Register

· addressing harmful and emerging online lottery products

· increase public awareness of online gambling harms, and

· expand specialised financial counselling services for people who are experiencing financial hardship because of gambling harm.

A comprehensive report with a further 19 recommendations was published including details on ‘BetStop’ which is the national self-exclusion Register.

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026 were introduced in Parliament on 2 July 2026 with the reforms set to commence on 1 January 2027.

Reference: Gambling Reforms 2026 - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Link to Strategic Plan

Vibrant

A healthy community

Support initiatives to deliver improved health outcomes for identified groups within our community and address specific needs.

Risk Management Issues for Council

As detailed in the Community Strategic Plan our community expects Council to play an important civic leadership role to ensure our residents can access the health and community services they need to live a healthy life in a community that is safe, connected and supports positive wellbeing outcomes for everyone no matter where they live in the local government area.

Failing to proactively communicate Council’s commitment to responding and advocating on key community safety issues such as the increased threat of gambling harm in our community, could result in reputational damage and generate community concerns regarding Council’s service performance.

Internal / External Consultation

Internal consultation was undertaken with staff from the Community Development, Governance, Communications & Engagement, Work Health & Safety and Wagga Leisure & Strategic Recreation teams to develop this report.

Attachments

1 ⇩.	Letter to Hon Chris Minns MP - Gambling Harm in NSW Communities
2 ⇩.	Response - behalf of the Premier of New South Wales - Letter to Hon Chris Minns MP - Gambling Harm in NSW Communities

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-2

RP-2 MANGOPLAH AND HUMULA FLOOD STUDY FINALISATION

Author: Andrew Mason

Executive: Henry Pavitt

Summary:

This report recommends that Council adopt the Mangoplah and Humula Study completed by WMAwater.

Recommendation

That Council:

a notes the recommendation from the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee from the meeting held on 17 September 2026

b adopts the Final Report prepared by consultants regarding the Mangoplah and Humula Flood Study

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

Report

Wagga Wagga City Council engaged WMAwater to undertake the Mangoplah and Humula Flood Study. The study defines the existing flood behaviour within the townships of Mangoplah and Humula using computer models with the objective to improve the understanding of flood behaviour and impacts and better inform Council of the flood risk in the study areas. The study’s aim to provide an understanding of the full range of flood behaviour and consequences in the study areas as per the requirements of the NSW Government Flood Risk Management Manual.

WMAwater has completed the development of the flood models for both Mangoplah and Humula and completed the associated reports.

At its 27 July 2026 meeting, Council resolved as below to place the Flood model Report for Mangoplah and Humula on public exhibition and to receive a further report following the public exhibition and submission period.

RP-16 MANGOPLAH AND HUMULA FLOOD STUDY PUBLIC EXHIBITION

26/252 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and G Davies

That Council:

a notes the recommendation from the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee from the meeting held on 16 April 2026

b receives the draft Report prepared by consultants regarding the Mangoplah and Humula Flood Study and place that Report on public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days from 1 August 2026 and invite public submissions until 28 August 2026 on the draft Reports

c receive a further report following the public exhibition and submission period addressing any submission received

The plans were placed on public exhibition for 33 days from 1 August 2026 to 2 September 2026. No extensions of time were requested.

This report summarises feedback from the public exhibition period and is intended to brief and inform the Council about the report to enable it to adopt the study as recommended by the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee.

For the Public Exhibition stage of this project, the villages were targeted with a range of engagement practices including specific drop-in sessions, targeted online engagement and opportunities for face-to-face communication in the hope of getting a better response and increased engagement from the affected residents.

A draft version of this report was placed on public exhibition from 1 August 2026 to 2 September 2026 to invite comment from the community. A copy of the report was available for download from Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website, as well as a hard copy available at Council’s office. The ‘Have Your Say’ page also included other information about the project and details about how to make a submission providing feedback on the report and its outcomes.

Drop-in information sessions were held where the community could attend and speak to Council and WMAwater staff in person about the study. Attendees were also able to review information summarised in poster format.

The following sessions were conducted:

· Wednesday 26 August 2026 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Mangoplah Hotel, 29 Kyeamba Street, Mangoplah

· Friday 28 August 2026 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Humula Citizen Sports Club, Mate Street, Humula

Public exhibition of the study was advertised through Council’s communication channels (website, news and Facebook). Feedback on the study was gathered during the drop-in sessions and from formal submissions.

Submissions from the community and interested stakeholders were accepted via an online survey available on Council’s website and in written and email form directly to Council.

Sessions were well attended with around 20 community members participating in the consultation at each session at Mangoplah and Humula. One formal submission was received, with a number of community members also noting their feedback during the information sessions.

The following provides a summary of the feedback received:

Mangoplah

· Attendees were keen to view the flood mapping, a number generally confirming the flood behaviour produced by the study, with deeper inundation through both Burkes Creek and Paper Forest Creek and shallow inundation across the residential area. Attendees also noted the broader inundation to the south east of the residential area.

· Attendees also sought to understand the consequences of the mapping produced, including hydraulic hazard and the flood planning area.

· Attendees were concerned about access to Mangoplah during flood events, with both ends of Holbrook Road, to the north and south of town cut. Attendees suggested upgrading both the bridge across Burkes Creek and Holbrook Road, to the south of town.

· Nearly all attendees sought to discuss the potential impacts associated with the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site on the outskirts of town, particularly worsening flood behaviour at Holbrook Road and access to the site during flood events. The BESS site is outside the urban study area and is subject to a separate independent flood related investigation.

· The community also took the opportunity to raise other aspects with Council representatives, such as flood sign placement on Holbrook Road, a stop sign needed and garbage collection.

Humula

· Attendees were keen to view the flood mapping, a number generally confirming the flood behaviour produced by the study, particularly for the October 2010 event.

· Attendees were keen to understand if a warning system was being proposed for the town.

· Attendees are concerned that a number of aspects are worsening flood behaviour, including the bridge over Umbango Creek, debris piles next to the creek and creek vegetation downstream of Humula Public School.

· Attendees also sought to understand how the mapping would be used.

· A few attendees mentioned that they found the report difficult to follow as it covers both Mangoplah and Humula.

· Attendees were concerned about access to Humula during flood events.

· The community also took the opportunity to raise other aspects with Council representatives, such as damage following heavy rainfall to Downfall Road, potholes on Scrubby Creek bridge, a street sign for Mate Street, and that the proposed bridge on Humula Eight Mile Road at Carabost Creek is not proposed on the optimal alignment.

Discussion

The Mangoplah and Humula Flood Study aims to improve an understanding of flood behaviour and impacts in the townships of Mangoplah and Humula to better inform the management of the flood risk in the area. The Study Area (Figure A 1 and Figure B 1) lies within the Wagga Wagga City Council Local Government Area (LGA).

Mangoplah is subject to mainstream flooding from Burkes Creek and Humula is impacted by Carabost Creek and Umbango Creek. In addition, both towns are also impacted by local overland flow affectation.

No previous formal flood studies have been undertaken for Mangoplah or Humula. As such, Council seeks to use the latest available tools and data to provide a definition of flood risk in Mangoplah and Humula under current catchment conditions.

Council is responsible for managing development of flood prone land under guidance provided in the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (Department of Planning and Environment, 2023) and previous Floodplain Development Manual (NSW Government, 2005).

The flood modelling tools have been calibrated using observations from historical floods and subsequently used to estimate the impacts of flooding for a range of standardised “design” flood probabilities. This modelling has been completed in accordance with the guidelines in Australian Rainfall and Runoff (Ball, et al., 2019)

This study will enable Council to:

· Understand the current flood risk across the catchment

· Provide up to date flood data for all end users

· Enable current understanding of flood risk to inform future development planning

· Assess cumulative impacts of future development on flood behaviour

· Assess the effectiveness of potential flood mitigation measures to reduce flood risk in the next phase of the process

· Inform emergency management and planning (in collaboration with NSW State

Emergency Service)

Financial Implications

Total project budget

(Funding split:

2/3 Department Planning & Environment Grant -$80,000

1/3 Council Stormwater Levy Reserve $40,000)

$120,000

Expended and committed to date (as at 30/09/2026)

($143,413)

Project overspend*

($23,413)

* The majority of the project overspend relates to internal staff project management costs that the grant body has confirmed are not claimable under the grant. As a result, additional Council funding is required to meet the project costs. It is proposed that the $23,413 project overspend be funded from the Stormwater Levy Reserve, which has sufficient available capacity.

Job consolidation number: 22127 – Humula & Mangoplah Flood Study 2022/FMP/0103

Policy and Legislation

NSW Flood Prone Land Policy

NSW Flood risk management manual: The policy and manual for the management of flood liable land. 2023

Link to Strategic Plan

Vibrant

Our community feels safe.

Support public safety.

Risk Management Issues for Council

The completion of the study, models and plans assists Council in identifying flood liable land that can then be better managed to minimise risk via planning controls, infrastructure works and management plans.

Internal / External Consultation

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

Attachments

Mangoplah and Humula Flood Study - Provided under separate cover.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-3

RP-3 WAGGA WAGGA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) PARKING AND TRAFFIC STUDY

Author: Sue Hanrahan

Executive: Ben Creighton

Summary:

The draft Wagga Wagga Central Business District (CBD) Parking and Traffic Study was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 31 July 2026 to 4 September 2026.

A total of 14 submissions were received through Council’s Have Your Say platform, along with one direct email submission and one phone enquiry. The submissions received did not identify any substantial issues requiring amendment to the study or a further period of public exhibition.

Recommendation

That Council:

a note that 14 submissions were received through the Have Your Say platform, together with one email submission and one phone enquiry

b adopt the Wagga Wagga Central Business District (CBD) Parking and Traffic Study

c utilise the findings and recommendations of the study to inform future parking, traffic and access initiatives within the CBD and the development of the CBD Masterplan

d note that there is currently no funding allocated in the Long Term Financial Plan for the actions identified in the study and that implementation of any actions will be subject to future Council reports and funding decisions

Report

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 27 July 2026, Council resolved as follows.

RP-19 WAGGA WAGGA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) PARKING AND TRAFFIC STUDY

26/255 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and G Davies

That Council:

a endorse the Draft Wagga Wagga Central Business District (CBD) Parking and Traffic Study and place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 31 July 2026 and invite public submissions until 28 August 2026 on the study

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

i addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed study

ii proposing adoption of the study unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

This report has been prepared in response to part b of the 27 July 2026 resolution.

The Draft CBD Parking and Traffic Study was placed on public exhibition from 31 July 2026 until 4 September 2026.

A comprehensive engagement program was undertaken to encourage community and stakeholder participation, including:

· Publication of the study on Council's Have Your Say platform.

· Direct engagement with CBD businesses and visitors through distribution of promotional material. Distribution of approximately 500 promotional postcards to businesses within the CBD containing a QR code and Council contact details linking directly to the survey and study information.

· Presentation of the study to the Business Roundtable – 3 August 2026

· Promotion through the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, Committee 4 Wagga (C4W) and Dr Joe McGirr's communication channels, including websites, newsletters and electronic direct mail (EDM) distributions.

· Wagga Wagga City Council static display of study information, visual materials and promotional posters at a static information point within the Civic Centre during the exhibition period to encourage public review and feedback.

As a result of this engagement, 14 submissions were received through Council’s Have Your Say page along with one email and one phone enquiry. Overall feedback demonstrated broad support for the study and its recommendations. No submissions identified factual inaccuracies, strategic issues or deficiencies in the study that would require substantive amendments.

Two submissions representing a single landowner on the fringe of the Traffic and Parking Study area requested that the boundary be expanded to include the hotel development on Lake Albert Road. Although this development is an important accommodation provider to the City, the CBD study area is defined having regard to the NSW Planning Framework and the established role of the CBD as the primary commercial, retail, civic and social core of the city centre and therefore it is not recommended that the area be amended.

Key Issues Raised Through Public Exhibition

· Parking availability and parking mix – Requests for additional and better-distributed parking, particularly all-day parking for CBD workers.

· Parking time limits and future paid parking – Requests to retain or increase 2-hour parking, provide longer parking periods in some locations, and concerns regarding the potential introduction of paid parking. Please note the study does not recommend introducing paid parking across the CBD.

· Pedestrian safety, accessibility and connectivity – Strong feedback regarding safer pedestrian crossings, accessible kerb ramps, clearer sightlines, pedestrian connections and improvements to walkability throughout the CBD.

· Public transport and alternative transport options – Requests for improved bus frequency, better bus stop facilities including shade and seating, improved connections to outer suburbs and growth areas, and greater consideration of alternative transport options to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

· Active transport and pedestrian-friendly streets – Support for increased walking and cycling infrastructure, more pedestrian-prioritised streets, reduced vehicle speeds, additional bike lanes and greater tree planting/greening within the CBD.

· Safety, anti-social behaviour and after-dark access – Significant concerns were raised about personal safety, anti-social behaviour, crime and perceived safety, particularly around car parks, laneways and arcades after dark. These concerns were identified as influencing where people choose to park and whether they use certain areas of the CBD.

· Traffic movement, congestion and intersection improvements – Feedback included concerns about traffic flow and troublesome intersections.

· Future CBD activation, events and development – Submissions supported opportunities for more pedestrian-friendly and activated spaces, temporary street closures for events, consideration of future multi-storey parking, CBD redevelopment and stronger connections between the CBD, visitor accommodation and surrounding areas.

The submissions received during the public exhibition period for the Wagga Wagga CBD Parking and Traffic Study, together with Council’s detailed responses to the matters raised, are attached to this report for Council’s consideration.

Financial Implications

There is currently no funding allocated in the Long Term Financial Plan for the actions identified in the study. Prior to implementation, all projects will require design, a business case development and feasibility assessments with the funding to be determined.

Policy and Legislation

N/A

Link to Strategic Plan

Growing

A growing business sector

Develop Wagga Wagga as an attractive place to invest, establish and operate a business

Risk Management Issues for Council

Risk management considerations related to the CBD Parking and Traffic Study include:

· Strategic risk – Without an adopted Parking and Traffic Plan, future development, transport planning, parking infrastructure investment, and network improvements may be undertaken in an ad hoc and inefficient manner resulting in increased traffic congestion and reduced parking availability as the city grows.

· Reputational risk – Community expectations for future traffic and parking improvements are high and will need to be carefully managed. Detailed engagement and communication will be required particularly where implementation is dependent on future investigations, traffic modelling, prioritisation and funding.

· Financial risk – The Parking and Traffic Study identifies potential actions and infrastructure improvements that may require significant future investment. These actions will require funding that will be considered through future budget processes, grant opportunities and long-term financial planning, with implementation subject to Council priorities and available resources.

Internal / External Consultation

Internal consultation has been undertaken with all Directorates within Council.

External consultation has been undertaken via:

· Publication of the study on Council's Have Your Say platform.

· Presentation of the study to the Business Roundtable – 3 August 2026

· Wagga Wagga City Council static display of study information, visual materials and promotional posters at a static information point within the Civic centre during the exhibition period to encourage public review and feedback.

Attachments

1.	CBD Parking and Traffic Study - Wagga Wagga Final Report - Provided under separate cover.
2 ⇩.	CBD Parking and Traffic Study – Submissions and Council Response.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-4

RP-4 PROPOSED EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CAMPAIGN - EXPANSION AND ELECTRIFICATION FOR HEAVY VEHICLE EV CHARGING AT TARCUTTA TRUCK STOP

Author: Ann Sutton

Executive: Ben Creighton

Summary:

This report proposes a 28-day Expression of Interest campaign, commencing 16 October 2026, to assess potential interest in the expansion and electrification of the Tarcutta Truck Parking Facility to support heavy vehicle EV charging.

Recommendation

That Council:

a endorse the Expression of Interest campaign for the development of Heavy Vehicle EV charging infrastructure at the Tarcutta Truck Parking Facility at 14 Sydney Street, Tarcutta, for a period of 28 days commencing 16 October 2026

b receive a further report regarding the submissions received at the conclusion of the expression of Interest process

Report

Council officers have been approached by multiple parties over the past 12-18 months proposing to construct electric heavy vehicle charging facilities in preparation for the future demand at the Council owned Tarcutta Truck Parking Facility. The truck parking facility is located on Council owned, operationally classified land and is well positioned being approximately halfway between Melbourne and Sydney.

There is currently parking for 40 trucks on approximately 17,000m2. The proposal from the parties that have approached Council is that a third party could install the heavy vehicle charging facilities and Council would receive an ongoing rental return. Given the nature of the site, this is being identified as a commercial licensing opportunity and any licence amount accepted should be based on commercial terms.

It is proposed that a condition of the Expression of Interest (EOI) that any future development would minimise interruption or displacement of the existing onsite uses. This may result in the proponent being required to extend the footprint to cater for the future infrastructure.

In accordance with Council’s Acquisition, Disposal and Management of Land Policy POL 038, a public Expression of Interest campaign should be undertaken to identify new potential lessees, ensuring equal opportunity to apply, and to optimise the property’s commercial potential.

Given the enquiries already received it is anticipated that there will be interest in the development proposal however the timing, level of investment, feasibility of the proposal and return to Council are unknown.

Given the size and scale of the EOI, it is proposed that the campaign would be administered using internal staff capabilities within the Property team.

It is anticipated that the campaign would run for a period of 28 days. Following the EOI, it is proposed that a further report be provided to Council evaluating the submissions received and making a recommendation on future actions, and possible negotiations with one or more parties.

Although Heavy Vehicle charging is not specifically considered, the proposed EOI process is broadly consistent with Council’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Public Land Policy – POL 054.

Financial Implications

The cost of completing the EOI is expected to be less than $2,000 and would be covered by existing budgets.

The potential financial implications of Council entering an arrangement to deliver a Heavy Vehicle Charging Station on Council land are currently unknown but will be discussed in detail in the Council Report following the EOI.

Policy and Legislation

Local Government Act 1993

Acquisition, Disposal and Management of Land Policy (POL 038)

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Public Land Policy (POL 054)

Link to Strategic Plan

Growing

A growing business sector

Support existing businesses to grow, expand and remain viable through activation, innovation and collaboration.

Risk Management Issues for Council

Council has a responsibility to appropriately manage its property assets. The advertising of an Expression of Interest campaign in order to determine interest in the use of the site ensures that Council is undertaking its dealings with property assets in an open and transparent manner.

Internal / External Consultation

Internal consultation has been undertaken within Council’s Economy, Business and Workforce and Infrastructure Services Directorates.

The EOI will be advertised through Council’s website, Council News and social media platforms.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-6

RP-6 RIVER ROAD APPENDIX TO WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN (LICP) 2019 - 2034

Author: Belinda Maclure

Executive: Julie Costa

Summary:

A draft Appendix to the LICP for the River Road new urban release area at Gobbagombalin was publicly exhibited in 2021, together with an addendum to the Development Servicing Plans (DSPs) for sewer and stormwater.

Following the exhibition period, the matter was not reported back to Council due to a submission raising concerns that urban development north of Old Narrandera Road was adversely impacting water quality within Gobbagombalin Lagoon. In response, Council undertook a water quality monitoring program to investigate whether stormwater runoff from urban areas was affecting lagoon water quality. The results of the investigation were inconclusive and did not establish a definitive link between urban stormwater runoff and water quality impacts.

The River Road land is now being offered for sale and future development is anticipated. Accordingly, adoption of Appendix G is necessary to ensure Council can collect appropriate Section 7.11 contributions to fund the local infrastructure required to support development of the area.

Recommendation

That Council:

a endorse the draft Appendix G River Road of the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034 to be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and invite public submissions on the draft document

b receive a further report following the public exhibition period:

i addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed document

ii proposing adoption of the Appendix unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

c authorise the General Manager or their delegate to seek approval from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to identify River Road as an Urban Release Area and increase the infrastructure contribution cap to $30,000

Report

Background

On 11 July 2021, the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 was amended to facilitate the development of a new residential neighbourhood south of Estella and Gobbagombalin. The area, known as the River Road growth area, is located north of the Murrumbidgee River, immediately west of the Olympic Highway, and south of Old Narrandera Road.

The River Road neighbourhood represents a significant opportunity for residential growth and will form a southern extension of the existing suburbs of Boorooma, Estella and Gobbagombalin. Development of the area will support the creation of a connected and integrated community, providing opportunities to link the established northern suburbs with key natural assets, including the Murrumbidgee River and Gobbagombalin Lagoon. It is anticipated the development of the area will enable 582 new lots to be created accommodating a future population of approximately 1,513 residents. The location of the River Road area is shown in the map below.

The River Road new urban release area is not currently identified as a growth area within the LICP. Consequently, if a development application is received, the applicable Section 7.11 contribution would be $12,746 per lot (in 2026/27 dollars). This contribution does not provide adequate funding for the infrastructure required to support development within the River Road area. This rate is based on the cost to provide the local infrastructure across the whole city (like the upgrade of Glenfield Road for example) and is the rate for areas not identified as growth areas, like Kooringal, Mt Austin and Turvey Park, which have adequate open space, active travel and traffic infrastructure required to support the neighbourhoods.

Section 7.11, contributions of up to $20,000 per lot may be levied in identified growth areas where an approved contributions plan has been prepared, which includes the infrastructure necessary to support future development in the area. This cap may be increased to $30,000 per lot in new urban release areas with the approval of the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

The draft Section 7.11 contribution rate for the River Road area is $29,375 per lot. As this exceeds the current State-imposed cap of $20,000 per lot, Council will seek approval from the Minister to increase the cap to $30,000 per lot for the River Road urban release area. Subject to Council endorsement of the draft contributions plan, an application requesting the increased cap will be submitted to the Minister.

It is noted that the current standard Section 64 sewer and stormwater contributions of the adjacent areas will be charged for development in River Road which will be subject to change in line with updates to the sewer and stormwater DSPs.

In 2021, a draft Section 7.11 Appendix G to the LICP and amendments to the DSPs for sewer and stormwater were placed on public exhibition. Following the public exhibition period, the draft plans were not reported back to Council. This was due to a submission received during the exhibition period which raised concerns that Water Sensitive Urban Design infrastructure was required to address potential impacts on the water quality of the Gobbagombalin Lagoon arising from development occurring north of Old Narrandera Road.

Stormwater Quality Assessment Project

From 2022 to 2025 Council collected samples after storm events at the Gobbagombalin lagoon, Lake Albert, Flowerdale Lagoon, Tony Ireland Lagoon and two Murrumbidgee River locations. A consultant was engaged to review the data and evaluate the potential for stormwater discharge from urban release areas to influence water quality in a downstream lagoon. The consultant’s report states stormwater from Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin does not appear to be influencing overall water quality in the Gobbagombalin lagoon.

The DSP stormwater for the whole city is currently being updated with a draft plan expected to be presented to Council this financial year. The draft plan will be placed on public exhibition as part of this project.

Draft Appendix to LICP

Given the land at River Road is currently for sale and development is anticipated, it is important to finalise the draft Appendix to the LICP.

In 2021, the draft Appendix included a Section 7.11 rate of $18,720. Given the increase in costs since 2021, Council staff have reviewed the costings and in some cases the scope of the projects in the draft Appendix to the LICP. This has resulted in a draft Section 7.11 contribution of $29,375 (in 2026/27 dollars).

The changes are summarised below:

· Land valuation costs increased from $325,000 to $390,000, an overall increase of $65,000.

· Open space embellishment at Area 5 Central Park costs have increased from $600,000 to $635,000, an increase of $35,000. The increase is attributable to the inclusion of shade sails over the playground, which are now a requirement of playgrounds.

· Area 9 North West Park has been upgraded from a local minor playground to a local major playground, reflecting Council's current policy of no longer installing minor playgrounds. As a result, the estimated cost has increased from $356,709 to $635,000, representing an increase of $278,291. The higher cost is associated with the enhanced amenities required for a major playground.

· Active travel paths are now proposed to be constructed in concrete and have been increased in width. As a result, the construction cost has increased from $1,109,074 to $3,279,750. The revised cost estimate also includes associated infrastructure requirements such as traffic islands, handrails, signage, and drainage works necessary to support the path network. These design enhancements improve safety, accessibility, durability, and long-term functionality of the active travel corridors.

· The apportioned cost of the roundabout has increased from $982,181 to $3,000,000, an increase of $2,017,819. This is due to a change from River Road from making a contribution to the overall cost of the roundabout to River Road contributions funding the construction of the entire roundabout. In 2023/24 Council upgraded the intersection at Old Narrandera Road and Pine Gully Road. Based on actual traffic volumes, together with the remaining development potential in Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin, a roundabout is not considered necessary unless the River Road area is developed. Therefore, the full cost of the roundabout is being apportioned to the River Road precinct.

· The cost estimate of the Old Narrandera Road active travel underpasses has increased from $1,075,860 to $1,800,000.

Overall, the cost of the infrastructure required to support the development in River Road is up from $5M in 2021 to $10.4M in 2026/27 in the draft Appendix.

The draft Appendix G to the LICP provides further detail on the River Road location, concept and the associated infrastructure items. The draft Appendix G should be read in conjunction with the LICP. A copy of Draft Appendix G is attached for Council’s consideration.

Financial Implications

Section 7.11, contributions of up to $20,000 per lot may be levied in identified growth areas where an approved contributions plan has been prepared, which includes the infrastructure necessary to support future development. This cap may be increased to $30,000 per lot in new urban release areas with approval of the Minister.

The Section 7.11 infrastructure contribution rate consists of precinct and citywide components. The precinct component is the cost of works apportioned to the new precinct population divided by the new population of the area. The total cost of the infrastructure works required to support the River Road development is $10,419,750. The citywide component is the cost of the works for those projects which will support the development of the whole city, divided by the projected population increase of the whole city. The Section 7.11 contribution in this draft Appendix is shown in the table below.

Type	Contribution rate ($/type)
Type	Precinct	Citywide*	Total
Per resident	$6,886	$4,903	$11,789
Per self-contained dwelling in a seniors housing development	$10,329	$7,353	$17,682
Per 1-bed dwelling	$10,329	$7,353	$17,682
Per 2-bed dwelling	$13,772	$9,805	$23,577
Per 3+bed dwelling, standard subdivision lot	$17,903	$11,471*	$29,375

*The citywide contribution in the River Road precinct will be 90% of the citywide rate in 2026/27 as Section 7.11 contributions will need to remain under $30,000 (if approved by the Minister). This will decrease over time due to CPI increases to the rate and the cap remaining.

Given the draft Section 7.11 contribution rate is over $20,000, an application will be sent to the Minister requesting the cap is increased to $30,000 for this new urban release area, if endorsed by Council.

It is anticipated that the Appendix will be reported back to Council before the Minister approves the increase in the Section 7.11 cap to $30,000. In this case, an interim Section 7.11 rate of $20,000 per lot may be applied to development applications received during this time. This will be included in the report back to Council after the public exhibition period.

If the application to increase the Section 7.11 contribution cap to $30,000 for the River Road area is not approved by the Minister, the Section 7.11 contribution rate will need to be revised to remain below the existing $20,000 cap. Consequently, the draft Appendix will be reviewed, amended and placed on public exhibition again.

Policy and Legislation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Environmental Planning and Assessment (Local Infrastructure Contributions) Direction 2012

Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034

Wagga Wagga City Council Development Servicing Plan No 1 Sewerage Services July 2013

Wagga Wagga City Council Development Servicing Plan Stormwater November 2007

Link to Strategic Plan

Sustainable

Sustainable built environment

Balance the built and natural environment in planning decisions.

Risk Management Issues for Council

1. Cost escalation due to timing and construction inflation

The infrastructure required to support River Road has been costed in 2025/26 dollars, with delivery scheduled progressively over future development stages. This creates an inherent risk of cost escalation due to changes in project scope or timing, which may affect the accuracy of infrastructure planning and the calculation of contribution rates under Section 7.11.

Council’s ability to apply indexation is also limited by the Section 7.11 contribution cap of $30,000.

2. Funding shortfall if Section 7.11 cap increase is not approved

If the application to increase the Section 7.11 contributions cap is not approved, the projects identified in draft Appendix G of the LICP will need to be reconsidered or potentially deferred. These projects were identified by Council’s internal stakeholders as critical to supporting the River Road development. A reduction in available funding could compromise the delivery of essential infrastructure, affect development feasibility, limit positive community outcomes.

3. Extensive infrastructure program

The River Road infrastructure program is extensive, and the scale of required works increases exposure to risk. The combination of cost escalation, funding limitations and staged delivery over time makes careful monitoring and management essential to ensure infrastructure can be delivered in line with development progress.

Internal / External Consultation

Council’s key internal stakeholders from across the organisation have been engaged with the process to develop the infrastructure list (including the cost) required to support the development of River Road.

The delivery priority of the infrastructure list is based on the latest information available regarding the staging of the development.

The Draft Appendix G of the LICP will be placed on public exhibition after the Council meeting. A Council Have Your Say page will be fundamental to the public exhibition.

Attachments

1 ⇩.

Draft Appendix G River Road to Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-7

RP-7 APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FOR CHARITY ORGANISATIONS - 2026/27 FINANCIAL YEAR

Author: Andrea Baldwin

Executive: Fiona Piltz

Summary:

Applications have been submitted to Council by local charitable organisations, community groups and individuals seeking relief from fees for the disposal of waste at Council’s Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) for the 2026/27 financial year, on the basis that they are providing a benefit to the community.

Recommendation

That Council endorse the annual 2026/27 Financial Assistance Subsidy for waste disposal subsidy for an additional amount of $250.00 for the below listed charities and note the budget available for the remainder of the 2026/27 financial year.

Report

Council’s Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078) along with the Delivery Program and Operational Plan contain a deliverable which refers to the waiving of Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Fees and outlines a budget allocation of $10,300 for the 2026/27 financial year.

As part of this program, individuals, registered not-for-profit, non-government registered charities or community groups located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are eligible to apply for a waiver or subsidised waste disposal fees.

There are two types of waivers or subsidised waste disposal fees that may be applied for:

1. An annual waiver or reduction to a maximum value of $1,000, or

2. A waiver or fee reduction for a single, specific project up to a maximum value of $250. This may be for advertised events such as Clean-Up Australia Day or the Adopt-A-Road Program.

The following table outlines the applicants who have applied for a waiver under the 2026/27 program, along with the proposed subsidy amounts for consideration:

No.	Name of Applicant	Subsidy amount proposed
1	Wagga Wagga Baptist Church	$250
	Total	$250

The above listed organisation are well known to Council for providing valuable charitable and social services that benefit the community of Wagga Wagga.

It is recommended to approve the above application and given that there are many more registered charities listed in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, it is proposed that the remaining budget amount of $5,500 be retained to fund any further applications for subsidised fees that may be received during the 2026/27 financial year.

Financial Implications

An allowance of $10,300 for subsidised waste disposal has been made in the Solid Waste budget for 2026/27, funded from the Solid Waste Reserve.

The approval of this report will leave $5,500 for Council to consider any further applications received for the remainder of the 2026/27 financial year.

Subsidised waste disposal budget - 2026/27 financial year	$10,300
Subsidies approved at the 9 June 2026 Council meeting	($3,550)
Subsidies approved at the 22 June 2026 Council meeting	($1,000)
Budget remaining prior to this proposed report resolution	$5,750
Proposed subsidy included in this report	($250)
Budget remaining after this proposed report resolution, for any further applications for the remainder of the 2026/27 financial year	$5,500

Job consolidation 70035 - Charity Subsidies for Waste Disposal.

Policy and Legislation

Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993

Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078)

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Engaged Community

Establish partnerships and relationships with community and foster opportunities for collaboration and action.

Risk Management Issues for Council

No risk management issues were identified in respect to the provision of subsidised waste disposal fees provided they are applied as per the Policy.

Internal / External Consultation

Internal consultation with the relevant sections within Council is undertaken to ensure the operators of the landfill and finance staff are advised of the subsidy to ensure it is applied correctly and monitored appropriately.

The applicants will be advised of the resolution of Council regarding their application for subsidised disposal fees, how the subsidy will be applied and the conditions of entry into the landfill.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-9

RP-9 PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE POLICY (POL 097)

Author: Nicole Johnson

Executive: Scott Gray

Summary:

The Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097) has been reviewed following revisions to the NSW Ombudsman’s Model Public Interest Disclosure Policy and PID Guidelines for agencies. This report seeks Council’s endorsement of the revised Policy for placement on public exhibition.

Recommendation

That Council:

a endorse the draft Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097) and place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 17 October 2026 and invite public submissions until 27 November 2026 on the draft Policy

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

i addressing any submission made in respect of the draft Public Interest Disclosure Policy

ii proposing adoption of the policy unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

Report

Council is required under section 42 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) to have a Public Interest Disclosure Policy. The Policy establishes Council's framework for receiving and dealing with reports of serious wrongdoing and outlines the protections available to public officials who make a public interest disclosure. In developing its Policy, Council must have regard to the relevant guidelines issued by the NSW Ombudsman.

Council's current Public Interest Disclosure Policy was adopted in July 2025 and sets out how Council will support and protect people who report serious wrongdoing, how reports will be dealt with, who reports can be made to and the protections available under the PID Act.

In March 2026, the NSW Ombudsman revised seven of its PID Guidelines for agencies. The revisions provide additional clarification and guidance on the operation of the PID Act, including the management of anonymous and de-identified disclosures, internal review of agency decisions, reporting and notification requirements and detrimental action offences.

The revisions also included amendments to the NSW Ombudsman's Developing your PID Policy guideline and Model Public Interest Disclosure Policy, including corrections and clarification to information contained in the previous Model Policy.

As Council's Policy is substantially based on the NSW Ombudsman's Model Policy, it has been reviewed against the revised guidelines and updated Model Policy.

The review does not represent a significant change to Council's overall PID framework, however, the proposed amendments update and clarify the Policy to ensure it continues to accurately reflect the requirements of the PID Act and current guidance issued by the NSW Ombudsman.

The key changes to the Policy include:

· Anonymous and de-identified voluntary PIDs – the Policy has been updated to distinguish between anonymous and de-identified voluntary PIDs and provide further information on how these disclosures are managed, including assessment of the disclosure, communication with the PID maker and Council's obligations when dealing with these disclosures.

· Reports to Members of Parliament and journalists – the Policy has been amended to reflect the correction to the Model Policy regarding the circumstances in which a disclosure to a Member of Parliament or journalist may qualify as a voluntary PID.

· Protection from liability for a PID maker's own past conduct – the Policy has been amended to clarify that an undertaking from the Attorney General in relation to a PID maker's own past conduct can only be given following an application by an integrity agency.

· Internal review of decisions – further information has been included on the decisions that may be subject to internal review and the process for requesting and undertaking an internal review.

· Reporting and notifications to the NSW Ombudsman – the Policy has been updated to clarify Council's reporting and notification requirements, including decisions not to investigate or to cease investigating a disclosure and notifications relating to detrimental action.

· Detrimental action offences – further information has been included to distinguish between an allegation of detrimental action and evidence of a detrimental action offence, and the matters to be considered when assessing whether there is evidence of an offence.

· PIDs received from Ministers – information has been included on how Council will deal with a voluntary PID received from a Minister or a member of a Minister's staff.

· Serious and substantial waste of public money – the definition has been updated in line with the revised NSW Ombudsman guidance.

The Policy also includes minor wording and consequential amendments arising from the revised Model Policy and PID Guidelines.

The proposed amendments do not significantly change Council's existing PID framework but ensure the Policy remains consistent with the current NSW Ombudsman Model Policy and PID Guidelines.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act)

Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097)

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Ethical Leadership

Deliver accountable and transparent leadership.

Risk Management Issues for Council

Maintaining a Public Interest Disclosure Policy that reflects the PID Act and current NSW Ombudsman guidance assists Council to identify and appropriately manage public interest disclosures and meet its statutory reporting, confidentiality and protection obligations.

Failure to maintain appropriate processes may increase the risk that a disclosure is not identified or managed in accordance with the PID Act, including risks associated with confidentiality, detrimental action and statutory notification requirements.

Internal / External Consultation

The draft Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097) has undergone internal review by Council officers to ensure it aligns with the revised NSW Ombudsman PID Guidelines and Model Public Interest Disclosure Policy.

To ensure transparency and facilitate both internal and external engagement, the following consultation activities will be undertaken during and after the public exhibition period:

· The draft Policy will be made available on Council’s website for the duration of the exhibition period.

· A notice will be published in Council News and through the required formal advertisements.

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

Attachments

1 ⇩.

Draft Public Interest Disclosure Policy (POL 097)

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-10

RP-10 2027 COUNCIL MEETING DATES

Author: Nicole Johnson

Executive: Scott Gray

Summary:

Council is required under section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) to meet at least 10 times each year, with each meeting held in a different month. This report proposes a schedule for the continuation of Council’s twice-monthly meeting cycle, consistent with Council’s current adopted position.

Recommendation

That Council endorse the schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for the period January 2027 to December 2027, providing for two meetings per month, as outlined in the report.

Report

Council is required under Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) to meet at least 10 times per year, each time in a different month. The proposed dates reflect the continuation of two meetings per month according to the adopted position of Council.

At its meeting held on 27 October 2025, Council considered the timing of Council meetings when adopting the 2026 Council Meeting Dates. Councillors discussed the officer’s recommendation, which outlined the advantages and challenges of holding meetings on different days of the week.

Considerations included the potential to move meetings from Mondays to Wednesdays to allow additional time for Councillors to ask questions and receive feedback from staff prior to the meeting, providing Councillors with more time to review business papers, allowing greater flexibility for staff and Councillor availability, and supporting improved community access to meeting information.

Following discussion of the options presented, Council resolved to continue holding meetings on Mondays for 2026.

Scheduling Options

Outlined below are the proposed Ordinary Council Meeting dates for the period January 2027 to December 2027, based on the second and fourth Monday of the month, with a number of exceptions as noted below. In the draft schedule a meeting is currently scheduled for 18 January 2027; however, there is no legislative requirement for Council to meet in January. If Council were inclined not to hold a January meeting, the meeting currently scheduled for 8 February 2027 could instead be brought forward to 1 February 2027.

The meeting date proposed for December 2027 lessens the gap between the December and January meeting dates, with January typically being the period of increased staff absence due to planned leave, with a consequent smaller agenda anticipated. The December date proposed also accommodates the legislative requirements for the investment portfolio reporting. It is also proposed that Council Meeting start times remain at 5.30pm.

The Corporate Calendar and other factors have been checked for any conflicting commitments and any overlapping conference dates including:

· Public Holidays and NSW School holidays

· Adoption of Audited Financial Statements within legislated timeframes

· Financial and investment reporting requirements

· Adoption of IP&R documentation

· The National General Assembly has a tentative date of mid to late June 2027

· LGNSW Conference has not released dates yet, however it is estimated to be held in late November 2027

· One monthly meeting proposed for January 2027 and December 2027 to accommodate the Christmas / New Year Holiday periods

Option 1: Fortnightly Meeting Cycle

Meeting Date	Time	Comments
18 January 2027	5:30pm	Australia Day - 26 January 2027 School Holidays end 3 February 2027 Council to consider not adopting a January 2027 meeting date and moving forward the 8 February to 1 February 2027
8 February 2027	5:30pm	Pending consideration above
22 February 2027	5:30pm
8 March 2027	5:30pm
22 March 2027	5:30pm
5 April 2027	5:30pm	School Holidays – 9 April – 23 April 2027
19 April 2027	5:30pm	ANZAC Day Floodplain Risk Management Conference scheduled for 21 – 24 April 2027
10 May 2027	5:30pm	2027 ALGWA Conference dates not released to date – generally early May
24 May 2027	5:30pm
7 June 2027	5:30pm	King’s Birthday – 14 June 2027
28 June 2027	5:30pm	NGA date not released to date – generally late June Consider adoption of DPOP and Budget
12 July 2027	5:30pm	School Holidays - 5 July to 16 July 2027
26 July 2027	5:30pm
9 August 2027	5:30pm
23 August 2027	5:30pm
6 September 2027	5:30pm	LGNSW Water Management Conference date not released to date – generally mid-September
20 September 2027	5:30pm	School Holidays – 27 September – 8 October 2027
11 October 2027	5:30pm
25 October 2027	5:30pm
15 November 2027	5:30pm	LGNSW 2027 Conference date not released to date - usually mid/late November Consider adoption of financial statements
29 November 2027	5:30pm
13 December 2027	5:30pm

Financial Implications

There are costs involved in conducting Council meetings, including the livestreaming of the Council meetings which requires certain equipment and services. Council has an annual budget allocation to conduct the livestreaming of all Council meetings, which is provided by an external contractor.

Policy and Legislation

In accordance with Chapter 12, Part 2, Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), the Council is required to meet at least 10 times per year, each time in a different month.

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Ethical Leadership

Deliver accountable and transparent leadership.

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-11

RP-11 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST RETURNS - COUNCILLORS AND DESIGNATED PERSONS 2026

Author: Timothy Pankhurst

Executive: Scott Gray

Summary:

Clause 4.21 of the Model Code of Conduct requires all Councillors and Designated Persons to complete an annual Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Return.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns, containing the current returns of Councillors and Designated Persons for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, tabled in accordance with clause 4.21 of the Model Code of Conduct.

Report

Under clause 4.21 of Council's Code of Conduct, councillors and designated persons are required to disclose their interests in written returns lodged with the General Manager. These returns provide an important transparency mechanism that supports community confidence in Council's decision-making processes.

A pecuniary interest is defined in clause 4.1 of the Code of Conduct as an interest a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person referred to in clause 4.3 of the Code.

Clause 4.21 of the Code requires a councillor or designated person to make and lodge with the General Manager a return in the prescribed form within three months after becoming a councillor or designated person, within three months after 30 June each year, and within three months after becoming aware of an interest required to be disclosed that has not previously been disclosed.

The General Manager is required to keep a register of returns lodged under the Code. In accordance with clause 4.25 of the Code and section 440AAB of the Local Government Act 1993, annual returns are required to be tabled at the first Council meeting held after the last day on which the returns are required to be lodged.

The General Manager reviewed the list of designated persons in a previous return period, resulting in a reduction in the number of persons required to complete and lodge a return under clause 4.21. The outcome of that review continues to be reflected in the current register.

Returns of Interests for the period ending 30 June 2026 were required to be lodged by 30 September 2026. As of 1 October 2026, returns had been received from all nine (9) Councillors and all designated persons required to lodge a return in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Accordingly, Council's Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns for 2026 is submitted to this meeting of Council in accordance with the Code of Conduct and the Local Government Act 1993.

Returns of interests are open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018 and are required to be made publicly available, subject to the public interest considerations under the GIPA Act and applicable guidelines issued by the NSW Information Commissioner.

Requests for the redaction of information contained in individual returns have been assessed in accordance with the GIPA Act and applicable guidance issued by the NSW Information Commissioner. Where it has been determined that particular information should not be disclosed and it is practicable to release the remainder of the return, a redacted version of the return is included in the attachment to this report.

The Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns is available for inspection at Council's Civic Centre during ordinary business hours and will also be made available on Council's website.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

The Wagga Wagga City Council Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct) sets out the requirements in relation to the completion and lodgement of returns of interests. Under the Code of Conduct, a person must not make and lodge a return that the person knows or ought reasonably to know is false or misleading in a material particular.

Complaints about breaches of these requirements are to be referred to the Office of Local Government (OLG) and may result in disciplinary action by the Council, the Departmental Chief Executive or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The following legislation and guidelines were also considered as part of the assessment of the request for redaction:

· Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act)

· Information and Privacy Commission NSW, Information Access Guideline 1 – For Local Councils on the Disclosure of Information (Returns Disclosing the Interests of Councillors and Designated Persons)

· Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIP Act)

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Ethical Leadership

Deliver accountable and transparent leadership.

Risk Management Issues for Council

There is a risk of non-compliance with legislative and Code of Conduct requirements if returns of interests are not appropriately disclosed or redacted. This risk is mitigated by assessing requests for redaction in accordance with the applicable legislative requirements and relevant Information and Privacy Commission guidelines.

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

Attachments

2026 Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns - Provided under separate cover.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

RP-12

RP-12 QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

Author: Scott Gray

Summary:

This report is to respond to questions with notice raised by Councillors in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

Report

The following questions with notice were received prior to the meeting, in accordance with the Code of Meeting Practice.

Councillor R Foley

1. What is the cumulative total number of individuals from the identified encampments (CBD Riverside, Wagga beach, Wilks Park and Oura) who have been placed into any form of accommodation since 7 May 2026, as distinct from the point-in-time headcount reported in RP-1 at Councils previous Ordinary Council Meeting?

a. Of that total, how many were placed into commercial hotel or motel accommodation?

b. How many were placed into crisis and refuge accommodation, including Edel Quin Harmlessness Shelter and De Marcilla House Women’s Refuge?

c. How many were placed into transitional housing, social or public housing, private rental or reunified with family?

2. How many individuals are currently residing in commercial hotel or motel accommodation as part of the Emergency Response Plan, as at the most recent available date?

a. What is the average nightly cost per soon, and the total cost to date, of hotel or motel accommodation used under the Plan?

b. Which agency or budget funds this accommodation, and is any cost borne by Council?

c. What is the average length of stay for individuals placed in hotel or motel accommodation, and what is the intended exit pathway from that accommodation?

3. Of all individuals placed into accommodation since May 2026, how many remain in that accommodation as at the most recent available date, and how many are known to have returned to rough sleeping or reappeared at any encampment location?

4. What method is used to produce the encampment headcount (such as the figure of 14 people as of 9 September 2026 reported in RP-1 at Councils previous Ordinary Council Meeting?

5. What is the current timeline and accommodation capacity plan for engagement with people at the Oura encampment site? Given that land tenure planning is still being finalised?

6. What is the total whole of Government expenditure to date on the emergency Response Plan, broken down by accommodation brokerage, health services, compliance operations, and Council’s own costs?

The questions that relate to Homes NSW responsibility were referred to Homes NSW for response. Their responses have been received, with responses to questions 1-3 and 6 attributed accordingly. Where Council can provide a response related to our responsibilities these have also been noted below:

Question 1 - Homes NSW has been successfully working with each person facing housing insecurity along Wilks Park, Wagga Beach and Oura since April, which has seen the encampments reduce significantly.

Homes NSW has supported numerous rough sleepers from the identified areas and continues to do so. We do not provide public updates on the individual housing circumstances or location of people experiencing homelessness, recognising their right to privacy and safety.

There is also no one-size-fits-all approach, which means we need to ensure support is tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Support remains available for anyone who needs to access it.

Question 2 – Homes NSW does not disclose the cost or circumstances of individual accommodation arrangements as pricing and terms and conditions vary between providers and may be subject to commercial-in-confidence arrangements.

Question 2b - Council does not fund accommodation services.

Question 3 - Homes NSW does not provide public updates on the individual housing circumstances or location of people experiencing homelessness, recognising their right to privacy and safety.

Question 4 - It is a simple count of individuals. No, it does not include other areas of the city.

Homes NSW staff continue to conduct outreach at known areas and hotspots for rough sleeping to offer housing assistance and support to people experiencing homelessness.

Question 5 - There is not a current timeline.

Question 6 - Council is not aware of the sum of the total expenditure across agencies.

Homes NSW could only comment on accommodation expenditure and as outlined we do not disclose the cost or circumstances of individual accommodation arrangements as pricing and terms and conditions vary between providers and may be subject to commercial-in-confidence arrangements.

Councillor R Foley

The road surface near Kincaid Street near the Sporties Hotel is in poor condition. Can Council investigate and repair the road resurface.

Council is aware of the deteriorating pavement condition on Kincaid Street near the Sporties Hotel. The design for the rehabilitation of this section of road is scheduled for completion during the current financial year and will determine the scope of works required to address the pavement issues and improve the road's long-term performance.

Subject to the outcomes of the design process and the adoption of future budgets, Council anticipates commencing rehabilitation works on the identified sections during the 2027/28 financial year.

In the meantime, Council will continue to monitor the road condition and undertake maintenance works as required to ensure the safety of all road users.

Councillor J McKinnon

Is Council receiving any money from Inland Rail for the road rehabilitation for the roads affected by rerouting the traffic such as Copland Street, Railway Street, Lord Baden Powel Drive and Bourke Street?

Yes, Inland Rail is required under the condition of project approval issued by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to fix or pay for the fixing of roads and other Council infrastructure damaged by their works. To date Inland Rail has continued to engage with Council over real or potential damage. Council is working with Inland Rail to identify impacted and damaged areas, develop solutions and determine a program for completing these works. The majority of rectification works will be done towards the end of the project to minimise further damage. This would occur from around March 2027 to October 2027 weather permitting.

Councillor J McKinnon

Recently become aware of aware of organisation that makes use of first aid kit items that have expired by redistributing them to animal rescue groups. Does Council currently participate in any programs like this? Would Council investigate donating expired First Aid items to either the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter or WIRES groups in the future?

Council does not currently participate in any program for the redistribution of expired first aid supplies to animal rescue organisations. Council’s first aid supplies are managed under contractual arrangements with its first aid provider. Expired items are removed from service and are generally not considered suitable for redistribution.

To assess the suitability of this type of arrangement Staff have reached out to Council’s first aid provider to seek further advice, however, a response is yet to be received. Any advice received will assist staff in considering whether there are appropriate options for the reuse of such supplies however not all First aid products supplied for human use may be appropriate for veterinary purposes.

Any future proposal to donate expired first aid supplies to organisations such as Glenfield Road Animal Shelter or WIRES will need to be assessed having regard to product suitability, safety, liability and risk management, as well as Council’s existing contractual arrangements with its first aid provider.

Councillor J McKinnon

Requested traffic information on the intersection of Lord Baden Powel Drive and Lake Albert Road. In particular the numbers of impacts on road users in this location to include, Traffic Counts, Accident data, fatality and injury information.

Does Council need to be considering alternative traffic management measures at this location.

There have been five crashes at and around this intersection in the last 5 years, including the most recent one in May of this year. Of these, two were classified as non-casualty (towaway) and three as moderate injury. Three involved vehicles turning right from Lake Albert Rd into Lord Baden Powel. One was a rear-end collision on Lake Albert Rd. And one was a head-on collision on the Lord Baden Powel leg of the intersection.

The nearest traffic counts we have for Lake Albert Rd were taken in March 2020 between Copland St and Hammond Ave. These recorded an average of 13,500 vehicles per day.

We have a 2023 count for Lord Baden Powel Dr taken east of Macleay St that recorded an average of 6705 vehicles per day.

Based on the available data, there is no evidence to suggest that alternative traffic management measures are currently required at this location. Over the five-year period, approximately 18.4 million vehicle movements occurred, with five recorded crashes, equating to one crash per year or approximately one crash for every 3.7 million vehicle movements.

Further relevant information to note is that, due to the constrained nature of the surrounding area, options for alternative intersection treatments would be limited without significant property acquisitions.

Councillor L Tanner

When will the Pedestrian and Mobility Plan be made available?

The planned review of the PAMP will be delayed to align with the broader review and redevelopment of Council's Asset Management Plans. Aligning these activities will ensure that future PAMP priorities and interventions are supported by a consistent, evidence based asset management framework and associated strategic documentation.

Over the next two years, Council's recently established Asset Surveillance Team will be focused on developing and implementing the supporting operational asset management methodology and strategic documentation required to strengthen our approach to footpath asset management. This work will include:

· Development of an Asset Criticality Framework.

· Establishment of footpath exposure and risk assessment tables.

· Evaluation and adoption of AI-enabled defect identification and condition assessment technologies.

· Spatial recording and mapping of compliant and non-compliant pedestrian infrastructure identified through the current PAMP.

· Development of supporting asset management methodologies, standards, and decision-making frameworks.

· Consideration of the Transport NSW Local Area Pedestrian Planning Interim Practice Note - 2026 to ensure alignment between pedestrian planning objectives and Council's developing asset management framework.

This foundational work will provide a more robust basis for future PAMP reviews and help ensure that investment decisions are prioritised using consistent risk, condition, and service-level considerations.

In the interim, PAMP projects will continue to be incorporated into Council's annual works program. Delivery priorities will be coordinated with planned footpath, kerb and gutter renewal programs and will continue to consider customer requests and identified needs, assessed against the developing asset management methodology.

We anticipate that the updated PAMP will be informed by the outcomes of this strategic work, together with the principles outlined in the Transport NSW Local Area Pedestrian Planning Interim Practice Note - 2026, resulting in a more comprehensive, integrated and data-driven plan for pedestrian infrastructure across our Local Government Area.

Councillor L Tanner

Can we get a report from Inland Rail on their progress and any complaints they may be dealing with from a community perspective.

Councillors were provided with an update from Inland Rail in August 2026 following Council’s regular project coordination meeting with Inland Rail representatives.

At that time, Inland Rail advised that the Albury to Illabo project was approximately 34% complete, with the Wagga Wagga works approximately 30% complete. The update also covered progress at key Wagga Wagga construction sites, including Mothers Bridge, Edmondson Street Bridge and Cassidy Footbridge, upcoming rail possessions, traffic and road impacts, and community complaints received by Inland Rail.

Inland Rail advised that 11 community complaints had been received during the relevant reporting period, relating to matters including noise, out-of-hours works, traffic, worker behaviour, air quality and access around Cassidy Footbridge. All complaints had been closed at the time of the briefing, with the exception of one out-of-hours work matter that remained under consideration.

Inland Rail will be contacted to provide an updated position on project progress and any community complaints received since the August briefing. A further response will be provided to Councillors at the next Ordinary Council Meeting.

Councillor L Tanner

Can Councillors get the FY27 Road and Footpath renewal maintenance network program.

Roads Program

Unsealed Resheets

· Pulletop Rd

· The Rock-Narrandera Road

· O'Briens Creek Road

· Downfall Road

· Humula-Eight Mile Road

· Rohans Road Lockhart

· Oura Beach Road

· Henty Road

Unsealed Maintenance Grade

· Coreinbob Road

· Central Island Road

· Weir Road

· Galore Road

· Roping Pole Road

· Kings Road

· Mary Gilmore Road

· Toonga Settlement Road

· Oberne Umbango Road

· Cookardinia Road

· Henty Road

· Burkes Creek Road

· Brunskill Road

· River Road

· Wattle Hill Road

· Old Station Road

· Ganmurra Road

· Kerfoot Road

· Lower Middle Road

· Windamarra Road

· Borambola North

· Borambola South

· Gap Hall Downside

· Windmill Road

· Fire Trails

· Kapooka Drive

· The Gap Road

· Shepherds Siding Road

· Seventeen Mile Mail Route Road

· Willis Road

· Boundary Road

· Downside Road

· Dunnings Road

· Clarendon Road

· Poiles Road

· Prices Road

· Pine Gully Road

· Flowerdale Road

Sealed Roads

Reseals

Bomen

· Byrnes Road

Bourkelands

· Glenvale Place

· Berembee Road

· Weeroona Street

· Brooklyn Drive

· Tubbo Place

Forest Hill

· Kurrajong Avenue

· Melaleuca Drive

· Simpson Avenue

Glenfield

· Melkin Avenue

· Mirrul Street

· Undurra Drive

· Wonkana Road

· Yulong Street

· Red Hill Road

Gumly Gumly

· Eunony Bridge Road

· Pioneer Avenue

· Graham Avenue

· Bakers Lane

Kooringal

· Ziegler Avenue

· Grove Street

· Wilson Street

Lake Albert

· Eyre & Bass Street

· Graham Street

· Inglis Street

· Vincent Road

· Gregadoo Road

· King Street

· Main Street

· Lake Albert Road

· Inglewood Road

North Wagga

· Arthur Street

· Elizabeth Street

· Frederick Street

· George Street

· McPherson Street

Tatton

· Derwent Avenue

· Hotham Place

· Budawang Place

· Grampian Place

· Kimberley Drive

Tolland

· Maher Street

· Fraser Street

· Awaba Avenue

· Adjin Street

Turvey Park

· Macleay Street

· Blamey Street

· Rudd Street

· Heydon Avenue

Seal after stabilisation

· Mates Gully Road

· Gumly Road

· Argus Avenue

· Old Narrandera Road

AC Works

· Shaw Street (Bolton St to Albury St)

· Trail Street

· Horsley Road & Red Hill Road

· Stuart Road

· Stillman Road

· Tasman Road

· Lord Baden Powell Drive

· Copland Street

· Grandview Avenue

Shoulder Works

· Milwood Road

· The Gap Road

· The Rock-Collingullie Road

Footpath Program

· Berry Street 63 lm

· Best Street 70 lm

· Blake Street 5.5 lm

· Dobbs Street 49 lm

· Docker Street 66 lm

· Fernleigh road 33 lm

· Forsyth Street 39 lm

· Gormly Ave 10 lm

· Hardy Ave 41 lm

· Lake Albert Rd 219 lm

· Peter Street 84 lm

· Shaw Street 71 lm

· Simmons Street 29 lm

Program is subject to change due to budget and resource availability. Works will be advertised on Council’s website and affected residents will be notified prior to the commencement of works.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Good governance

Provide professional, innovative, accessible and efficient services.

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 12 October 2026

M-1

Committee Minutes

M-1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 17 SEPTEMBER 2026

Author: Andrew Mason

Executive: Henry Pavitt

Summary:

This report presents the minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC) meeting held on 17 September 2026 for Council’s information and noting.

The FRMAC was provided with an update on the four (4) current flood mitigation projects underway, being:

· The Investigation & Design Study for the Uranquinty Levee Upgrade

· Levee system upgrade- North Wagga

· Humula and Mangoplah Flood Studies

· WWCC Major Overland Flood Flow Study Amendment Review

Recommendation

That Council receive the minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting held on 17 September 2026.

Report

The Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC) Meeting held on 17 September are presented to Council for consideration. Below is a summary of items considered at the meeting.

RP-1 2021-22-FM-0032 - URANQUINTY LEVEE UPGRADE - INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN

The levee detailed design and all of the associated reports are complete and have been provided to Council.

The project has been finalised, all invoices from the consultant received and paid and milestone claims have been put into the DCCEEW Portal for closure. The final acquittal has been approved and the project closed out.

RP-2 2022-FMP-0103 HUMULA AND MANGOPLAH FLOOD STUDIES

The Draft Flood Study report has been provided to Council and placed on Public Exhibition for the required 28 days. Community consultations were conducted in Mangoplah on 26August and Humula on 28August.

In response to the poor attendance at the first community session in 2023, the consultation meeting in Mangoplah was conducted in the local Hotel on a more suitable night. There were over 20 people in attendance and feedback was provided on the flood study and other issues in the village such as the flood model for the BESS development. The BESS development area is outside the scope of the Mangoplah flood model and while not a direct issue with the flood model, the concerns from the affected residents were noted and will be considered as part of the planning process.

The Humula consultation meeting was held in the Humula Citizens Sports Club with around 20 people in attendance. The feedback covered a wide range of information and issues and the response to the flood study was positive with no real concerns or issues being raised.

After receiving feedback from the community and Public Exhibition, WMAwater has finalised the update of the Flood Study and the report and WMAwater presented the final report to this meeting of FRMAC.

A time extension until December 2026 has been requested by Council and approved by DCCEEW. This allows time for finalisation of the Public Exhibition, presentation to a FRMAC meeting and presentation of the final model and report to a Council meeting for adoption.

RP-3 17866- LEVEE SYSTEM UPGRADE - NORTH WAGGA

The North Wagga Levee Upgrade Project continues to progress, with the focus currently on completing the detailed design and associated third-party impact mitigation measures.

NSW Public Works has been engaged as the design consultant for the North Wagga Levee Upgrade Project. Detailed design for the Mill Street and Hampden Avenue sections has reached approximately 50% completion, with design development and coordination continuing across the remaining project areas.

Detailed design for Wilks Park has also reached approximately 50% completion and is currently under review by NSW Public works. The review will inform the next stage of design development and progression towards detailed design completion.

An updated indicative timeline for the implementation of the raised levee and third-party mitigation options is provided below.

Project Phase/ Milestone	Start Date	End Date	Status
Initiation: Engage specialist design consultants to finalise design details and prepare construction specifications and tender documentation.	13/04/2026	13/11/2026	In progress
Planning / Design: Contractor engagement and completion of required approvals, including REF, permits, licences and works approvals.	14/11/2026	14/03/2027	Not due
Pre-construction: Finalise design and commence initial levee works, stormwater upgrades, property protection works, surveys and community consultation.	15/03/2027	15/09/2027	Not due
Construction / Delivery – 25% Completion: Complete 25% of construction works, including levee and stormwater works.	16/09/2027	16/09/2028	Not due
Construction / Delivery – 50% Completion: Complete 50% of construction works, including earthen levee works, stormwater upgrades and sheet piling.	17/09/2028	17/05/2029	Not due
Construction / Delivery – 75% Completion: Complete 75% of construction works and external building protection works.	18/05/2029	18/01/2030	Not due
Closure: Complete all construction works and final project reporting.	19/01/2030	19/04/2030	Not due

RP-4 WWCC MOFFS FFL AMENDMENT REVIEW

Council currently has a grant application lodged with DCCEEW to fund the review and update of the Wagga Wagga MOFFs model. It is therefore recommended that Council await the outcome of this application before deciding how to proceed with the model update.

RP-5 FLOOD PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION STATUS

Council has over 80 recommendations from the recently completed studies and is working its way through the studies as funding becomes available.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

The outcomes from the various studies will be critical in the terms of future amendments to the Council Local Environmental Plan and its Development Control Plan.

Link to Strategic Plan

Regional Leadership

Good governance

Provide professional, innovative, accessible and efficient services.

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) (previously the Office of Environment and Heritage) has been heavily consulted throughout the process of planning and executing these projects. DCCEEW is the responsible funding body and receives quarterly status update reports.

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Have your Say

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Other methods (please list specific details below)

Budget Summary (rounded to the nearest dollar where applicable)
Total Section 356 Contributions, Grants and Donations 2026/27 Budget allocation	$2,500,836
Total of Section 356 Contributions, Grants and Donations budget allocations approved during 2026/27 Operational Plan adoption*	($2,488,635)
Total of fee waivers approved to date this financial year	($495.00)
Revised Balance of Section 356 budget available for requests received during the 2026/27 financial year	$11,706
1) UNISONg Community Choir	($1,170.00)
Subtotal Fee Waivers included in this report proposed to be funded from the Section 356 Budget	($1,170.00)
Proposed Balance of Section 356 fee waiver financial assistance budget for the remainder of the 2026/27 Financial Year	$10,536.00