OUTCOMES OF THE MAY 25 ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) met on Thursday 25 May, 2023 at 5.30pm in the Wellington Council Chambers for the May Council meeting.
The following outcomes were made:
Matters Considered by Committees:
Report of the Infrastructure, Planning and Environment Committee
Councillors adopted the report of the Infrastructure, Planning and Environment Committee meeting.
Report of the Culture and Community Committee
Councillors adopted the report of the Culture and Community Committee with the exception of the recommendations for the report on the NSW Bowls State Championships.
Bowls NSW State Championships:
Councillors noted Bowls NSW requires $55,000 to cover the costs of hosting the event in a regional locations and committed $15,000 for each of the three events to secure the tournament for the 2024, 2026 and 2028 events.
They also noted the hosting bowling clubs in Dubbo had committed in principle to cover the additional $40,000 and Council’s events team will work with NSW Bowls and the Dubbo Clubs to secure further sponsorship and make it a successful event.
Report of the Corporate Services Committee
Councillors adopted the report of the Corporate Services Committee.
Notices of Motion:
Emergency Service Levy Increase
Councillors elected to write to the Treasurer, the Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Local Government and the local State Member to express opposition to the last minute decision to increase the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) cost on council by 73% increase in the State Emergency Service budget and an 18% increase in the Fire and Rescue NSW budget in the 2023/24 financial year.
It is to be noted as a consequence it will erode the 3.7 per cent rate increase and advise the government that their decision will lead to a reduction in important local services and the cancellation of necessary infrastructure projects.
Councillors will call on the Government to restore the ESL subsidy in 2023/24, urgently introduce legislation to decouple the ESL from the rate peg to enable councils to recover the full cost and develop a fairer, more transparent and financially sustainable method of funding critically important emergency services in consultation with local government.
Council will also write to the Chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and the President of LGNSW seeking their support.
Councillors suggest the impacts of the increase in the ESL be considered in the report to Council that determines the 2023/2024 Operational Plan and Budget.
The Voice Referendum
Councillors elected to hold an internal workshop for Councillors workshop to consider the educational material regarding the proposed Indigenous Voice in Parliament, with a subsequent report to be provided to Council for consideration detailing any logistical or financial considerations.
Further, Council will develop a program centred on information, education and participation to support the community to make an informed decision on this subject and promote the importance of registering on the Australian Electoral Commission.
Rehab Centre Location and Possible Relocation
Councillors voiced their concerns for the location of the new Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Spears Drive, opposing the current location.
Council will write to the relevant minister to raise their objections with the current proposed site and will look to work with the Western Local Health District and influence the State Government in finding a more suitable location.
Proposal for a Dubbo Crime Summit
The motion for a Dubbo Crime Summit was defeated.
Councillors called for the Social Justice and Youth Committees to call out Government agencies and community stakeholders to develop a Community Safety Strategy and Associated Action Plan.
Reports From Staff:
Amendments to the Kintyre Heights Estate Development Control Plan
Councillors adopted the draft amended Kintyre Heights Estate Development Control Plan for the purpose of public exhibition. The plan will be placed on public exhibition and a report will be presented to Council for consideration, including all results of the exhibition.
Draft Planning Agreement - Joira Road
Councillors adopted the draft Planning Agreement for the purpose of a public exhibition. The agreement will be placed on public exhibition, with a further report to be prepared for the consideration of Council including any submissions received.
Development Application D22-752 Multi-dwelling Housing (47 Units), 2 Monash Street, Dubbo
Councillors approved the Development Application for multi-dwelling housing at 2 Monash Street, subject to conditions outlined in the report.
They noted eight healthy mature trees along Monash Street would be retained and onsite planting will occur within the development itself.
The DA has an estimated value of $11,044,166.
Section 8.2 Review of Determination – D20-608 for Service Station at Lot 51 DP 712802, 39 Cobbora Road, Dubbo
Councillors refused the application for a service station at 39 Cobbora Road because the intersection had insufficient capacity to service the proposed development and approval would compromise the safety and efficiency of the intersection.
Councillors also noted the amended traffic assessment is also not practical or self-enforcing and there is likely to be a high risk of non-compliance with the proposed traffic management strategies.
Seniors housing (32 Dwellings) - Stage 7 and Stage 9 at 57 Minore Road, Dubbo
Councillors approved the Development Application for seniors housing of 32 Dwellings at 57 Minore Road, subject to the conditions of consent.
Councillors acknowledged this complimented the development already in place, and extended the seniors housing along Minore Road, saying they are necessary facilities for social connection.
Intensive Livestock Agriculture (Poultry Farm) - Lot 5 DP 664334, 21 Gladstone Road Bodangora
Councillors approved the development application for an Intensive Livestock Agriculture (poultry farm) at 21 Gladstone Road, Bodangora, subject to conditions.
March 2023 Quarterly Budget Review Statement
The Quarterly Budget Review Statements were adopted. It was noted that Council is in a satisfactory financial position, with the changes made to the original budget.
Councillor and Mayoral Fees - 2023/2024
Councillors elected to raise the annual fee payable to Councillors and the mayor.
For the financial year starting on 1 July 2023, Councillors will receive $26,070 per year and the Mayor will receive $64,390 per year. The annual fee must be in accordance with the appropriate determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.
Execution of Compulsory Acquisition of Crown Land for Public Road, Upgrade of Goolma Road and Twelve Mile Road Intersection
Council approved compulsory acquisition of the land and will make an application to the Minister for Local Government to issue a Proposed Acquisition Notice and to the Governor of NSW for a publication of an Acquisition Notice. Upon acquisition the land will be classified as operational land.
Cameron Park Playground Fence - Results of Community Consultation
Councillors determined to install a fence around Cameron Park playground as part of the 2023/2024 budget and operational plan similar to Victoria Park playground in Dubbo. Members of the community who participated in the consultation will be thanked for their contribution and advised of Council’s resolution.
Questions on Notice - Councillor Shibli Chowdhury
Council is implementing numerous measures to achieve the required waste reduction targets set by the NSW EPA and are currently half way through a 10 year contract with JR Richards.
Council staff are producing a Specific Waste Strategy, which will align with the strategic direction of the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041. Further information can be found on the Department Planning and Environment Website.
Questions on Notice - Councillor Damien Mahon
Smart City Strategy: Council adopted a Smart Council Strategy on 21 September 2022 which provides the strategic backbone for continuing digital transformation of Council, and delivery of the accompanying Smart Region Strategy. This corporate focused strategy identifies the pursuit of greater productivity across Council through digital integration by design.
Keswick Land Sales: The Keswick Estate Stage 5 (Release 2) is currently being sold Off The Plan – Private Treaty Sales. A confidential Council Report in October 2022 set the current pricing at the m² for all lots not previously sold at action.
CONFIDENTIAL:
Quotation for Supply and Delivery of Two Dual Control Suction Sweepers - Plant 166 and 2166
Councillors approved the quotation from Rosmech to supply two Isuzu FSR trucks fitted with Rosmech Mistral sweepers for the combined purchase price of $890,152.00 (Excl GST).
Plant 166 and 2166 will be traded in to Rosmech for a combined price of $280,000 (Excl GST). All documentation in relation to this matter will remain confidential to Council.
Tender for Construction of Northern Bore Field Pipeline Stages 1 to 3
Councillors noted the tenders received and elected to engage Leed Engineering and Construction for Construction of the Northern Bore Field Pipeline Stages 1 to 3 for the amount $3,235,100.00 including GST.
Council delegated the Chief Executive Officer to approve the extension options for this tender if required and delegated the CEO to approve variations to a contract relating to the tender by 20 per cent above the amount, subject to budget limitations or change of scope of works.
People Culture and Safety Quarterly Metrics
Councillors noted the information provided in the People Culture and Safety metrics. All documentation in relation to this matter will remain confidential to Council.
Proposed acquisition of land for the River Street West Collector Road project
Council will start the process of compulsory acquisition, in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, over the properties as outlined in the report. Upon acquisition of the relevant areas such land is to be classified as operational land. All documentation related to this matter will remain confidential to Council.
Proposed sale of Council-owned land - 3 Boothenba Road, Dubbo
Council agrees to sell the property situated at Lot 3 Boothenba Road to the owner of neighbouring property situated at 2L Boothenba Road for the consideration outlined in the body of this report and pursuant to terms outlined in the body of this report.
Execution of easement over 8 Holls Ave, Dubbo (Lot 200 on DP881153)
An easement over part of 8 Holls Avenue, Dubbo will be created as an electrical easement in favour of Essential Energy; and a stormwater easement in favour of Dubbo Regional Council.
All documentation in relation to this matter remain confidential to Council.
Tender for the Construction of the Legacy Shared Pathway
Council rejected all tenders, on the basis that all tenders exceed the budget amount.
Council will enter into negotiations with a view to reduce the costs of the constructions to meet budget expectations, as it is not considered that inviting fresh tenders will produce a favourable result.
Council delegate the CEO to approve variations to a contract relating to the tender subject to budget limitations.
That all documentation in relation to this matter remain confidential to Council.
ENDS
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023