SEPTEMBER ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING OUTCOMES
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) met via Teams, for the September Ordinary Council meeting, with the below outcomes:
NOTICE OF MOTION: VICTORIA PARK PLAYGROUND REDEVELOPMENT – Council had before it a Notice of Motion from Councillor Diffey, requesting that Council undertake a two week consultation period to allow community to highlight the existing elements of Livvi’s Playground that they value. A report will be provided to the October Ordinary Council meeting outlining the results of the consultation process.
NOTICE OF MOTION: COST OF RUNNING AQUATIC LEISURE CENTRES – Councillors reviewed a Notice of Motion from Councillor Ryan, requesting that the CEO provide a report to Council’s October Ordinary Council meeting detailing the operational running costs associated with running all of DRC’s Aquatic Leisure Centres. The costs from the 2016/2017 season will be compared to the 2020/2021 season. The report will also examine the cost of running Dubbo, Wellington and Geurie independently.
NOTICE OF MOTION: 2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION REFERENDUM – Councillors adopted the recommendations of a Notice of Motion from Councillor Etheridge, requesting that Council determines a referendum question to be put to the community at the 2021 Local Government Elections that abolishes the ward system. The CEO will now take the necessary action to engage the NSW Electoral Commission to conduct a constitutional referendum on behalf of DRC addressing the wards system.
REPORT: INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION FINDINGS – Councillors were provided an update in regards to releasing the findings of the Independent Investigator’s report into the handling of Code of Conduct complaints. Council has taken multiple steps to action the recommendations of the Independent Investigator’s report including engaging Sinc Solutions to provide training of Council staff as to the recording, triage, preliminary assessment, investigation and resolution stages of handing of Code of Conduct complaints. In regards to releasing the details of the Independent Investigator’s report, DRC has been advised by the Office of Local Government that it required more time to provide a response on the matter, given the level of complexity involved. A final position on the release of the report cannot be determined until this response is received from the Office of Local Government.
REPORT: REINSTATING THE COVID-19 RATES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY – Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in the Dubbo Region, the former COVID-19 Rates Financial Assistance Policy has been reinstated, after Councillors voted to endorse an amended version of the policy. Successful applicants will have access to deferral of payment of rate instalments due 30 November 2021, and 28 February 2022 until 30 June 2022, supported by an agreed payment arrangement where possible. No interest will be charged on overdue instalments, and debt recovery will be placed on hold until 30 June 2022. To apply for the assistance and view eligibility, visit DRC&Me.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – TFNSW AND ACQUISITION OF COUNCIL OWNED AND CONTROLLED LAND FOR RIVER STREET BRIDGE PROJECT: The Committee had a report before it in regards to acquisition of Council-owned and controlled land for the River Street Bridge Project. Councillors resolved that Council agrees to the acquisition of multiple lots, or parts of lots by Transport NSW. Councillors also voted to allow the CEO to finalise negotiations with TfNSW in regards to the River Street Bridge, noting the statutory powers to compulsorily acquire the land.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023