Wrap of Council's September meeting

Browne remains Deputy Mayor

Councillor Marion Browne will continue in her role as Deputy Mayor after she was voted into the position again.

Second public forum to be workshopped

At last month's meeting, Councillors voted to introduce a second public forum during Council meetings, which will be held at the end of the meeting. Councillors Clark, Browne and Kennedy will now form a working group to establish governance arrangements around this second public forum.

Council's show of support

Councillors voted to support a request for $2,357 in legal assistance from Sydney, North Sydney and Bayside City Councils. The Councils are currently in court regarding a land categorisation matter. NSW Councils generally support legal assistance requests if the outcome will benefit all Councils in the State.

Water motion successful

Council received correspondence from the Murray Darling Association stating that Council's motion regarding compliance along the Darling River had been successful. Council's was raised at the Association's Conference, and called for a strengthening the Murray Darling Basin Authority with regard to enforcement of compliance relating to water extraction limits.

Councillors back Advocacy Strategy

Councillors endorsed a new Advocacy Strategy. The Strategy outlines various facets of Broken Hill including the city's industry, strengths and challenges, opportunities for growth, and potential strategic projects such as the proposed upgrade of the airport, and the new library and cultural precinct. The strategy will be used to lobby the Government and other investors and seek funding to further the city. Councillors complimented the quality of the strategy and its presentation.

Timed parking for hospital

Councillors voted in favour of a recommendation from the Traffic Committee to implement 16 two-hour timed parks at the front of the hospital.

Duo join committees

Lisa McAllister and Ken Dennis both put their hand up to support their community by joining S355 committees. Ms McAllister was appointed as a representative on the BIU Band Hall Community Committee, while Mr Dennis was appointed to the ET Lamb Memorial Oval Committee. Both new Committee members were congratulated by Council.

Drought relief welcomed

Councillors gratefully accepted a drought relief donation of $10,000 from Canterbury/Bankstown. The donation is to be split between Broken Hill and Cobar, and Council will now liaise with community welfare organisations to determine how the funds can be best used.

Planning focus for new library

In the confidential matters, Council voted in favour of awarding a $1.48 million tender to Neeson Murcutt Architects to design the new library and surrounding cultural precinct. The strong early investment in design and scoping is indicative of Council's increased focus on thorough project planning.

Civic Centre update for Councillors

Councillors also received a further update regarding the Civic Centre refurbishment and related legal costs.