Wrap of the June 2020 Meeting

Published on 25 June 2020

* Please note a video of the June meeting will be uploaded this afternoon. 

REPORTS

Councillors reject pay rise

Councillors voted against an increase in annual fees paid to elected representatives, noting that it would be irresponsible to accept a pay rise given the community and Council is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More scope to buy local

Councillors voted to put a review of Council's Procurement Framework and Policy on public display. The Framework and Policy ensures best practice is followed when Council purchases goods and services. The most notable change during the review is the permanent introduction of a 'buy local' policy, which will allow Council prioritise the purchase goods and services from local businesses, provided the local quote is within 10% of the next best offered price. An Indigenous procurement component was also added to allow Council to better support Aboriginal-owned businesses through procurement processes. The policy can be found on page 107 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.

Land use plan on display

Councillors voted to put the draft Broken Hill Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) on public display. The LSPS sets out a 20-year vision for land use within the Local Government Area, and is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Those wishing to view the plan can do so on page 143 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.

QEP plan open for submissions

Councillors voted to put a draft Plan of Management for Queen Elizabeth Park on public display. The document features a masterplan for an upgrade of the park to facilitate the relocation of the Picnic Train to allow the construction of a new police station on Kintore Reserve. The masterplan also includes new toilet facilities, car parking, a train-themed playground, irrigation, paths, and BBQ areas. Those wishing to view the plan can do so on page 215 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.

AFLBH scores cash grant

AFLBH was the big winner from the latest round of Council's Community Assistance Grants, securing $17,255 for an upgrade of female toilets at the Jubilee Oval, along with the construction of a new parenting room and disabled toilet. Silverlea Early Childhood Services received $8,646 for a defibrillator and CCTV security, while the Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum secured $4,232 toward new landings and stairs for the Silver City Comet exhibition. $5,000 will go to In One Accord for stage, sound and light equipment for this year's Carols by Candlelight event, and a further $5,000 went to Repertory to cover insurance and land rates for Theatre 44. The BH Aquatic Swimming Club, Life Education NSW, and Landcare all shared in $5,100 worth of minor grants, and the remaining $2,006 in the current pool was rolled over to Round 2. Those wishing to apply for funding in Round 2 can do so here.

CONFIDENTIAL

Low-cost housing option

Council will seek expressions of interest from not-for-profit community groups around the possibility of utilising the empty land at 331 Murton Street for low-cost or social housing.