Wrap of the August 2020 Meeting

Published on 27 August 2020

MAYORAL MINUTE

Motions requested for meeting

Mayor Turley has called for motions to be tabled at the 2020 Local Government NSW Conference. The conference will be held in the Hunter Valley on November 22 and Council will participate via teleconference.

NOTICES OF MOTION

Border motion reversed

Councillor Tom Kennedy called on the Mayor to contact SA opposition leader Peter Malinauskas to gain exemptions for local people to cross the SA border, and expressed disappointment that the Mayor had not already taken this step.

However Councillors were presented with a two-page listing of extensive border lobbying already undertaken by the Mayor. The listing showed that she had already contacted Mr Malinauskas on six occasions, and made numerous approaches to other relevant politicians and officials.

Cr Clark raised an amendment stating that Councillors should instead commend the Mayor for her constant lobbying on border issues. Cr Clark's amendment was successful.

Support for road advocates

Cr Kennedy suggested that Council write to relevant politicians to suggest that former Mayor and Local Member Peter Black be acknowledged for the sealing of the Tibooburra Road, as half of that project was completed during his tenure. Cr Kennedy also called for a civic reception to be held for Mr Black.

Cr Browne felt it would be inappropriate to stage a civic reception, and suggested an amendment that Peter Black be acknowledged via a letter from the Mayor, and that Peter Beven and John Elliott also be acknowledged. Cr Gallagher suggested that former Local Member John Williams should also be recognised for his contribution. The amendment was successful.

Opposition to Menindee Lakes proposal continues

Council again voiced its opposition to the Menindee Lakes Water Saving Project (MLWSP) after a Notice of Motion from Cr Kennedy was supported. The motion called on Council to oppose all 12 proposals within the MLWSP, and write to relevant politicians to express disapproval.

The motion was strengthened by an addendum by Cr Browne requesting that supply is ensured for human, environmental and cultural needs along the Darling River, and that those needs be prioritised over irrigation. The addendum puts Council's stance in alignment with other Councils opposing the MLWSP.

REPORTS

New Code of Conduct adopted

Councillors accepted the new Model Code of Conduct that was recently reviewed by the NSW Government. The review has resulted in a number of changes in regard to Code of Conduct breaches and limits on gifts and benefits. A full list of the changes can be found on pages 81-85 of this month's business papers.

Christmas shutdown unchanged

Council will again shut down over the Christmas period, with the closure to run from December 21 to January 4.

Council KPI's on track

At the half way point of Council's four-year Delivery Program, 56.8% of KPI's are either completed or over 90% complete. 13.7% of KPIs are between 70%-90% complete, while 29.5% of KPIs are less than 70% complete.

Disability KPIs tracking well

Council is in the third year of its four-year Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and 79.5% of KPIs are either completed over 90% complete. 1.3% of KPIs are between 70%-90% complete, while 19.2% of KPIs are less than 70% complete. Councillors suggested that more methods be investigated to ensure continued strong engagement with stakeholders continues despite COVID-19.

Local focus for procurement

Councillors adopted a reviewed Procurement Framework and Policy, which will ensure 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 NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy was mandatory for all NSW agencies to adopt as at 1 July 2018, and Local Government was strongly encouraged to follow suit.

The policy will be added to Council's website, and those wishing to view the plan can do so on page 285 of this month's business papers.

Land use plan adopted

Councillors adopted the Broken Hill Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). 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. The plan will be added to Council's website, and those wishing to view the plan can do so on page 320 of this month's business papers.

Food guidelines on display

A draft policy around mobile food vehicles, temporary food stalls and hawkers is now open for public comment for 28 days. The policy provides guidelines for the management of mobile food vehicles and temporary food stalls in public areas. The policy does not relate to fundraising food stalls or activities by not-for-profit organisations. The policy can be found on page 391 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.