Council Meeting Briefs - Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Council Meeting Briefs - Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Councillor Rowena Abbey re-elected as Yass Valley Mayor Cr Rowena Abbey will continue her eight year tenure as Mayor for another 12 months following the NSW Government’s decision to postpone council elections until September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr Nathan Furry was re-elected as Deputy Mayor.

Development Application – Isabel Drive Subdivision Development Consent has been issued for a 101-lot subdivision in Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman, following the receipt of a satisfactory revised Land Capability Assessment for effluent disposal. Councillors also supported the dedication of the open space lot, subject to conditions of Development Consent, including a Voluntary Planning Agreement covering the dedication, associated works, and initial maintenance period. A further report will be presented to Council on the draft terms of the Voluntary Planning Agreement.

Graffiti Art Proposal Council will defer a proposal received from a community member that the bridge support under the Laidlaw Street end of the Hume Bridge be used as a free wall for graffiti to further consult with the Ngunnawal Aboriginal community and NSW Police. A report will be presented to the October 2020 Council meeting with suggested additional sites for wall art and murals in Yass Valley.

Shingle Hill Way Bridge replacement and road realignment – land acquisition and road closure Council has accepted a grant under the NSW Fixing Country Roads Grant Program for the realignment and replacement of the existing low level crossing on Shingle Hill Way. The project requires the acquisition of private land to allow the realignment of the road and closure of an existing public road. Council approved the acquisition and road closure process, subject to no significant objections.

Yass Public School – traffic concerns Council resolved to engage a consultant to undertake investigation and concept development for the traffic and parking arrangements at Yass Public School.

Road reserve weed spraying trial Consideration will be given within the 2021/2022 Operational Plan for annual funding for a Priority Weeds Spraying Program, estimated at $150,000. This follows the success of the priority weeds spraying trial that was completed on Council’s linear road reserve network from April - July 2020. Council also resolved to collaborate on weed management through the advocacy of the Canberra Joint Region Organisation and to seek support for additional funding.

Yass and Binalong Pool COVID-19 response An additional amount of $69,620 will be funded within the Infrastructure and Assets operational budget for both Yass and Binalong pools to deliver the procedures developed in Council’s COVID-19 Safety Plan for swimming pools (as stated in the NSW Public Health Order). Council endorsed the following recommendations for the 2020/2021 swimming season:

The change rooms and shower facilities be generally closed at Yass and Binalong Pools except for school groups on a case by case basis and disabled patrons as referenced in the COVID 19 Safety Plan. Total numbers permitted entry in the swimming pool complex be limited to 226 at Yass and 70 for Binalong as per NSW Health advice. Based on the current NSW Public Health Order, Council will need to limit all swim program sessions to 20 participants plus instructors in the dedicated lane rope sections of the pool. Canteen service be restricted to pre-packaged foods and drinks.

Draft 2020 Strategic Plan Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds Council resolved that the draft 2020 Strategic Plan Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds be placed on public exhibition for comment and that user groups at the site be directly engaged. The draft 2020 Strategic Plan Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds will be adopted if no significant submissions are received. More information regarding community consultation will be provided as it becomes available.

28 September 2020

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