Wrap of the October 2020 Meeting

Published on 29 October 2020

NOTICES OF MOTION 

More information sought on Tellus project

Councillor Tom Kennedy put forward a motion questioning the possible effects of Tellus' proposed Waste Repository on Broken Hill's tourism and labelled the project a "toxic waste dump". The proposed repository would be around 45km south of the city and accept waste deemed as 'hazardous' such as diesel, petrol, asbestos, electrical goods, solar panels, and batteries. Cr Kennedy also requested that Council seek annual payments of $5 million from the Government and $3 million from Tellus if the project goes ahead. Councillors expressed concern with the project being touted as a "toxic waste dump" as Tellus had advised Council the site would not house toxic or radioactive waste. An amendment was passed that will see Council write to Coolgardie and Alice Springs Councils to gauge the positive and/or negative effects similar waste repositories have had on their communities.

Loading zones sufficient

Cr Kennedy put forward a motion requesting more loading zones around commercial precincts. The General Manager advised that he had recently taken a tour of the city's loading zones and noted they were adequate, although private vehicles parking in loading zones remains an issue. Cr Browne suggested that the matter should be referred to the Traffic Committee, and Cr Kennedy agreed and withdrew his motion.

REPORTS

Locals acknowledged for highway advocacy

Council received correspondence the Principal Manager of Transport for NSW acknowledging the contributions of Peter Beven, Peter Black, John Elliott, and John Williams in advocating for the sealing of the Silver City Highway between Broken Hill and Tibooburra.

VIC to reopen on weekends

Councillors agreed to a budget adjustment of $95,000 to hire permanent part-time staff to allow the Visitor Information Centre to reopen on weekends on a trial basis. The trial will be used to collect visitation data to inform future operating hours at the centre.

Reconciliation plan adopted

Council adopted the newly updated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and provides a framework for Council to best approach reconciliation and set achievable goals. The plan was produced in consultation with Wilyakali traditional owners and the Aboriginal Community Working Party. The policy will be added to Council's website and can be found on page 75 of this month's business papers.

Food stall policy gets green light

A policy around mobile food vehicles, temporary food stalls and hawkers was adopted by Council. 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 will be added to Council's website and can be found on page 107 of this month's business papers.

Council to review rates

Councillors have voted to review the city's entire rating structure as part of preparing the 2021/22 budget. Industrial land owners recently saw a spike in land value, which in turn resulted in a sharp rise in rates in the industrial area. Should Councillors wish to introduce an industrial rating sub-category to 'flatten' the rates impact on industrial businesses, they will have to shift some industrial rates onto other businesses or residents, or simply collect less rates and cut services.

Quarterly budget update

Council's projected operating deficit for 20/21 increased by $465,000, with the majority of that total due to reduced revenue at the Aquatic Centre due to COVID-19, and an additional $148,000 required to increase staffing at the Visitor Information Centre and Art Gallery. Capital expenditure will increase by $1.15m, and capital revenue will increase by $500,000. These changes are primarily due to road work changes and an upgrade of airport fire equipment to comply with regulations.