Wrap of the March 2021 meeting

Published on 01 April 2021

NOTICES OF MOTION

Bus stop idea referred to committees

Councillor Tom Kennedy requested that a new bus stop named after Roz, Barb, and Pat Gauci be built on the corner of Gypsum and Newton Streets, and a plaque be installed recognising them. The motion was not supported as the corner is not a designated bus stop according to Transport NSW, however an amendment was passed referring the matter to Council's Asset Naming Committee and Traffic Committee for further investigation.

Report on community garden

Councillor Kennedy asked that a report be prepared on the possibility of converting the old Alma Pool site into a community garden. The motion was passed.

Reports sought on lights

Councillor Kennedy requested that a report be prepared on installing lights along Holten and MacGillivray drive and the road leading to the Miners Memorial. He also requested a report on time frames and costs to install extra lighting across the city. An amendment was passed that a report on lighting leading to the Miners Memorial be prepared, however any broader reports should not be prepared until the completion of the Southern Lights Project (SLP). Council is part of the SLP which covers 41 Local Government Areas and aims to replace 75,000 street lights with LEDs.

Rates changes already flagged

Councillor Kennedy requested that Council undertake work to make the industrial area a separate rating category, and that all rates in the area be reset to 2018 levels. The motion was not supported and an amendment was instead passed noting that Council is already in the process of making provisions for a separate rates category for industrial land as part of the 2021-22 budget process.

REPORTS

Council to consider remote attendance

Councillors will attend a workshop to prepare a submission for the Office of Local Government as to whether participation via video link should become a permanent option for Council meetings.

Report on animal control

Councillors received a report on animal control. The report showed that animal control expenses totalled $143,775 in the last financial year, and has already cost $79,907 in the current financial year. Since July 2020, there have been 46 dog attacks (on humans and other animals) with 207 reports of roaming dogs. Council impounded 145 animals in that time, 84% of which were unregistered.

Construction certificate backlog explained

Councillors received a report regarding the recent backlog on the processing of construction certificates. The report stated that Council has lost two senior planning staff, has struggled to attract applicants to advertised Building Surveyor jobs, and noted there are no private building certifiers with offices in Broken Hill. Council has looked to utilise contractors to clear the backlog, with some success. A new Manager has recently been hired for the Planning department and there is a renewed focus on improved reporting and processes and communication with customers. Councillors requested a further report outlining the resources that would be required to quickly catch up the outstanding backlog of construction certificates.

Aboriginal housing DA deferred

Council deferred a decision on a development application to build four new dwellings for aboriginal housing at 480 Cummins Street. Councillors requested extra time to consider objections that have been lodged by six neighbours.

New members for committees

Two people stepped up to volunteer their time on committees to help manage community facilities. Mr James Bourne joined the Riddiford Arboretum Community Committee as a community representative, and Ms Eve-Lyn Kennedy joined the Memorial Oval Community Committee as a community representative.

CONFIDENTIAL

Land to be sold

Council will proceed with sale of land at 338 Oxide Street due to unpaid rates. As the amount of outstanding rates exceed the value of the property, and the excess outstanding rates will be written off.

VIC shop rented

Council voted to lease Suite 2 at the Visitor Information to a tenant for 12 months with an option to renew for a further 2 years. Rent was set at $6,820 per annum.

CONVIC wins skate park tender

CONVIC Pty Ltd successfully tendered to design and construct the city's new skate park. Council also increased the overall project budget to $730,000 to accommodate increased project management.

Road reconstruction tender awarded

Getting There Pty Ltd were awarded a $704,000 contract for road reconstruction works along Kanandah Road.

Joss to redevelop Queen Elizabeth Park

Joss Pty Ltd were the successful tenderer for the $1.51 million redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth Park. The overall project budget was increased from $1.05 million to $1.8 million after extra funding was secured through Crown Lands.

MBE to light up sports grounds

Mathew Barratt Electrical has been selected to install $1.04 million worth of sports lighting at the Alma Oval and top and bottom soccer ovals.