Wrap of the April 2023 Meeting

Published on 28 April 2023

MAYORAL MINUTE

News loss unacceptable

Council will write to State and Federal Members, Spencer Gulf Mayors, and Southern Cross Austereo outlining concerns around the recent decision to cease Spencer Gulf Nightly News, and request that the government introduce licence conditions that require regional broadcasters to produce regional news content. Concerns were also raised around the lack of community consultation around the decision.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MDA bid supported

Council supported Cr Marion Browne's nomination for a position on the executive of the Murray Darling Association.

Charger needed

Council will write to the South Australian Premier requesting that an electric charger be installed at Yunta to service travellers.

Used needles a concern

Council will seek a meeting with local and State health bodies to try and find a solution to the numerous used needles that are being left around the CBD. Business owners are reporting dozens of used needles at the rear of the their properties on a regular basis.

REPORTS

Cemetery policy on show

Council voted to place the new Cemetery Management Policy on public display. The Policy focuses on short and long-term management of the cemetery within Broken Hill and provides a framework as to how staff administer cemetery management. The Policy can be found on Page 27 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.

Contribution recognised

Council noted the resignation of Mr. Dean Fletcher from the Friends of the Flora and Fauna of the Barrier Ranges Community Committee after 20 years of volunteer work, and expressed its gratitude and appreciation for his contribution to the Committee and the community.

Sponsorship policy updated

Council voted to place the updated Sponsorship Policy on public display. The policy is designed to provide an equitable and transparent means for organisations to sponsor Council activities and for events to access Council sponsorship funds for the purpose of growing visitor numbers to the city. The Policy can be found on page 68 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be made here.

Lamb Oval committee grows

Council appointed Mr Bryan Williamson as a community representative on the ET Lamb Memorial Oval Community Committee. 

New cancer care option

Deputy Mayor Jim Hickey travelled to Mildura on April 3 to represent Broken Hill at the opening of Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre. The Centre has been established to provide Mildura, regional Victoria, Broken Hill and the Far West Region of NSW as well as the Riverina region of South Australia with a Cancer treatment centre for radiation therapy thus reducing the need for patients to travel to Bendigo, Melbourne or Adelaide. 

Heritage Festival success

Council congratulated West Darling Arts on their highly successful GLAMfest during this year's Heritage Festival, and thanked Council staff for their worked throughout the festival. 

CONFIDENTIAL

Inflation forces library redesign

Council will work with Neeson-Murcutt Architects to formulate a new design for the city's new library. Project costs have escalated by around 80% over the last 12 months due to inflation and other factors, leaving Council with insufficient funds to complete the original design. Attempts to seek further project funding from the Government were unsuccessful. A press release can be found here.

New road repair equipment

Council will purchase a new jetpatcher from AUSROAD for $547,524. The equipment will be used to patch and repair roads around the city.

Grave fee waived

Council waived the Interment Right fee of $833.00 (Inc GST) in respect of the ownership of a vacant grave located at the Broken Hill Cemetery in Presbyterial D, row 11, grave 13. Ownership records of the grave were missing and no submissions were received from any person having evidence of ownership.