Wrap of the September 2023 Meeting

MAYORAL MINUTES

Aged care crisis looms

Council will write to relevant Federal Ministers seeking support to increase aged care services in the city. There are currently 20-30 beds in local aged care homes that are unable to be used due to recent legislative changes in the aged care industry. This is in turn putting pressure on the hospital system and has prevented patients being transferred home to Broken Hill from Adelaide hospitals, and has seen some patients transferred to Wilcannia for aged care.

Priority funding needed for mining communities

Mayor Kennedy flagged concerns over the NSW Government's decision to scrap the Resources For Regions funding program. The program was created to support communities affected by mining, and has provided around $15 million for Broken Hill over the last 11 years. The NSW Government has introduced two new funding schemes in place of Resources For Regions, however these do not specifically support mining communities. Council will write to relevant ministers requesting that Broken Hill and other mining communities receive priority under the new funding structures given the State is set to reap $13.2 billion in mining royalties over the next four years.

Support for Go-Kart club

Council will use its slasher machine and other heavy plant to assist with the clearing and removal of weeds at the go-kart track on Menindee Road to help the sport be re-established.

REPORTS

No pay rise for Councillors

Councillors voted against accepting a 3% pay rise suggested by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. Council sought the community's view on the proposed pay rise via a poll, with 90% of respondents voting against a pay increase for Councillors.

Silver City Cup MOU

Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for financial assistance to the Silver City Cup Race Committee for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years. The MOU includes financial assistance grants of $7,300 per annum to cover in-kind waste services fees, with the remainder to be used towards utility/hire costs for the conduct of the 2023 and 2024 Silver City Cup Races

Hickey remains Deputy

Councillor Jim Hickey was again voted in as Deputy Mayor, and will serve in the role until September 24, 2024. Cr Hickey will also receive an additional fee when acting as Mayor, with the fee to be deducted from the Mayor's annual fees.

Airport master plan on display

Council voted to place its new airport master plan on public display for comment. The 20 year plan outlines upgrades that need to be made at the airport, such as runway and terminal upgrades, parking improvements, and utilisation of airport land for commercial opportunities. The plan can be found on page 201 of this month's business papers and submissions can be made here.

CONFIDENTIAL

Airport kiosk to reopen

Council agreed to a new licence for the operation of the airport kiosk. The 12-month licence will come at a cost of $2200, with Council to negotiate any further terms and conditions with the preferred applicant.

New amenities for the Duke

Council awarded a $268,633 tender to Asco Group Aust Pty Ltd Ltd for the purchase and installation of new a amenities block and site works at Duke of Cornwall park.