Council Meeting Briefs - September 2023

Published on 30 July 2023

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Cr Allan McGrath was re-elected as Mayor and Cr Cayla Pothan was elected as Deputy Mayor.

Proposed Hume Link Transmission Line

Council agreed to make a submission to the Department of Planning & Environment on the proposed Hume Link transmission line opposing the use of overhead lines in favour of undergrounding the power lines. In addition Council determined that if the overhead lines were to proceed then any approval to include requirements related to road impacts, landscape and visual impacts, workers’ accommodation, community enhancement fund and community engagement.

Development Application DA220274 – Landscaping Material Supplies Business

Development Application No. DA220274 was refused by Council as the proposal involving rocks (and potentially firewood and recycled concrete) is not appropriately characterised as a ‘landscaping material supplies’ which in not permissible in an RU! Primary Production zone.

Zone.

Development Application DA210165 – Boarding House

Council refused the Development Application for a Boarding House to be built in Yass. Refusal was based on the impact on environment, history, traffic, visual and privacy and the diminished significance on the surrounding built environment.

Interim Heritage Order – Wee Jasper Fishermen’s Shacks

Council approved the recommendation to advise NSW Heritage that Council will consider adding Lot 7008 DP96171 as an item of local heritage significance in the Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013. An Interim Heritage Order will not be made by Council has it no power over Crown Land to support an Interim Heritage Order and the structures on Council’s road reserve (ie Nottingham Road) are not being or likely to be harmed by any Council actions.

Yass Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project Update

Council noted the updates on the Yass water treatment plant upgrade, in particular the work being undertaken on the business case options for the upgrade. Councillors will discuss the options further at a workshop in October 2023

Yass Sewage Treatment Plant Augmentation Project – Concept Design

Council resolved to accept funding by the Safe and Secure Water Program to co-finance the preparation of an options study and concept design for augmentation.

Revotes and Carry Forwards from 2022/23 to 2023/24FY.

Council noted the budgets detailed in the report as ‘carry forwards.’ The budgets detailed in the report as ‘revotes’ will be revoted.

Investment Reports – July and August 2023

Council noted the Investment and Borrowings Reports for both July and August 2023

Financial Assistance Request

Council supported the funding request made by Berinba Public school. $3,500 from general funds will be used to help the school participate in the schools spectacular in Sydney in November this year.

Grants Update: April to August 2023

The grants update report was noted. Council thanked staff and acknowledged their hard work in applying for and obtaining grants.

Tender Evaluation report – Sutton Road Rehabilitation Segment 35, Stages 1&2 Council noted the advice and recommendations within the report. The tender submission was accepted, and a contractor was chosen for the project.

Tender Evaluation Report – Contractor Procurement Yass Civic and Crago Mill Precinct development Council resolved to reject both tenders for the Crago Mill precinct. The CEO and nominated staff will now enter negotiations with both tenderers to identify savings in the build cost to provide assurance of capacity for cost increases and price variations within the budgeted price.

A further report on the preferred contractor will be brought back to Council for determination on the outcome of negotiations. The report will include referee and financial checks on the preferred contractor.