Council Meeting Briefs - February

Published on 23 February 2024

Mayoral Minute – Cost Shifting

Presenting the findings of the LGNSW Cost Shifting Report for the 2021/22 financial year, letters to be sent to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government seeking that they urgently seek to address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform, budgetary provision, and appropriated funding.

A copy of the cost shifting report will be placed on the Councils website.

Yass Valley Development Control Plan

The draft Development Control Plan has been prepared to guide the future of development within the Yass Valley. A comprehensive report has been prepared and will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 56 days.  A community briefing on the Draft Yass Valley Development Control Plan will be held during the exhibition period. 

Parkwood – Service Delivery

Council provided an update on cross border services to be delivered by the ACT necessary for the development of Parkwood.  If required, local services to Parkwood will be provided through a satellite Council Office and Depot, except for water, sewerage, waste and bushland conservation which will be sourced from the ACT.

Council will advise the ACT Chief Minister, Treasury & Economic Development Directorate and the NSW Department of Planning & Environment of their position in relation to service delivery for Parkwood.

Development Application DA230457 – Dwelling house (dual occupancy), 1100 Wallaroo Road, Wallaroo

Council gave conditional development consent for Development Application DA230457 for a dwelling house to create a dual occupancy at 1100 Wallaroo Road, Wallaroo.

Joe O’Connor Park Boat Ramp Upgrade

Council resolved that a total of $45,000 be transferred from the Contributions Reserve to complete the reconstruction of the Joe O’Conner Boat Ramp.

Victoria Park Skate Park additional funding A total of $112,008 is to be allocated from Councils Contributions Reserve to fund the completion of the Yass Skatepark Project and the installation of a watering station at the off-leash dog park.

A report is to be presented to the March 2024 Council meeting on the unspent portions of funding from the Stronger Country Communities Funding Round 5 for the Wee Jasper and Murrumbateman projects, and for additional projects that would be suitable for funding in these villages.

Yass Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project

Council noted the update report and work completed on the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project be noted.  

A Councillor Briefing is to be held following receipt of the feedback on the grant application under the National Water Grid Fund.

Water testing is to be conducted for cryptosporidium, not usually monitored, as was conducted by Council after the 2020 Boil Water Alert to increase consumer confidence in the safety of Yass drinking water.

A report is to be presented to the March 2024 Council meeting of previous refunds or rebates applied to residential and business water usage bills by Council.

Partial road closure of Nottingham Road near Swinging Bridge Reserve, Wee Jasper

The report on the partial road closure of Nottingham Road near Swinging Bridge Reserve, Wee Jasper has been deferred to the March 2024 Council meeting. Crown Lands representatives will be invited to address Council on the issues relating to Swinging Bridge Reserve

Hartigan Centre Request to be exempt from Rates.

The request for an exemption for the Hartigan Centre from paying Council rates was declined. Yass Valley Council will give in principle support for the retention of Child Psychology and OT services in Yass Valley and will consider writing supportive letters to other levels of government or private entities for grant submissions or sources of subsidy.

Australia Day Event

It was confirmed that Council will celebrate Australia Day in 2025 with an Award Nominee evening at the Yass Railway Museum, Formal Citizenship and Award Ceremony at Coronation Park, and a community pool event (if grant funding can be sourced). It was agreed that the play equipment has limited access during the official speeches to reduce noise. An allocation of $10,000 be included in the 2024/25 budget.

Alive in the Street Submission

Council has supported Buena Vibra in creating a live music event and performance for the younger demographic in and around Yass Valley.  The event has been moved to November 2024 to align with the local spring event calendar and take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather at that time of the year.  Council staff will assist to apply for grant funding, where applicable, to assist with traffic management and musician fees. Council will discuss possible assistance for the event once funding is secured.

April 2024 Council Meeting Date

The April Council meeting has been moved to 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024 due to the scheduled meeting clashing with ANZAC Day.

Notice of Motion – Steering Committee Crago Mill Precinct Plan

Council established a Project Committee to oversee the construction of the Crago Mill Precinct Project in accordance with Council’s determination in November 2023.

Purchase of Traffic Counters

Council will purchase suitable traffic counters and trial their effectiveness in measurement of traffic movements in the Weemilah/Mont Streets area, with the view to bring recommendations for actions on preferred safety measures for this area to the May 2024 Local Traffic Committee.

Black Creek Road Uprade – Stage 2

Council approved the tender submitted by Lentro Earthworks Pty Ltd for the upgrading and sealing of Back Creek Road Stage 2 between Yass River Road and CH5200 of Back Creek Road.