Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

28 May 2024

MINUTES OF Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Council Chambers, Gundagai
ON Tuesday, 28 May 2024 AT 6:00PM

PRESENT: Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor), Cr Gil Kelly (Deputy Mayor), Cr Leigh Bowden (online), Cr Logan Collins, Cr Trevor Glover, Cr David Graham, Cr Abb McAlister, Cr Penny Nicholson

IN ATTENDANCE: Steve McGrath (Interim General Manager), Paul Woods (Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD), Linda Wiles (Manager Business), Zac Mahon (Manager Finance), Michael Mason (Interim Manager Sustainable Development), Thomas Hogg (Acting Manager Engineering Gundagai), Greg Ewings (Acting Manager Regional Services Gundagai), Gary Arthur (Acting Manager Engineering Cootamundra)

1 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson acknowledged the Wiradjuri people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land at which the meeting was held and paid his respects to Elders, both past and present, of the Wiradjuri Nation and extended that respect to other Aboriginal people who were present.

The Mayor recognised that it is National Recogciliation week. Council invited Uncle Pete Smith to deliver a welcome to country.

Adjourn Meeting For Open Forum

Resolution 104/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

Council adjourn for Open Forum.

Carried

2 Open Forum

List of Speakers

1. Lyn Smart – Nangus Water – Questions with Notice

2. Diana Hill – Item 8.4.2 DA2023/109

3. Peter McClintock – Item 8.4.2 DA2023/109

4. Phil Matheson – Item 8.4.1 DA2023/137

5. Charlotte Matheson – Item 8.4.1 DA2023/137

Resume Open Meeting

Resolution 105/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

Council resume the Open Meeting.

Carried

Adjourn Meeting For Open Forum

Resolution 106/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

Council adjourn for Open Forum.

Carried

6. Richard Eberle – Item 8.4.2 DA2023/109

Resume Open Meeting

Resolution 107/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

Council resume the Open Meeting.

Carried

3 Apologies and Leave of Absence

3.1 Apologies

RESOLUTION 108/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

Apology from Cr Boyd, be received and leave of absence granted.

CARRIED

3.2 Leave of Absence

Nil

4 Disclosures of Interest

Nil

5 Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 23 April 2024

Resolution 109/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 23 April 2024 be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting.

Carried

6 Mayoral Minutes

6.1 Mayoral Minute - Councillor Engagement

Resolution 110/2024

Moved: Cr Charlie Sheahan

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

The information in the Councillor Engagements Mayoral Minute be received and noted.

Carried

7 Reports from Committees

7.1 Minutes of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 7 May 2024

Resolution 111/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

1. The Minutes of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 7 May 2024, attached to the report, be received and noted.

2. In consideration of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Traffic recommendations detailed in the minutes, Council endorse the following:

2.1. That “No Parking – Police Excepted” signs be erected on Sutton Street between Campbell and Stratton Avenue, Cootamundra.

2.2. That Council undertake safety campaign to advise cyclists of their responsibilities when using footpaths.

2.3 The proposed High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) and subsequent 30Km/h speed limit be reviewed by the Local Traffic Committee with further community consultation, and presented back to council for endorsement.

Carried

8 General Manager’s Report

8.1 General Manager Office

8.1.1 Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) Meeting Minutes

Resolution 112/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr David Graham

The Minutes of the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) Board Meeting held on 19 April 2024, attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2 Business

8.2.1 Delivery Program/ Operational Plan Quarterly Progress Report

Resolution 113/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

The Delivery Program incorporating the Operational Plan 2023/2024, quarterly progress report, (3^rd Quarter January to March), attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2.2 Cootamundra Heritage Centre Management s.355 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resolution 114/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

The Minutes of the Cootamundra Heritage Centre Management s.355 Committee Meeting held 8 April 2024 and 7 May 2024, attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2.3 Stockinbingal Ellwood's Hall s.355 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resolution 115/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

The Minutes of the Stockinbingal Ellwood’s Hall s.355 Committee Ordinary Meeting held on 18 April 2024 attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2.4 Business Team Report

Resolution 116/2024

Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson

Seconded: Cr David Graham

The Business Team Report be received and noted.

Carried

8.3 Finance

8.3.1 Finance Update - April 2024

Resolution 117/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

The Finance Update report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.3.2 Quarterly Budget Review Statement - March 2024

Resolution 118/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

1. The March 2024 Quarterly Budget Review be received and noted.

2. The budget variations listed in the March 2024 Quarterly Budget Review report be adopted.

Carried

8.3.3 Restricted Cash Reconciliation - April 2024

Resolution 119/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

The Restricted Cash Reconciliation report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.3.4 Investment Report - April 2024

Resolution 120/2024

Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

The report detailing Council Cash and Investments as at 30^th April 2024, be received and noted.

Carried

8.3.5 Ben Warby Memorial Reserve

Resolution 121/2024

Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson

Seconded: Cr David Graham

Council decline the request to become Crown Land Manager for Reserve 88505 identified as the Ben Warby Memorial Reserve.

Carried

8.4 Sustainable Development

8.4.1 Development Application 2023/137 - 4.6 Variation to Development Standard - Lot 292 DP753604, Ingold Lane, Cootamundra

Resolution 122/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

Council defer the assessment given; the building envelope is not a development and cannot be granted consent. However, council remains open to a submission around clause 4.6 of the LEP section (2) and (3), and section 4.6 (3).

Being:

(a) compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances and

(b) there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify the contravention of the development standard.

VOTING RECORD
FOR RESOLUTION	AGAINST RESOLUTION
Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor) Cr Gil Kelly Cr Leigh Bowden Cr Logan Collins Cr Trevor Glover Cr David Graham Cr Abb McAlister Cr Penny Nicholson	Nil
ABSENT	DECLARED INTEREST
Cr Les Boyd	Nil

Carried

8.4.2 Development Application 2023/109 - Proposed Staged 15,000 SSU Feedlot and Associated Infrastrcture - 1570 Old Cootamundra Road, Cootamundra

Resolution 123/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

1. Council defer determination of this application to enable the applicant to ascertain potential impacts of historical flooding of ‘Powder Horn Creek’ on adjoining lands (including the site and adjoining/adjacent parcels).

2. The applicant be provided with information and a copy of visual information to assist any flooding impact assessment.

3. The applicant provide a report on the impact of water supply on adjoining properties including an annual demand analysis.

VOTING RECORD
FOR RESOLUTION	AGAINST RESOLUTION
Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor) Cr Gil Kelly Cr Leigh Bowden Cr Logan Collins Cr Trevor Glover Cr David Graham Cr Abb McAlister Cr Penny Nicholson	Nil
ABSENT	DECLARED INTEREST
Cr Les Boyd	Nil

Carried

At 7:10 pm, Cr Charlie Sheahan (Chairperson) adjourned the meeting.

At 7:16 pm, Cr Charlie Sheahan (Chairperson) resumed the meeting.

8.5 Engineering Cootamundra

8.5.1 Cootamundra Engineering Report - April 2024

Resolution 124/2024

Moved: Cr Logan Collins

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

The Cootamundra Engineering Report for the month of May 2024 be noted.

Carried

8.6 Engineering Gundagai

8.6.1 Motor Vehicle Leaseback Participants Policy

Resolution 125/2024

Moved: Cr Logan Collins

Seconded: Cr Leigh Bowden

Council defer the motion pertaining to the Motor Vehicle Leaseback Participants Policy until greater detail can provided.

Carried

8.6.2 Gundagai Engineering Report - May 2024

Resolution 126/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

The Gundagai Engineering Report for the month of May 2024 be noted.

Carried

8.7 Regional Services Gundagai

8.7.1 Gundagai Regional Services Works Report

Resolution 127/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

The Gundagai Regional Services Department, Monthly works report be received and noted.

Carried

8.8 Regional Services Cootamundra

8.8.1 Regional Services - Cootamundra Divisional Monthly Report to Council

Resolution 128/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

The Regional Services Cootamundra Department Monthly Works Report be received and noted.

Carried

9 Motion of which Notice has been Given

9.1 Notice of Motion - Tenancy Arrangements of The Old Cootamundra Hospital

Resolution 129/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

That Council Staff prepare a report on all the tenancy arrangements of The Old Cootamundra Hospital and present it to Council.

Carried

9.2 Notice of Motion - Gundagai Flood Study

Motion

The 2018 Gundagai Flood Study and 2023 Cootamundra Flood Study and associated Flood Plan Risk Management Plans be added to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council website for the public to easily access.

10 Questions with Notice

11 Confidential Items

11.1 Closed Council Report

Resolution 130/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

1. Items 11.2 and 11.3 be considered in closed Council at which the press and public are excluded in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Local Government Act, 1993 and related public interest reasons detailed.

2. In accordance with section 11 (2) and (3) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the reports, correspondence and other documentation relating to Items 11.2 and 11.3 be withheld from the press and public.

Carried

Resumption of Open Council Meeting

Resolution 131/2024

Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

The Open Council meeting resume.

Carried

Announcement of Closed Council Resolutions

Note: The Chairperson announced the resolutions made in Closed Council as follows:

11.2 Business Cootamundra Outstanding Invoices

Resolution 132/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

1. Council issues a Letter of Demand as prepared by Lindsay Taylor Lawyers.

2. Is to remain confidential.

Carried

11.3 Update - Sale of 24 Bourke Street and 11 Temora Street

Council adopted the recommendation but decided that the resolution should remain confidential pending subsequent processes.

The Meeting closed at 7:56pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 25 June 2024.


CHAIRPERSON	GENERAL MANAGER

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.1.4 Rural and Regional Summit Summary

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415644

REPORTING OFFICER

Teresa Breslin, Acting EA to Mayor and General Manager

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Steve McGrath, Interim General Manager

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.4 Recognised as a premier local government Council that represents and advocates for community needs

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

The 2024 Rural and Regional Summit and Country Mayors Association meeting summary report, be received and noted.

Introduction

Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor), Cr Leigh Bowden, Cr Abb McAlister, Cr Trevor Glover and Steve McGrath (Interim General Manager) attended the Rural and Regional Summit on May 9^th, 2024, hosted by Local Government NSW.

Further Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor), Cr Trevor Glover and Steve McGrath (Interim General Manager) all attended the Country Mayors association was held on Friday 10^th May 2024.

This summary report has been prepared by Councillor Glover on behalf of all attendees.

Discussion

Regional and Rural Summit 9^th May 2024 at State Library Report.

Cr Darriea Turley AM, President Local Government NSW welcomed everyone and spoke about the cost shifting by the Federal and State Governments amounting to $1.3b. This equates to $460 per rate notice for NSW’s ratepayers.

Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government and Leader of Government Business, opened his address with “strong regions are very important to the NSW Government”. He stated that there was $1.8b of new funding for regional NSW. That rate pegging has been capped at below inflation for decades and an Upper House Committee was investigating the running cost of councils. He wanted to know why councils are hurting so he can inform all politicians. He continued with a forecast of $180b debit for NSW, Emergency Services Levy and Red Fleet issues are being investigated. That the way depreciation is accounted in budgets was nonsense and indeed in Western Australia depreciation was accounted on a five-year cycle. In relation to the waste industry, this was done to protect jobs and councillor behaviour was behind a Code of Conduct and a Code of Meeting Practice revamp. He stated such revamps were proving harder than he envisaged. He aired his concerns about allowing developers to be elected to councils.

Carmel Donnelly PSM, Chairperson of IPART stated that over 50% of councils can not meet the various benchmarks and that IPART received 1,800 submissions related to 17 SRV applications. That population increases are not being properly understood by government agencies. Councils with small populations lack avenues for addressing financial sustainability and rural and regional councils have many challenges.

Professor Joseph Drew, Professor of Local Government Economics, University of Newcastle, had everyone’s attention from his opening remarks. He stated categorically that amalgamated councils had an increase of 11% in running costs and was damming of professional bodies such as KPMG for their reports and lack of understanding with regards to accounting procedures in the Local Government sector. Drew produced various graphs to highlight his claims. One of special interest was, the costs of running rural and regional councils were significantly higher than city/metropolitan councils, further stating that the economies of scale spoken about in reports replied upon by government, were not present in amalgamated councils. He argued that by using the correct computations the results are different to the reports that governments are receiving from those contracted to produce such reports. He further stated that various benchmarks are irrelevant, as the components to get the benchmark are incorrect. He stated several times there is no silver bullet to financial sustainability.

Brett Whitworth, Deputy Secretary, Office of Local Government posed the question,” is financial sustainability good financials or happy communities?”. He stated that he has difficulty with benchmarking and that the depreciation aspect of budgets was necessary. The new cemetery fees were going straight to the State and a Dam Safety Levy is coming.

Dr Sheridan Coates, National Social Practice Lead, Umwelt Australia, spoke about the impacts of renewable energy on communities, stating that costs and benefits are not evenly spread. She further stated impacts are cumulative with mental health being high on the list. That there is/has been a lack of meaningful dialogue with landholders and communities, and there needs to be a better level of engagement at the local level.

Cr Sam Coupland, Mayor Armidale Regional Council, spoke about the way in which Armidale is now approaching the increasing number of renewable energy projects in their region. He stated Armidale is collecting a percentage of the building costs and putting this into a fund for the future. This is estimated to be somewhere between $40-$50m. He further stated that their attitude is they don’t want a seat at the table when negotiating contracts, “they are the table”. He further stated, there is friction between the “shed load of profits” renewable companies are budgeting, and the “trinkets and shining things” being offered for the land on which they will be making this profit. He argued that local government should be shaping what is coming instead of accepting the “trinkets and shining things” being offered. Worker camps were of little value to the local communities as once the project building has finished there is no lasting legacy, little benefit would have been obtained.The issues of who becomes responsible for the remediation work at the end of life of the project and what is the projected cost for this, needs to be totally understood at contract time.

Cr Des Kennedy, Mayor Mid-Western Regional Council, suggested that a return to councils could be on a kilowatt basis, as this would raise ongoing funds. He further stated that Mid-Western Regional Council had employed new staff to work solely on renewable projects. Housing stress was highlighted with an example of a four-bedroom house being rented for $3600 per week, equating to $900 per week per bedroom.

Cr Michael Lyon, Mayor Byron Shire Council, continued the housing crisis theme, with the debate in the Byron Shire around governments restricting how homeowners can use their dwellings. His simple answer is that governments have been making rules and regulations concerning land and buildings for a long time.

David Kirby, General Manager Brewarrina Shire Council, gave an insightful address regarding how his council have shaped the present culture at the Brewarrina Council, stating how important expectations and consistency are. How important council is in the overall structure of the Brewarrina community. One of the positive social impacts of a truly interactive council was the low level of youth crime within Brewarrina.

Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, thanked all present for their work and stated how important and valued rural and regional NSW was. He listed numerous funding streams and gave a good feel story about his government.

Wendy Tuckerman MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Small Business, announced the successful changes to the Local Government Act 1993, that gave a clear pathway for those councils wishing to proceed with demergers. This change included a grant of up to $5m to help defray the costs associated with the demerger process.

Country Mayors Meeting Friday 10th May 2024 at Club York, Sydney.

A well-attended meeting with many attendees and speakers also being present at the Rural and Regional Summit the day before. Mention needs to be given to the following speakers who were not present on Thursday.

Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, she acknowledged the damage done by numerous extreme weather events across the state. Was concerned about issues of works already carried out by councils who have been waiting for reimbursement from the government and/or, the time lag for councils to be notified that works can be commenced. This slow reimbursement is putting unacceptable pressure on budgets and the time lag for works to begin is creating concern and disquiet within communities. The Minister then stayed for a lengthy time at the end of her presentation to allow council representatives to have a small one on one session with her, to discuss their local concerns.

Karen Taylor, Audit Office of NSW Representative, faced a tough audience with regards to the exorbitant increase in mandatory audit fees. She was questioned why the increase is so huge. Her response included, they were cost recovering, that the private firms they contract have increased their rates. There was concern in the room as to why companies are being contracted that do not understand the financial processes of the NSW Local Government sector. Her reply was that generally, they accepted the lowest tender.

Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, spoke of the government's awareness of the pressures on housing availability and spoke of an interesting possible avenue to help address this issue, one being the use of a modular type building process for social housing. The lack of trades people was raised.

Nerida Mooney, Executive Director, Digital and Analytics and Insights, acknowledged that there had been issues with the building portal. That a decision had been made to work on these issues before progressing to enhance the portal’s capabilities. An invitation was given for councils to contact her department with portal issues and that she was open to visiting rural and regional areas to gauge issues firsthand.

Financial

No further financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Purpose of this report does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.2 Business

8.2.1 Final Operational Plan and Associated Documents 2024/2025

DOCUMENT NUMBER

412519

REPORTING OFFICER

Anne Chamberlain, Acting Governance Officer

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Good governance: an actively engaged community and strong leadership team

4.3 Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is a premier local government Council

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

To comply with s.402 of the Local Government Act 1993.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

To comply with OLG IPR Guidelines and Handbook.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Draft Operational Plan 2024/2025 ⇩

2. Draft Fees and Charges 2024/2025 ⇩

Recommendation

1. Any submissions received in response to the public exhibition of the draft 2024/2025 Operational Plan (incorporating Revenue Policy, Fees & Charges and budget) be considered.

2. The draft 2024/2025 Operational Plan, (inclusive of the Revenue Policy, Fees & Charges and budget) be adopted by Council.

3. The amended 2024/25 draft Fees and Charges (Part 5 of the Operational Plan), attached to the report, be adopted.

4. Council note that on receipt of the final decision by the Minister for Local Government, following the Local Government Boundaries Commission review, in regard to the demerger proposal, that either Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, or the two new Councils as the case may be, will need to undertake reviews of the services provided by the council/s and the revenue available for operations, with a view to achieving a balanced or surplus operating result for the council/s over the medium to longer term.

Introduction

At its ordinary meeting held 23 April 2024, council placed the draft Operational Plan 2024/2025 on public exhibition for 28 days. Submissions closed 3pm Tuesday, 21 May 2024.

The draft Operational Plan 2024/2025 was placed on public exhibition in accordance with Office of Local Government Integrated Planning & Reporting (IP&R) Handbook and the Local Government Act, 1993. Notice of the exhibition and invitation for submissions were advertised in the Council Snippets and Newsletter. It was also published on Council’s website.

Discussion

In response to the public exhibition process, at the time of writing this report, no submissions were received, up until 3pm 21 May 2024.

Additionally, there were also eight (8) necessary amendment requests received from CGRC staff, which are summarised below:

1. Adjustments to the Operations Budget have been made due to the review of up to date 2024 actuals and grant funding information being received since the draft budget was prepared in March, budget figures were updated to better reflect expected financial results in 2025 (noting, the report went up in April) and are outlined below:

Income
Regional Roads Operating Grant	$320k reduction - ($160k each for Cootamundra & Gundagai). Revised budget of $340k each, total $680k Operating. (Note: $250k Capital)
Community Recover Officer	$176k increase in grant income – Executive Office
Income sub-total	$144k reduction
Expenditure
Library (Cootamundra &Gundagai)	$50k reduction – new expense budget $750,000
Saleyards Cootamundra	$100k reduction – new expense budget $31,841
Parks & Gardens Cootamundra	$178k reduction - new expense budget $950,614
Regional Services Gundagai	$134k reduction *(Manager Regional Services, Gundagai Provided updated figures in table below) new expense budget $2,608,305
Regional Roads (Cootamundra & Gundagai)	$302k reduction - Cootamundra & Gundagai net change
Local Roads Cootamundra	$23k increase - Cootamundra LR budget
Community Recovery	$176k increase – Executive Office
Expenses sub-total	$565k reduction
Overall change	$421k reduction in deficit from draft budget presented 23 April 2024 for public exhibition

*Regional Services Gundagai – updated figures

Area	Draft Budget	Final Budget	Variance
Regulatory Services - Gundagai	70805.00	70805.00	0.00
Cemeteries - Gundagai	134000.00	135000.00	1000.00
Animal Control - Gundagai	80000.00	65000.00	-15000.00
Public Toilets - Gundagai	53000.00	60000.00	7000.00
Caravan Park - Gundagai	6000.00	7500.00	1500.00
Saleyard - Gundagai	63999.50	44000.00	-19999.50
Building & Property Management - Gundagai	504000.00	440000.00	-64000.00
Noxious Weeds - Gundagai	98000.00	90000.00	-8000.00
Swimming Pool - Gundagai	350000.00	350000.00	0.00
Parks & Gardens - Gundagai	236000.00	236000.00	0.00
Street Tree Maintenance - Gundagai	58322.00	50000.00	-8322.00
Sporting Grounds - Gundagai	77022.00	70000.00	-7022.00
Waste Collection - Gundagai	285632.00	270000.00	-15632.00
Landfill Operations - Gundagai	225000.00	250000.00	25000.00
Transfer Stations - Gundagai	225000.00	215000.00	-10000.00
Regional Services - Gundagai	275567.00	255000.00	-20567.00
TOTAL	2,742,347.50	2608305.00	-134042.50

2. The Development, Building and Compliance Department increased the fees for subdivision certificates on page 55 of the Fees and Charges, and provided different brackets based on the number of new lots.

Previously there was one flat fee that was very low and did not take into account the increase in workload that comes with the assessing subdivision certificates for multiple new lots.

Previous fee was a flat rate of $158.00

New fees:

· 2-5 lots - $ 125.00 plus $ 25 per lot

· 6-20 lots - $ 185.00 plus $ 25 per lot

· 21 – 50 lots - $ 500.00 plus $ 25 per lot

· > 50 lots - $ 750.00 plus $ 25 per lot

3. Deleted double up of ‘Designated development – giving of notice (sch 4, Pt 3, Item 3.5)’ on page 40 of the Fees and Charges.

4. Amended description (2 – 5 Lots) for the Subdivision works Certificates to give further explanation, on page 56 of the Fees and Charges.

5. The current NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Levies have now been updated on page 28 of the fees and charges. Please refer to Council report (8.7.4) for further details regarding the CCA Levy.

6. The Aerodrome fees on page 14 of the Fees and Charges were increased in line with charges for similar facilities to the Cootamundra Aerodrome.

7. Removed two obsolete fees from the Stephen Ward Rooms on page 23 of the Fees and Charges. The Maximum charge of $100 per day is no longer required, considering the per day hire for Government and Commercial hire is $194.00 per day. Access to Wi-Fi has been incorporated into the hire fees and no longer a separate fee.

8. The Muttama and Ellwood’s Hall bonds have been split to recognise the different GST status of bonds and Hall hire on pages 24 and 25 of the Fees and Charges.

Financial

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Report purpose does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.2.2 Applications for Community Donations 2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415607

REPORTING OFFICER

Linda Wiles, Manager Business

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

1. A vibrant, safe, and inclusive community

1.2 A welcoming community that cares for and looks after each other

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Total financial implication is $40,200.00 from Annual Community Donation Budget. Plus $500 in-kind from Fisher Park Budget.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

To comply with the Community Donations Policy.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

1. The Annual Community Donations budget be increased annually in line with the consumer price index.

2. Council approve community donations for the following applicants totalling $40,200.00

Organisation	Amount granted
Cootamundra Sports Foundation	$ 500.00
Gundagai Shed	$ 4,000.00
Gundagai Drawing Group	$ 1,146.00
Gundagai Business Network	$ 5,000.00
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc	$ 3,300.00
Cootamundra Rifle Club Inc	$ 2,676.00
Cootamundra Food Bank	$ 5,000.00
Cootamundra High School	$ 200.00
Lions Club of Cootamundra	$ 750.00 (plus $500 in-kind)
Cootamundra Rodeo and Equine Sporting Centre	$ 4,000.00
Muttama Hall Management s.355 Committee	$ 1,175.00
Cootamundra Strikers Soccer Club Incorporated	$ 2,000.00
Cootamundra Scout Group	$ 728.00
Gundagai Historical Museum Incorporated	$ 3,000.00
Australian Road Transport Heritage Centre	$ 3,525.00
Intereach Ltd	$ 2,000.00
Cootamundra District Cricket Association	$ 1,200.00
TOTAL:	$ 40,200.00

Introduction

Each year Council determines an annual community donations budget, this is then allocated each year in June to successful applications of the community donations program.

Discussion

Council advertised through its usual mediums inviting individuals, community groups, schools, and local clubs to apply for a donation in accordance with its Community Donations Policy.

Applications were received until 5pm Friday 31 May 2024 for consideration by Council.

This year, the applications received exceeded $92,000. Council’s 24/25 budget is $40,000.

Each application has been assessed on its individual merits based on how it will benefit the CGRC community. Details of successful applications will be made available on Council’s website for the information of the community.

To ensure as many applicants received a portion of the donations budget as possible, it has been necessary to reduce the amount requested for most of the applications.

A summary of each application with the recommended amounts to be granted, is included in the table below:

No.	Organisation or Individual	Amount Granted	Project Details
1	Alexis Phillips	$ 0	Assistance with paying costs associated with competing at the Malaysian National Velodrome in Malaysia. Sprint Scratch and Keirin events.
2	Cootamundra Sports Foundation	$ 500.00	Financial assistance to young athletes in all sports, junior sporting clubs and schools to help meet their costs playing representative sport.
3	Gundagai Shed	$ 4,000.00	Mobility access paths and ramps to Gundagai Shed. To allow access to elderly and disabled members of the community.
4	Gundagai Drawing Group	$ 1,146.00	Partial funding for a Etching Press, so the group can offer workshops in printmaking.
5	Gundagai Business Network	$ 5,000.00	"Rock the Bidgee" Event at Gundagai Showground - 5th October 2024. To pay for professional security, fencing and table/chair hire for the event.
6	Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc	$ 3,300.00	Donation will be used to fund events for the Community.
7	Cootamundra Rifle Club Inc	$ 2,676.00	Donation used to offset council rates.
8	Cootamundra Food Bank	$ 5,000.00	To purchase Food for food bank.
9	Cootamundra High School	$ 200.00	Annual Presentation night.
10	Lions Club of Cootamundra	$ 750 (+$500 in-kind)	Annual Christmas fair and fireworks display located at Fisher Park Cootamundra.
11	Cootamundra Little Athletics	$ 0	Permanent discus or long jump pit upgrade to benefit participants of Little Athletics and the Schools.
12	SI South-West Slopes	$ 0	The Cootamundra Art Show. Hiring of Council Facility. Full cost of hire is $12,645.00. Applicant has been advised of the 50% discount available to them via the town hall booking process.
13	Kinloch Wallendbeen Charity Campdraft Incorporation	$ 0	Campdraft Charity Event. Council support will be used to expand facilities to reduce overheads.
14	Cootamundra Rodeo and Equine Sporting Centre	$ 4,000.00	Electronic Timer and Score Board to be used across several events held at facility.
15	Muttama Hall Management s.355 Committee	$ 1,175.00	100 Year anniversary of Muttama Hall events, Dinner and Family Fun Day event. Need kitchen appliances and emergency equipment for event.
16	Cootamundra Strikers Soccer Club Incorporated	$ 2,000.00	Funds to go towards annual rates for O'Connor soccer field.
17	Cootamundra Scout Group	$ 728.00	Funds will be used to maintain ground and purchase wheelie bins for Lids 4 Kids Charity collections.
18	Gundagai Historical Museum Incorporated	$ 3,000.00	Preparation of Building Survey and the development of a Museum Master Plan.
19	Australian Road Transport Heritage Centre	$ 3,525.00	Hot Water Service and Air Conditioner and installation cost for ARTHC Museum.
20	Intereach Ltd	$ 2,000.00	Public Computer upgrade for Community Hub.
21	Cootamundra High School P&C Canteen	$ 0	Operational cost of running the school canteen.
22	Cootamundra District Cricket Association	$ 1,200.00	To purchase cricket pitch soil.
23	Emma Bryant (Macey Bryant)	$ 0	Macey Bryant qualified to represent Australia in National Junior High School Rodeo Finals in Iowa, USA. Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Requesting sponsorship/ support for flights and travel costs etc.
24	Viv Lindley (Jack and Lachie Lindley)	$ 0	Jack and Lachie Lindley qualified to represent Australia in World Bull Riding finals Texas, USA. Requesting sponsorship/ support for travel costs etc.
		$ 40,200.00

Council has since been advised of the cancellation of the SI South-West Slopes event therefore their request for donation does not need to be considered.

Financial

Council has previously resolved to allocate appropriate provision for the annual community donation program budget and that it is increased each year in line with the consumer price index (CPI).

The 23/24 budget was $30,000, increase intended for 24/25 budget to $40,000 (CPI increase).

The total sum of the recommended grants is $40,200.00.

Please note, application received from the Lions Club of Cootamundra included a request for $500 in-kind support. These funds will be absorbed from the Fisher Park budget.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.2.3 Open Streets Grant - Starry Nights Festival

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415749

REPORTING OFFICER

Linda Wiles, Manager Business

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

1. A vibrant, safe, and inclusive community

2.2 A thriving region that attracts people to live, work and visit

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

1. Information and funding from Open Streets Program be noted.

2. Council invite local community groups in both Cootamundra and Gundagai to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to manage individual events.

Introduction

CGRC have been successful in receiving grant funding under the Open Streets Program provided by Transport for NSW for a total amount of $121,600.00 to support the inaugural Starry Nights Festival.

Discussion

The Open Streets Program is a $4.5 million grant program that will provide successful councils with funding of up to $150,000 to temporarily close streets to cars and open them on a day, or series of days, for placemaking events and activations. The program purpose is to encourage collaboration between government, business and community to improve the vibrancy of local streets and centres.

The Open Streets Program aims to meet these objectives:

· Temporarily close streets to vehicles and open them for people, with projects over a day, or series of days, and provide safe spaces for community events and activities.

· Bring vibrancy to our streets by creating a sense of excitement and discovery with creative events and activations that are inviting and inclusive to all the community.

· Support job creation in local businesses and the cultural sector.

· Support the development of longer-term place management outcomes, through projects that encourage private-public partnerships.

STARRY NIGHTS FESTIVAL

The CGRC Starry Nights Festival will incorporate four (4) events across the LGA.

· Cootamundra Wattle Time Festival - Proposed date: Saturday 7^th September 2024

· Festival of Gundagai - Proposed date: Saturday 28^th September 2024

· Gundagai Christmas On Sheridan Community Christmas Party - Proposed date: Friday 6^th December 2024

· Cootamundra Sparkling Street Community Christmas Party. Proposed date: Thursday 12^th December 2024

The Starry Nights Festival will foster a sense of community spirit and togetherness, bringing neighbours, friends, and families together to celebrate. Through engaging activities and shared spaces, these events encourage socialising and bonding, enhancing connections within the community, provide increased visibility and exposure opportunity for local businesses and community groups, raise town profiles and attract tourism.

While not funded by the Open Streets Grant, Business Awards will be held in both Cootamundra and Gundagai as part of the Starry Nights festival.

Following the guidelines and aligning with the categories of Business NSW, Business Awards, this program will provide a valuable chance for local business and their employees to receive recognition, credibility, and exposure for their business. In addition, they provide networking opportunities, marketing advantages, and boost morale.

DELIVERY OF THE EVENTS

Clause 6 of the Funding Agreement allows Council to engage subcontractors and/delivery partners to carry out community events or activities for the purposes of the Project, with conditions.

CGRC will invite local community groups in both Cootamundra and Gundagai to submit Expression of Interest to coordinate each of the events.

Any successful organisation will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will cover the event objectives, roles and responsibilities, regulatory conditions, complying with the funding agreement, procurement procedures (with a strong LGA first focus) and financial arrangements.

If no suitable expressions of interest (EOIs) are received, Tourism & Economic Development Officers will internally coordinate the events.

CGRC TEDO’s possess extensive experience in coordinating community events, both having successfully organised events previously. They have a deep understanding of local factors such as stakeholders, regulations, and expectations. The Tourism and Economic Development team can proficiently plan and execute events that boost economic development, improve community involvement, celebrate both Cootamundra & Gundagai and draw visitors to the region.

Financial

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

The report purpose does not conflict with guidelines.

8.2.4 Appointment of Independent Chair and Member to Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415720

REPORTING OFFICER

Linda Wiles, Manager Business

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.1 A clear strategic direction that is delivered upon

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1: Compliance with Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Independence and Eligibility Criteria ⇩

2. Nick Tobin CV - Confidential (under separate cover)

3. Stephen Dunshea CV - Confidential (under separate cover)

4. Chris Weber CV - Confidential (under separate cover)

Recommendation

1. Council accepts the application of Mr Nick Tobin to the position of ARIC Independent Chair for the period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2028.

2. Council accepts the application of Mr Stephen Dunshea to the position of Independent ARIC Member for the period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2028.

3. Council accepts the application of Mr Chris Weber to the position of Independent ARIC Member for the period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2028.

4. That Council determines a Councillor to be appointed as the non-voting observer to the ARIC, or in the alternate if no Councillor will be appointed.

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to seek appointment of the Independent Chair and Members to the Internal Audit Risk and Improvement Committee.

In accordance with the Local Government (General) Amendment (Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees) Regulation 2023 Council is strengthening its Internal Audit and Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (‘ARIC’) Structure to meet the prescribed standards. The regulation is supported by a new Risk Management and Internal Audit Guidelines for Local Government in NSW. This guideline is mostly identical to the draft published in December 2022 and Council is preparing to meet the new obligations imposed by the new regulation.

The additional regulations present an opportunity for Council to establish a stronger internal audit and risk management framework but utilising a shared internal audit function with 6 Councils creates the lowest possible financial cost to Council through implementation.

Discussion

On 27 February 2024, Council endorsed the ongoing utilisation of an Internal Audit Alliance with several Riverina Eastern Councils:

8.2.1 Implementation of the New Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Processes

RESOLUTION 024/2024

Moved: Cr Logan Collins

Seconded: Cr David Graham

1. Council confirms its commitment to the Internal Audit Alliance consisting of Bland, Coolamon, CGRC, Junee, Lockhart, and Temora Councils.

2. Council endorses the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference and Internal Audit Charter.

3. Audit Risk and Improvement Committee estimate be included in 2024/2025 budget.

Recruitment Process for Independent Chair and Members

The Internal Audit Alliance sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons to be the independent chair and members of the ARIC from 1 July 2024 between 17 April and 8 May 2024. This report provides further detail on the recruitment process and seeks endorsement of the proposed Chair and Members. It has been noted that the alliance function attracted significantly higher quality candidates through the joint recruitment efforts of the Councils and allowed for the identification of appropriate Independent Members without a further recruitment process. This success demonstrates the scale benefits of the shared function on administrative processes for Council.

The Council endorsed role of the independent chair is the same person shared across the 6 Councils of the Internal Audit Alliance. This has benefits in allowing shared learnings and opportunities for improvement across the 6 Councils and increases the efficiency of the ARICs. Under the Internal Audit Alliance Agreement, Council is responsible for identifying and recruiting two independent members. It was determined most efficient to recruit for the Chair and Members through the same recruitment process, due to the similar nature of the roles (both roles having to meet the independence criteria) and the relatively small talent pool that exists for the roles. There was also a scale effect by all the six Council’s recruiting members together that a deeper pool of candidates would be identified.

On 17 April 2024 the advertisement for the Independent Chair and Members was listed. The advertisement was also shared on seek.com, Local Government Internal Audit Network and Council’s social media platforms including LinkedIn.

Following the closing of submissions on 8 May 2024, 14 submissions were received for the role. Representatives from the Internal Audit Alliance Councils met to review the submissions to identify interview candidates for the role of Chair. Three candidates were interviewed by a panel of three Alliance Council representatives.

Following interviews, the Panel selected a preferred candidate for independent chair and independent members for each Committee. On advice from the Office of Local Government (‘OLG’) in the establishment of the Internal Audit Alliance, no Council’s ARIC in the Alliance would be permitted to have the same two independent members as this would create a ‘Joint ARIC’ which would be subject to additional regulation under the new regulation.

The Panel had regard to the skills and experience of the candidates when selecting the right mix of independent members for the Committee. This selection has regard to the broad purview of matters that may come before the ARIC under the Local Government Act 1993 section 428A.

The Panel reported the outcomes of the interviews to a meeting of the Internal Audit Alliance on 27 May 2024. The Alliance has unanimously agreed to the decision on the independent chair and on the recommended independent members for each Council to not have duplicate committee members.

In alignment with the other Internal Audit Alliance Councils, this report recommends that the Chair and Members be appointed for a period of 4 years as permitted by the Regulation.

Recommended Independent Chair

The Panel has recommended that Mr Nick Tobin be selected as the Independent Chair of the ARIC for all Councils in the Internal Audit Alliance. Mr Tobin is an experienced public service executive with more than 30 years of experience across the Local Government sector, including in General Manager and Director roles. Mr Tobin has chaired several Councils’ audit committees and has a strong background in financial management of Councils. Some of the key accolades from his career are as follows:

· General Manager of Moree Plains Shire Council May 2022 – July 2023.

· Acting General Manager of Hunters Hill Council June 2021 – March 2022.

· Current Chair of Newcastle City Council Future Fund, advising Council on Financial Sustainability.

· As CEO of Yuhu Group and General Manager of Aqualand Projects Pty Ltd, oversaw significant growth in both businesses in the property industry.

· General Manager of Willoughby City Council December 2007 - October 2014, where he oversaw development of the Concourse Entertainment and Community Precinct.

Attachment 1 provides a breakdown demonstrating compliance with the independence and eligibility criteria prescribed by the Regulation (sections 216D, 216E and 216F).

Recommended Independent Members

The Internal Audit Alliance panel only exists for the recruitment of the Independent Chair; however, Council was able to utilise the same recruitment process for independent members in consultation with other alliance members to ensure that the same two independent members were not selected to ensure no shared ARIC’s are established under the Local Government Act 1993 s 428B. The following two people have been identified for selection as independent members for CGRC ARIC.

Stephen Dunshea

Mr Dunshea is an experienced Local Government practitioner at senior levels with 40 years’ experience across several large, rural and regional councils. Mr Dunshea has a strong background in Local Government Finance, Governance and Executive Leadership evident through positions held across numerous functional areas at an executive level including CEO Shoalhaven City Council and Director Finance, Corporate and Community Services, Woollahra.

Mr Dunshea satisfies the independence and eligibility criteria for an Independent Member of the ARIC as prescribed by the Regulation (sections 216E and 216F).

Chris Weber

Mr Weber is an experienced senior leader in organisations, having over 10 years of experience in Senior Local Government roles (in regional and rural areas) preceded by extensive experience in the investment banking sector. His demonstrated experience in financial management in the unique context of regional and rural Local Government will be highly valued by the ARIC. Mr Weber has been an Interim General Manager at Walcha Council and the Director of Corporate and Governance at Tamworth where he would regularly act as General Manager. Mr Weber was also a board member of Local Government Professionals NSW between 2018 and 2021 and will bring his specific financial management skills and local government experience to the Committee.

Mr Weber satisfies the independence and eligibility criteria for an Independent Member of the ARIC as prescribed by the Regulation (sections 216E and 216F).

Due Diligence

Council has reviewed the business relationships that the proposed chair and independent members have disclosed and have not identified that Council has ever transacted with any of these organisations.

ASIC Banned and Disqualified searches have been conducted for the Chair and Independent Members with those recommended in this report not identified.

Alternative Options

Council can reject the proposed Chair and Members of the ARIC as recommended by this report and seek further applications for another Chair and Members. This is not recommended as this would be unlikely to yield a significant depth of applications without the scale of the Alliance, likely resulting in lower quality candidates. If Council was to determine not to accept the recommendation it would also create a high likelihood that Council would not be compliant with the regulations by 1 July 2024.

Council can determine to not accept the recommendation of the Internal Audit Alliance Committee for the Chair and Members however should be aware that there would be resourcing challenges for the Internal Audit function that are not budgeted if the shared ARIC Chair approach is separated from the rest of the Internal Audit Alliance.

Council has the option of amending the time period that the Chair or Members are appointed, however should be aware this would place Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council out of step with the other Alliance Councils and increase the administrative workload at the next renewal of the Committee.

Councillor Attendance at ARIC Meetings

The Local Government (General) Amendment (Audit Risk and Improvement Committees) Regulation 2023 prevents Councillors from sitting on the Committee as voting members but permits one Councillor who is not the Mayor to be a non-voting observer of the Committee. If Council determines that a Councillor should occupy this role, this role should observe the requirements of the new Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW in relation to this role. Council Staff will ensure that the endorsed Councillor receives separate training or briefing on the guidelines.

Financial

The payment for the ARIC Independent Chairperson is $1500 per day (inclusive of preparation time) and ARIC Independent Members is $750 per day (inclusive of preparation time). Council must pay Independent Members and the Chair superannuation in addition to this meeting fee under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.

The total cost of the ARIC Chair and Independent members each financial year is a budgeted amount of $24,000 across the six Alliance Councils.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Report purpose does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.3 Finance

8.3.1 2025 Financial Year Rates & Annual Charges

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415764

REPORTING OFFICER

Zac Mahon, Manager Finance

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.1 A clear strategic direction that is delivered upon

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 of the Local Government Act 1993.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

1. ORDINARY RATES

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 of the Local Government Act 1993 Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following rates for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Farmland Category Rate of 0.134184 cents in the dollar, with a base amount of $437.67 per assessment, for all rateable land within the Farmland Category in Council’s area, as defined in Section 515 of the Local Government Act 1993, based upon the land value at a base valuation date of 1 July 2022. The base amount for the Farmland Category is estimated to realise 10.38% of the total yield in this category.

b) Residential Category Rate of 0.399976 cents in the dollar, with a base amount of $437.67 per assessment, for all rateable land within the Residential Category in Council’s area, as defined in Section 516 of the Local Government Act 1993, based upon the land value at a base valuation date of 1 July 2022. The base amount for the Residential Category is estimated to realise 44.87% of the total yield of this category.

c) Business Category Rate of 1.200139 cents in the dollar, with a base amount of $437.67 per assessment, for all rateable land within the Business Category in Council’s area, as defined in Section 518 of the Local Government Act 1993, based upon the land value at a base valuation date of 1 July 2022. The base amount for the Business Category is estimated to realise 18.84% of the total yield of this category.

d) Mining Rate of 0.300854 cents in the dollar, with a base amount of $437.67 per assessment, for all rateable land within the Mining Category in Council’s area, as defined in Section 517 of the Local Government Act 1993, based upon the land value at a base valuation date of 1 July 2022.

2. WASTE MANAGEMENT CHARGES

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 535, 496 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993 Council hereby resolves to make the following domestic waste management and waste management charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Domestic Waste Management Charge of $546.00 per annual service for each parcel of rateable residential land within the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging Areas for which the service is available, excluding vacant and unoccupied land. The levying of such charge is to entitle the ratepayer to a regular weekly service of one 120 litre bin for domestic rubbish and a fortnightly service of one 240 litre bin for recyclable domestic rubbish.

b) Green Waste/Organics Charge of $71.00 per annual service for each parcel of rateable residential land within the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging Areas for which the service is available, excluding vacant and unoccupied land. The levying of such charge is to entitle the ratepayer to a regular fortnightly service of one 240 litre bin for green domestic waste.

c) Residential Waste Management – Other Charge of $546.00 per annual service for each assessment of residential land outside of the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging Areas, for which the service is available and required. The levying of such charge is to entitle the ratepayer to a regular weekly service of one 140 litre bin for domestic rubbish, a fortnightly service of one 240 litre bin for recyclable domestic rubbish. (Ratepayers for whom this service is requested and available, may also elect to be provided with a Green Waste/Organics service subject to the charge as noted in d) below.)

d) Green Waste/Organics Charge – Other Charge of $71.00 per annual service for each assessment of residential land outside of the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging Areas, for which the service is available and required. The levying of such charge is to entitle the ratepayer to a regular fortnightly service of one 240 litre bin for domestic green waste

e) Rural Waste Charge of $81.00 on each parcel of rateable land outside the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging areas, and for which there is no service being provided as noted in c) above.

f) Commercial Waste Management Charge of $546.00 per service for the removal of waste (one 240 litre general waste pickup per week and one 240 litre recyclable waste pickup per fortnight) from Non-Residential properties for which the service is requested and available. Multiple services will be charged for multiple bins and/or collections per week.

g) Unoccupied (Vacant Land) Waste Charge of $81.00 on each parcel of rateable land within the Gundagai, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal & Wallendbeen Scavenging areas for which a domestic waste management service is available, but the land is vacant and unoccupied.

3. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SERVICE CHARGE

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535, 496A and 510A of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following annual stormwater management service charges, in respect of occupied rateable land within the urban area of Cootamundra, excepting Council owned or controlled parks, land and buildings, or other land exempt as per Section 496A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Residential Stormwater Management Charge of $25.00 per annum per residential assessment of occupied rateable land within the townships of Gundagai & Cootamundra, excepting Council owned or controlled parks, lands and buildings, or other land exempt as per Section 496A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, and excluding land that is part of a residential strata allotment.

b) Residential Strata Stormwater Management Charge of $12.50 per annum per residential Strata assessment within the townships of Gundagai & Cootamundra, excepting Council owned or controlled parks, lands and buildings, or other land exempt as per Section 496A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

c) Business (Non-Residential) Stormwater Management Charge of $25.00 for each 350 square meters of area of land or part thereof of land categorised as business, subject to a minimum of $25.00 per annum per assessment and a maximum charge of $250.00 per annum per assessment within the townships of Gundagai & Cootamundra, excepting Council owned or controlled parks, lands and buildings, or other land exempt as per Section 496A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

c) Business (Non-Residential) Stormwater Management Charge being the greater of $5.00, or the assessment’s proportion of the charge that would apply if the total land area was not strata’d, per annum per business strata assessment within the townships of Gundagai & Cootamundra, excepting Council owned or controlled parks, lands and buildings, or other land exempt as per Section 496A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

4. ON-SITE SEWERAGE MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 535 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993 Council hereby resolves to make the following domestic waste management and waste management charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

On-Site Sewerage Management Administration Charge of $53.00 per annum for properties for which on-site sewerage services are available and connected.

5. WATER CONSUMPTION CHARGES

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 502 of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following water consumption charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Water Usage Charge of $2.35 per kilolitre for usage up to and including 39 kilolitres per quarter, and thereafter $3.53 per kilolitre for water usage exceeding 39 kilolitres per quarter, for all land connected to the water supply, excepting that land as identified as subject to the charges in 5.b) below.

b) Non-Residential Community Water Usage Charge of $1.86 per kilolitre for usage up to and including 39 kilolitres per quarter, and thereafter $2.68 per kilolitre for usage exceeding 39 kilolitres per quarter, for land to which the water supply is available and connected and whereby Council has by resolution identified the assessment as being subject to Non-Residential Community Water Usage charges.

6. NON-RESIDENTIAL SEWER USAGE CHARGES

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 502 of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following non-residential sewer usage charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

Non-Residential Sewer Usage Charge of $3.13 per kilolitre of the volume of sewerage discharged. The volume of sewerage discharged shall be calculated by multiplying the volume of water measured at the water meter(s) connected to the property, based on actual usage per kilolitre, by the sewerage discharge factors (SDF) for the predominant use of the land as follows:

PROPERTY USE	SDF %
Concrete Plant, Park Watering	2
Pool	10
Bowling Green, Clubhouse	20
Caravan Park	60
Community use (as defined in Community Based Not For Profit Organisations)	50
Hospital, Motel	85
General business, RLPB, Pharmacy, Medical Centre, Bakery, Restaurant/Hotel/Club, Takeaway food, McDonalds, Service Station, Dentist, Butcher, Hairdresser, Supermarket, Carwash	95
Sewer Well	100

7. WATER ACCESS CHARGES

The annual water access charges as identified below are charged quarterly in arrears.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following annual water access charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Residential Water Access Charge on residential land to which the water supply is available and connected, excluding land that is part of a residential strata allotment, in accordance with the number and size of water service meters connected to the land as follows;

Water Meter Size	Annual Charge
20mm	$470.00
25mm	$736.00
32mm	$1,206.00
40mm	$1,884.00
50mm	$2,944.00
63mm	$4,675.00
75mm	$6,624.00
80mm	$7,537.00
100mm	$11,777.00

b) Residential Strata Water Access Charge of $470.00 per annum per residential Strata assessment for which the water supply is available and connected.

c) Non-Residential Water Access Charge in respect of non-residential land to which the water supply is available and connected, excluding land that is part of a strata allotment and that land that is identified as liable for charges outlined in 7.e) below, in accordance with the number and size of water service meters connected to the parcel as follows (excluding fire service meters);

Water Meter Size	Annual Charge
20mm	$470.00
25mm	$736.00
32mm	$1,206.00
40mm	$1,884.00
50mm	$2,944.00
63mm	$4,675.00
75mm	$6,624.00
80mm	$7,537.00
100mm	$11,777.00

d) Non-Residential Strata Water Access Charge of $470.00 per annum per non-residential Strata assessment for which the water supply is available and connected.

e) Non-Residential Community Water Access Charge in respect of non-residential land to which the water supply is available and connected, and whereby Council has by resolution identified the assessment as being subject to Non-Residential Community Water Access charges, in accordance with the number and size of water service meters connected to the parcel as follows (excluding fire service meters):

Water Meter Size	Annual Charge
20mm	$235.00
25mm	$368.00
32mm	$604.00
40mm	$942.00
50mm	$1,472.00
80mm	$3,768.00
100mm	$5,888.00

8. VACANT WATER ACCESS CHARGES

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following annual vacant water access charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Vacant Residential Water Access Charge of $470.00 per annum per residential assessment to which the water supply is available but not connected.

b) Vacant Non-Residential Water Access Charge of $470.00 per annum per non-residential assessment to which the water supply is available but not connected.

c) Vacant Non-Residential Community Water Access Charge of $235.00 per annum per non-residential assessment whereby Council has by resolution identified the assessment as being subject to the Vacant Non-Residential Community Water Access Charge.

9. SEWER ACCESS CHARGES

The annual sewer access charges as identified below are charged quarterly in arrears.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the following annual sewer access charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Residential Sewer Access Charge of $707.00 per annum per residence to which sewerage services are available and connected.

b) Non-Residential Sewer Access Charge in respect of non-residential land to which sewerage services are available and connected, excepting land identified as liable for the charges as outlined in 9.c) below, in accordance with the number and size of the water service meters connected to the land as follows (excluding fire service meters);

Water Meter Size	Annual Charge
20mm	$589.00
25mm	$707.00
32mm	$824.00
40mm	$1,130.00
50mm	$1,413.00
63mm	$1,780.00
75mm	$2,120.00
80mm	$2,260.00
100mm	$2,827.00

c) Non-Residential Community Sewer Access Charge in respect of non-residential land to which sewerage services are available and connected, and whereby Council has by resolution identified the assessment as being subject to Non-Residential Community Sewer Access charges, in accordance with the number and size of water service meters connected to the land as follows (excluding fire service meters):

Water Meter Size	Annual Charge
20mm	$295.00
25mm	$353.00
32mm	$412.00
40mm	$565.00
50mm	$707.00
80mm	$1,130.00
100mm	$1,413.00

10. VACANT SEWER ACCESS CHARGES

a) Vacant Residential Sewer Access Charge of $413.00 per annum per residential assessment to which the water supply is available but not connected.

b) Vacant Non-Residential Sewer Access Charge of $413.00 per annum per non-residential assessment to which the water supply is available but not connected.

c) Vacant Non-Residential Community Sewer Access Charge of $206.00 per annum per non-residential assessment to which sewerage services are available but not connected, and whereby Council has by resolution identified the assessment as being subject to Vacant Non-Residential Community Access Charges.

11. LIQUID TRADE WASTE CHARGES

The annual trade waste charges as identified below are charged bi-annual in arrears. In accordance with the provisions of Section 535 and 502 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council hereby resolves to make the following trade waste charges for the 2024/25 rating year:

a) Trade Waste Annual Fee on non-residential land connected to the sewerage service of $250.00 where liquid trade waste is discharged.

b) Trade Waste Usage Charge on (Category 2) non-residential land connected to the sewerage service of $4.33 per kilolitre of the estimated volume of liquid trade waste discharged to the sewerage system with prescribed pre-treatment. The volume of liquid trade waste discharged shall be calculated by multiplying the volume of water measured at the water meter(s) connected to the property, based on actual usage per kilolitre, by the trade waste discharge factors (TWDF) for the predominant use of the property as follows:

PROPERTY USE	TWDF %
Concrete Plant, Park Watering & Sewer Well	1
Pool, Bowling Green, Clubhouse & General Business	10
RLPB, Pharmacy, Medical Centre	20
Caravan Park, School & Bakery, Community use (as defined in Community Based Not For Profit Organisations)	25
Motel, Restaurant, Hotel, Club	30
Takeaway food	50
McDonalds	62
Service Station	70
Dentist	80
Hospital	85
Butcher, Hairdresser, Supermarket, Carwash	90

12. INTEREST ON OVERDUE RATES & CHARGES

Interest on overdue rates and charges for the 2024/25 rating year has been set by Council at the maximum rate of interest payable as determined by the Minister of Local Government of 10.5% per annum, calculated daily, in accordance with Section 566 of the Local Government Act 1993.

13. COMMUNITY BASED NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council hereby resolves to make the assessments shown below as being those assessments to which Non-Residential Community Water Access Charges, Non-Residential Community Sewer Access Charges, Non-Residential Community Water Usage Charges, and Community Use Sewerage and Trade Waste Discharge Factors shall apply as follows:

Assessment	Name of Owner/Occupier	Use of Land

Religious Organisations
10001451	Sacred Heart Parish	Convent and Place of Worship
10001477	Catholic Church Trustees	Place of Worship
10001485	Catholic Church Trustees	Minister's Residence/Place of Worship
10008142	Presbyterian Church	Place of Worship
10013340	Jehovah's Witnesses Congregations	Place of Worship
10013423	Salvation Army	Minister's Residence/Place of Worship
10015444	Church Of The Foursquare Gospel	Place of Worship
10015832	Baptist Church Of NSW	Place of Worship
10017119	Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese	Minister's Residence/Place of Worship
10017135	Anglican Church Of Australia	Place of Worship
10029445	Uniting Church	Church Hall and Place of Worship
10029478	Uniting Church	Place of Worship
10039766	Australasian Conference Association Ltd	Place of Worship
11011715	Anglican Church Property Trust Dc & G	Place of Worship

11018389	Anglican Church Property Trust Dc & G	Place of Worship
11019627	Roman Catholic Church	Place of Worship

Local Sporting, Charitable & Community Groups
10006328	Society of St Vincent de Paul	Public Charity
10008399	Boy Scouts Association	Community Group
10008431	Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen's and Citizens Club	Community Facility
10008837	Australian Red Cross Society	Public Charity
10008845	Australian Red Cross Society	Public Charity
10009660	Showground Users Committee	Community Facility
10010320	The Cootamundra Country Club Ltd	Community Facility
10010882	CADAS Coota West	Community Group/Facility
10011955	Southern Cross Care - Retirement Village	Community Facility
10012060	Elouera Association Incorporated	Public Charity/Community Organisation
10015725	Cootamundra Wattle Guides	Community Group/Facility
10017556	Cootamundra Squash Assoc	Community Sporting Facility
10018877	Elouera Association Incorporated	Public Charity/Community Organisation
10030450	Town Tennis Club	Community Sporting Facility
10030468	Cootamundra Rugby League Club	Community Sporting Facility
10033223	Cootamundra Preschool Incorporated	Community Facility
10035780	Cootamundra Lions Club	Community Group
10039246	Coota Health Care Co-Op - Nursing Home	Community Facility
10039865	Elouera Cootamundra Assn Pty Ltd	Public Charity/Community Organisation
10045698	Cootamundra Strikers Soccer Club	Community Sporting Facility
10046159	Elouera Association Incorporated	Public Charity/Community Organisation
11011913	Gundagai Pre-School Kindergarten	Community Facility
11015922	Gundagai Common Trust	Community Group/Facility
11016136	Gundagai Racecourse and Showground Land	Community Sporting & Rec Facility
11019452	Gundagai District Services Club Ltd	Community Facility
11019460	Gundagai District Services Club Ltd	Community Facility
11019569	Valmar Support Services Ltd	Community Facility
11019965	Gundagai District Services Club Ltd	Community Facility
11019973	Gundagai District Services Club Ltd	Community Facility
11021318	Gundagai Scout Group	Community Group/Facility
11021730	Gundagai District Services Club Ltd	Community Facility
11032836	Gundagai Historic Bridges Committee Inc.	Community Group/Facility
11037132	South Gundagai Common Trust	Community Group/Facility

Introduction

Section 535 of the Local Government Act, 1993 requires that rates and charges must be made by resolution of Council.

Discussion

The provisions of Section 532 of the Local Government Act, 1993 specify that a council must not make a rate or charge until it has given public notice (in accordance with Section 405(3)) of its Draft Operational Plan for the year for which the rate or charge is to be made and has considered any matters concerning the Draft Operational Plan (in accordance with Section 405(5)).

Council has fulfilled the public notice obligation and the rates and charges for 2024/25
must be made by resolution of Council.

On 14 May 2021, the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved a Special Rate Variation for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council consisting of the following annual and cumulative increases to Council’s general income, to remain permanently in Council’s general income, inclusive of the annual rate pegging increase approved by IPART (4.7% for the 2024/25 financial year).

Year	Annual Increase in	Cumulative Increase
	General Income	in General Income
2021-22	20.0%	20.0%
2022-23	16.0%	39.2%
2023-24	5.0%	46.2%
2024-25	5.0%	53.5%

The Special Rate Variation previously approved for the former Gundagai Shire Council will be retained in Council’s general income base for 10 years from June 2014, and from 1 July 2024, Council’s general income will be reduced by the amount of that expiring Special Rate Variation.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Not applicable.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.3.2 Finance Update - May 2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415770

REPORTING OFFICER

Zac Mahon, Manager Finance

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.1 A clear strategic direction that is delivered upon

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

The Finance Update report, be received and noted.

Report

The May Finance Update has been reviewed and no issues have been detected.

Operations

Income

The operational income is at 88% when comparing actual to budget, with the annual rates already being recognised as income but becoming due and payable quarterly throughout the year. Operational Grant Income that will be recognised via accrual is not included in this result and I believe will improve the final result presented in the financial statements.

Department	ACTUAL YTD	BUDGET	% Received	Result	Comment
Finance Department	$12,482,465	$12,494,866	100%	J
Executive Department	$12,081	$40,000	30%	J
Business Department	$81,776	$88,000	93%	J
Building Department	$643,789	$394,500	163%	J
Engineering Cootamundra	$310,933	$389,684	80%	J
Engineering Gundagai	$64,676	$361,716	18%	J
Services Cootamundra	$2,999,905	$3,597,900	83%	J
Services Gundagai	$1,154,356	$1,584,900	73%	J
Water Cootamundra	$3,297,050	$3,092,720	107%	J
Water Gundagai	$2,107,950	$1,523,280	138%	J
Sewer Cootamundra	$2,505,640	$2,753,150	91%	J
Sewer Gundagai	$880,360	$731,850	120%	J
Grants and Contributions	$16,608,028	$21,909,349	76%	J
TOTAL	$43,149,009	$48,961,915	88%	J

Expenditure

Operational Expenditure is at 98% when comparing actual to budget.

Department	TOTAL YTD	BUDGET	% Spent	Result	Comment
Finance Department	$14,275,333	$14,157,325	101%	J
Executive Department	$1,856,352	$1,800,000	103%	J
Business Department	$2,958,160	$3,233,915	91%	J
Building Department	$1,208,658	$1,181,715	102%	J
Engineering Cootamundra	$12,843,761	$12,000,788	107%	J
Engineering Gundagai	$5,398,444	$5,174,400	104%	J
Services Cootamundra	$4,684,593	$5,249,300	89%	J
Services Gundagai	$2,083,200	$2,467,200	84%	J
Water Cootamundra	$2,244,985	$2,494,050	90%	J
Water Gundagai	$567,526	$720,950	79%	J
Sewer Cootamundra	$795,921	$1,280,175	62%	J
Sewer Gundagai	$507,257	$500,100	101%	J
Projects	$622,585	$687,825	91%	J
TOTAL	$50,046,775	$50,947,743	98%	J

Capital

Income

Capital income is at 52% of budget as at 31 May 2024.

ASSET CATEGORY	TOTAL YTD	BUDGET	% RECEIVED	RESULT	COMMENTS
Plant & Equipment - Cootamundra	171658	188750	91%	J
Plant & Equipment - Gundagai	69159	188750	37%	J
Property Disposal – Cootamundra	614496	1265000	49%	J
Property Disposal – Gundagai	4091	4090	100%	J
TOTAL	859404	1646590	52%	K	No movement in May, update required

Expenditure

Capital expenditure is at 63% of budget as at 31 May 2024.

Asset Category	Total YTD	Budget	% Spent	Result	Comments
Cootamundra Building	320708	938440	34%	J
Cootamundra Recreation	186132	400141	47%	J
Cootamundra Waste	129731	462000	28%	J
Cootamundra Land	62550	100000	63%	J
Cootamundra Plant	1280708	1490378	86%	J
Cootamundra Roads	2748796	2638157	104%	J
Cootamundra Sewer	357947	510725	70%	J
Cootamundra Water	278763	696000	40%	J
Gundagai Building	745546	1076325	69%	J
Gundagai Cemetery	4350	80000	5%	J
Gundagai Recreation	139877	1407026	10%	J
Gundagai Waste	0	520000	0%	J
Gundagai IT	0	25000	0%	J
Cootamundra IT	0	25000	0%	J
Gundagai Bridges	46459	277000	17%	J
Gundagai Plant	954057	990378	96%	J
Gundagai Roads	3763853	3590685	105%	J
Gundagai Sewer	112198	1126000	10%	J
Gundagai Water	205517	1634000	4%	J
TOTAL	11337192	17987255	63%	K	Spend lower than expected, Capital project managers need to provide more accurate estimates

Financial

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Report purpose does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.3.3 Restricted Cash Reconciliation - May 2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415741

REPORTING OFFICER

Zac Mahon, Manager Finance

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Paul Woods, Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.1 A clear strategic direction that is delivered upon

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation: Council

1. Receive and note the Restricted Cash Reconciliation report; and

2. Approve the potential de-restriction of up to $1,500,000 from the plant replacement fund prior to 30 June 2024, with the restriction of up to $1,500,000 to the plant replacement fund to be reinstated by 31 July 2024.

Report

The restricted cash figures have been reconciled to 31 May 2024 as shown in the below table. Council is making progress on acquitting and/or invoicing for grant revenue that will enable Council to increase the unrestricted cash balance as at 30 June 2024. If Council doesn’t receive these funds before 30 June 2024 it is suggested that Council approves the de-restriction of up to $1,500,000 from the plant reserve to unrestricted funds, with reinstatement of the restriction to the reserve before 31 July 2024.

	Bal 30 June 2023	Transfers To	Transfers From	Bal 31 May 2024
Aerodrome Bitumen Resurfacing	165,588			165,588
Bradman's Birthplace	94,337			94,337
Cootamundra Caravan Park	172,553	46,177	-2,533	216,197
Heritage Centre	27,181	1,837	-1,622	27,396
Development - Land & Buildings	1,182,693	618,587	-34,076	1,767,204
Employee Leave Entitlements	1,774,746			1,774,746
Quarries & Pit Restoration	570,207	1,556	-73,910	497,853
Plant Replacement	3,026,533	4,029,290	-3,649,287	3,406,536
Saleyards	0	139,116	-173620	0
Swimming Pool Pump & Equipment	0			0
Cemetery	102,989	347,184	-275990	174,183
Southern Phone	586,464			586,464
Waste Management	500,000			500,000
	8,203,291	5,183,747	-4,211,038	9,210,504

Externally Restricted Reserves
Domestic Waste	806,958	2,310,547	-1,964,098	1,153,407
Water Supply	7,462,014	5,405,320	-4,451,551	8,415,783
Sewerage Service	5,402,866	3,386,787	-3,348,174	5,441,479
Stormwater Infrastructure Renewal	262,011	95,847		357,858
Developer Contributions	1,037,818	267,397		1,305,215
General Fund Unspent Grants & Contributions	6,665,901	3,491,368	-5,787,093	4,370,176
	21,637,568	14,957,266	-15,550,916	21,043,918
TOTALS	29,840,859	20,141,013	-19,761,954	30,254,422

Restricted Cash Reconciliation

Restricted Cash	30,254,422
Cash at 31 May 2024	28,460,949
Unrestricted Balance	-1,793,473
Grant Debtors Outstanding	950,028
Balance	-843,445

Financial

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

Report purpose does not conflict with guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.7 Regional Services Gundagai

8.7.1 NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Levy

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415817

REPORTING OFFICER

Greg Ewings, Acting Manager Regional Services Gundagai

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Matt Stubbs, Deputy General Manager - Operations

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

4. Collaborative and progressive leadership

4.1 A clear strategic direction that is delivered upon

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Introduction of NSW State Government Levy with Financial implications as detailed within this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

1. NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Levy ⇩

Recommendation

1. The introduction of the NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Levy on July 1, 2024, be noted.

2. The CCNSW levy amounts be included in Councils 2024/2025 Fee & Charges.

Introduction

In the Regional Service Cootamundra Works Report to the April Council Meeting Council were informed the below;

In 2023, Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW(CCNSW) announced the introduction of the Interment Industry Scheme. Under the Scheme Council have been classified as a Category 2 licence. The licence categories are based on the number of interments per year, with Category 2 being for operators carrying out between 50-99 interments in the 2021-2022 financial year.

The aim of the Scheme is to align all cemeteries and crematoria within NSW in relation to cultural and religious awareness, customer service standards, and operations with a focus on providing transparency of basic ash interment and burial options and associated fees for customers. Full compliance of all licence categories is expected by 1 October 2024.

Discussion

Council received further correspondence from Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW) on the 2^nd of April 2024 including the March 2024 version of the NSW Governments Strategic Statement for Cemeteries & Crematoria, Interment Service Levy Information Package and dates for proposed information sessions for the presentation and discussion on the interment industry scheme, strategic statement and the interment service levy.

A Staff member attended the Wagga Wagga information session held on the 18^th of April 2024 and reported back that a number of the attendees at the session were members of Cemetery and Crematoria Association NSW (CCANSW).

CCANSW has been the industry body dealing with CCNSW on the introduction of the Interment Industry scheme. The feedback from the session was positive regarding the standardising of the procedures and documentation for interment services across state however the majority of the discussion was around the proposed Interment levy. In particular the pricing of the levies proposed and the timing of the staged introduction of the Licence Conditions listed in the strategic statement. The advertising of the Strategic Statement and Interment Service Levy and request for submissions period which ended on the 9^th of April was also questioned.

In review of the introduction of the proposed Levy to assess the potential impacts on cost and compliance to Councils is currently underway with one accountancy firm releasing the below:

“Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW) is proposing to impose an interment services levy on cemetery operators, including councils, from 1 July 2024 , as below.

The proposed levy is:

$41 per cremation

$63 per ash interment

$156 per burial.

When CCNSW charge councils for the levy there will be no GST payable or charged by CCNSW and council will not be able to claim any input tax credit on the payment of the levy. The proposed levy has nothing to do with the ATO draft determination issued in 2021 regarding GST and the grant of interment rights, that matter is still unresolved by the ATO.

However, it could be determined that when council passes the levy on to its customers council will be liable to pay GST on the amount it receives from its customer. The reason for this is because councils provide interment services to their customers and councils pay GST on these interment services. In effect, the nature of the levy changes from being a compulsory levy imposed on councils to the provision of a service by the Councils. The levy just becomes another cost to council running its cemetery business like wages or any other running expenses.

The levy is essentially the same type of levy as the waste services levy imposed on councils by the EPA, with the same GST result, even if separately shown on an invoice. The ATO became involved in this question in 2013 and they issued an ATO Interpretive Decision, ATO ID 2013/38, copy attached. You will see the decision in the ATO ID says:

“Yes, the entity is liable for GST on the total amount charged to customers for allowing them to dispose of waste at a waste disposal facility, including amounts for the recovery of waste levies and carbon pricing mechanism costs, even if the amounts are identified separately in tax invoices issued to customers.”

In our review of new fees and charges created by our GST Add In clients, a number of councils have started to add these levies as new fees with varying descriptions from council to council such as ‘CCNSW Regulator Levy’, ‘Interment Services Levy – per ash interment’ and ‘Coffin Interment Levy’. All have shown the fee as GST N however we are advising it should be GST Y.

Your choice is to show the passing on of the levy as a separate line item fee and add GST to the amount of the levy or absorb the GST and charge the levy at the same amount council is charged. Some councils may choose to not show it as a separate fee and adjust the price of the service provided. As the levy is a proposal by CCNSW at the moment it may not proceed, accordingly if you are going to show the levy as a separate line item in your fees and charges schedule that goes on exhibit you may wish to add a note about it being a proposed levy, unless it has been finalised by that time.

The process of seeking urgent advice from the ATO to confirm whether they will take the same position on the interment services levy as they did with the waste services levy is underway.

In preparation for the new levy Council staff included a disclaimer in the CGRC 2024/2025 financial year Fees and Charges stating the documented interment Fees & Charges do not include any additional introduced Government fees or levies.”

This was done due to the proposed levy amounts not set at the time as they were subject of determination from CCNSW following the review of the submissions received during the process. On the May 31 CCNSW released the levy amounts and distributed to Councils and private operators. The interment services levy amounts remained as proposed and noted previously in this report with the commencement date of the levy being July 1 2024. In the release CCNSW did however acknowledge the some of the concerns raised by the industry members and have decided to delay the commencement of the levy to July 1 2025 for small operators that reported providing fewer than 50 interments in the 2022/2023 year.

With the levy amounts being set and to commence for the 2024/2025 financial year it now gives council the opportunity to include the Levy amounts in the 2024/2025 financial year Fees and Charges.

Financial

Introduction of NSW State Government Levy with financial implications as detailed within this report.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

There are no implications arising from the 23A Guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.7.2 NSW Weeds Action Program 2023-2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415814

REPORTING OFFICER

Greg Ewings, Acting Manager Regional Services Gundagai

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Matt Stubbs, Deputy General Manager - Operations

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

3. Protected and enhanced environment

3.1 A natural environment is valued and protected

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Grant Funding of $83,057.70 for 2023/2024 Weed Action Plan (WAP) initiatives.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

1. NSW WEEDS ACTION PROGRAM 2023-2024 ⇩

Recommendation

That Council’s successful 2023/2024 Weed Action Plan application and Funding be noted.

Introduction

On March 19 2024 Council received notification from NSW Department of Primary Industries that the Weeds Action Program (WAP) application process was to change and the regional sub-program funding arrangements will now be made through a process involving grant applications.

Discussion

The NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP)commenced in 2010 and has been delivered through State Government Departments and their appointed lead agencies since its introduction.

Since its commencement it has been a contract-based funding program that allowed councils to submit proposed work schedules varying from 1 to 5-year programs for funding approval. This was historically done on a regional basis with each individual LGA within a regional body being allocated a proportion of the regional allocation of funds from the State.

The funding was allocated to assist local control authorities to deliver some of their weed control functions, where activities address the objectives of the NSW Invasive Species Plan.

For example:

• Early detection of high-risk weeds through routine inspections and surveillance

• Eradication and containment of high-risk weeds through on-ground control

• Increasing the capacity of the community to identify, report and manage weeds.

Participation in a regional Weeds Action Program is beneficial because it strengthens weed management outcomes at the regional and cross-regional scale.

Previously CGRC had signed a 5-year agreement for WAP funding that was paid to Councils (Local Control Authorities) to complete specific targets and acquit the works and expenditure at the end of the financial year once the targets had been completed. The council’s existing WAP agreement was for 5 years 2020 to 2025.

In 2023, the NSW Government strengthened grants regulations to help ensure fair administration and transparency of government grants. This change affected all NSW Government grant programs, including the NSW Weeds Action Program. Allocations to Local Control Authorities (LCAs) must now align with the NSW Grant Administration Guide.

The announcement of the change in the funding process meant that the 23-24 funding previously approved as part of the 2020 -2025 program is now subject to the new competitive grant funding process and was not guaranteed with the outcome being determined by NSW DPI.

The change saw the application process open on the 19^th of March 2024 with an information session being held on the 26^th of March 2024 and the application process closed on the 12^th of April 2024.

Despite the tight time frame for a newly introduced application process that required details on completed works from 1^st of July 2023 to 30^th March 2024 and programmed work for 1^st of April to the 30^th June 2024 staff completed the application which was submitted on the 12^th of April 2024.

NSW DPI have advised that “All applications have now been assessed and recommendations were sent to the acting Director General of NSW Department of Primary Industries for final approval on May 7 2024. Allocations of funding were approved on 8 May 2024.”

Council received correspondence from NSW Government on the 20^th of May confirming they will be awarding Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council up to $75,507.00 GST exclusive, subject to entering a Funding Deed for the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Sub-program 2023-2024 for Local Control Authorities project.

Included in the correspondence was a confidentiality undertaking that was required to be signed and returned to the Local Land Services (LLS) within five working days.

The receival, recording and signing of the confidentiality undertaking document was then completed. The signed document was returned to the LLS on the 23^rd of May with the 2023/2024 Funding Deed from Local land services being received on the 28^th of May for $83,057.70 GST inc.

The 2023/2024 Funding Deed was signed and returned to the LLS allowing for the funds to be released before June 30, 2024.

This was indeed good and very welcomed news for Council and Staff members and came after an acquittal of the 2022/2023 WAP funding program revealed that Council had not completed the necessary targets and were required to return $24,016.00 to the LLS.

Fortunately, the funding returned to LLS was retained by the Riverina Regional Coordinator and it has been allocated for regional training, weeds publications and additional resource material. As part of this regional initiative Council has been allocated four places to attend the Regional LLS Managing Community Engagement training being held on the 5^th & 6^th of June in Wagga. This enabled four CGRC staff members to attend the training free of charge and their attendance will also contribute to the Council meeting its overall training targets under the 2023/2024 WAP agreement and funding.

The WAP funding councils receives is around 25% - 30 % of its annual expenditure in the weed and pest control functions. The funding provided is not just for the purchase of chemicals and spraying activities but for various activities identified in the plan. The activities are split into four goals as listed below;

Goal 1 – Prevent the establishment of new invasive species.

Goal 2 – Eradicate or contain: Eliminate or prevent the spread of new species.

Goal 3 – Effectively Manage: Reduce the impacts of widespread invasive weeds.

Goal 4 – Capacity Building: Ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species.

In Council’s funding, the majority of the funding (approx. 75%) is for Goal 1 which is largely for inspections and assessments of high-risk areas and pathways. The remaining 25% is spread over Goals 2,3 and 4.

Local control authorities must resource delivery of their weed control functions regardless of whether they receive grant funding through their Regional Weeds Action Program.

Councils are responsible for knowing if they have weeds on lands under their control that do create or may create a biosecurity risk. They must take action to prevent, eliminate or minimise those risks.

As both public land managers and as the local control authority for weeds in their areas of operation, councils have significant statutory responsibilities under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. It is for these reasons that the ability to have a proportion of the cost involved in completing the CGRC weed identification, control works and prevention programs be funded through the new WAP funding procedure is important into the future.

Financial

Grant Funding of $83,057.70 for 2023/2024 Weed Action Plan (WAP) initiatives.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

There are no implications arising from the 23A Guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.7.4 Gundagai Regional Services Works Report

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415815

REPORTING OFFICER

Greg Ewings, Acting Manager Regional Services Gundagai

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Matt Stubbs, Deputy General Manager - Operations

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

2. A region for the future

2.1 Recognised as a must-visit tourist destination

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

The Gundagai Regional Services Department, Monthly works report be received and noted.

Introduction

The report is an overview of the works Gundagai Regional Services performed over the previous month and intends to give an update on the ongoing works being conducted.

Discussion

This report focuses on the divisions projects as we progress through to completion, details our operational activities, informs, and updates the continued routine duties of this division.

Gundagai Parks & Gardens Section – Parks, Reserves, Sporting Fields, and Playgrounds - Achievements for the month include:

· Tree maintenance works continued with crown lifting and footpath clearance pruning underway.

· Line marking for sporting events.

· Fencing repairs in Carberry Park.

· Removal Pine Log Barriers from Chandler Park.

· Removal of dead trees from Chandler Tree maintenance.

· Playground repairs and maintenance following inspections completed in April.

Cemeteries – Nth Gundagai Lawn & Monumental, Sth Gundagai, Tumblong, Coolac, Mt Adrah, Muttama, Adjungbilly, Nangus, Wagragobilly (Darbalara). Cemetery happenings this month include:

· There have been 4 burials across the cemeteries, all being first interments.

· Quotations for establishment of facilities and irrigation upgrades to the lawn cemetery are in progress.

· Ongoing maintenance of grave subsidence, lawns and trees across all 10 cemeteries.

· A staff member attended the annual Cemeteries and Crematoria Association conference held on the 16^th & 17^th of May.

Biosecurity Section - News and Achievements include:

· Regional Services team were advised the results of the competitive WAP grant funding with council being successful in its application for the 2023/ 2024 funding. The grant documentation has been completed and the grant of $83,057.70 GST inc as been received.

· Council is nearing completion of the WAP targets for the current financial year, with all private inspections, Council owned and managed land, roadside inspections being completed.

· Community Engagement training was attended by 4 staff members to further help develop the relationship between property owners and Council. This training was provided by Local Land Services in Wagga and forms part of council WAP funding commitments

· Targeted spraying of Blackberry along the Hume Highway and general weeds on Brungle Road were conducted with follow up to occur.

Spray Records for the month of May 2024

Gundagai Public & Council Facilities:

Carberry Park Public Toilet block – External cladding has been installed with internal lining works underway. Lift and Change room is being prepared to have the equipment required installed.

A building with a fence around it

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Lindley Park South Gundagai – The new shade sail over the playground has now been installed which completes the Lindley Park upgrades works.

A blue shade structure in a playground

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Gundagai VIC Refurbishment –Roof sheeting and external cladding works completed. Electrical & plumbing rough in completed. Internal wall and ceiling preparations underway prior to the insulation and internal sheeting.

Sherwood Forest – Refurbishing and powder coating of outdoor furniture has been quoted and will be completed directly.

Gundagai RV Park Income April 2024

01/04/24 – 30/04/24 - Total Income $280.15

Gundagai Waste:

Landfill/Transfer Station Operations

Gundagai Landfill/ Transfer Station May 2024

01/05/24 – 30/05/24 - General Income $2,723.00

Gundagai Saleyards:

· The annual weaner sale was held Friday June 6 with 3011 cattle yarded.

· The Saleyards Truckwash was used by 12 account holders for the month of May generating $1896.89 of income.

Compliance:

Compliance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 – Reg 217(1)(f)

· Council have address complaints regarding barking and roaming dogs in both South and North Gundagai.

· Staff have attended two roaming stock incidents at Mt Adra on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

· Council had one dog surrendered which was subsequently rehomed.

Financial

There are no further financial implications as all work has been carried out as per the approved 23/24 budget allocations.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

There are no implications to the guidelines.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

25 June 2024

8.8 Regional Services Cootamundra

8.8.1 Regional Services - Cootamundra Divisional Monthly Report to Council

DOCUMENT NUMBER

415622

REPORTING OFFICER

Shelley Liehr, Operations Support Officer

AUTHORISING OFFICER

Matt Stubbs, Deputy General Manager - Operations

RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

2. A region for the future

2.2 A thriving region that attracts people to live, work and visit

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no Financial implications associated with this report.

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

1. SWRWMG Minutes - 23rd April 2024 ⇩

2. L&R Group Monthly Report ⇩

Recommendation

The Regional Services Cootamundra Department Monthly Works Report be received and noted.

Introduction

This report has been prepared to inform Council of the activities undertaken by the Regional Services – Cootamundra Department over the month of May 2024.

Parks & Gardens

Staff inductions have been carried out for the replacement Mini Street Sweeper to recommence Parker Street cleaning. Other areas that will benefit from this machine are small carparks, Cenotaph, the cemetery, footpaths around the town and Council’s depot buildings.

Maintenance and cleaning of the Skate Park/Pump Track Cameras has been carried out to secure clearer vision of the vandalism and graffiti that has been occurring recently.

Event Bins have seen multiple drop offs and pickups for the events around the town including the Racecourse, Dog Show, Airport events and sporting carnivals.

Bradman Depot has been cleaned and refreshed, with painting currently being carried out to accommodate the transition of the Parks and Gardens team from Depot Two to Bradman Street Depot.

Parks within the village of Stockinbingal have been maintained. Multiple branches have been removed from the Stockinbingal Recreation Ground that have fallen from gum trees during to storms.

Public Toilets - Continual maintenance has been undertaken as per work schedule. Graffiti continues to plague the public toilets weekly, with incidents being cleaned as soon as practical.

Tree Maintenance

Staff have been progressing well with tree maintenance requests, with the number of outstanding tasks significantly reduced over the last month.

Staff have moved through the main street removing weeds, pruning, and hedging areas. The removal of the summer annuals has occurred, and the beds have been prepared for the winter annual flowers to be planted. Timely rainfall has boosted the chances of a good display and a reduction in the need for irrigation.

Sports Fields

Maintenance has continued on sports fields. The cooler weather has reduced the demand for mowing and line marking. Several ovals have hosted sporting gala days and athletics carnivals with positive feedback received from event hosts on ground conditions and maintenance levels.

Saleyards

Continual weed maintenance has been undertaken to keep the yards at a maintainable level. Tree suckers have been removed from the cattle yards to prevent further issues with excessive growth.

Yards are occasionally used by Agents when transferring stock or when access to farms with B Double trucks is prohibitive.

Income from the Cootamundra truck wash for May totalled $6,025.19. The site was cleaned twice during this time to maintain serviceability. The truck wash was initially established to handle 10 trucks per week. Usage is rapidly increasing due to the abattoir reopening, and the high standard of the Cootamundra Truck Wash in comparison to others within the region. There are up to 8 trucks a day currently utilising the facility. Further investigations are being undertaken on how best to facilitate the increase in truck wash usage.

Cemeteries

There were three burials and two ashes interments during May.

Repairs to headstones was undertaken at Wallendbeen Cemetery. The damage was caused by neighbouring cattle entering the Cemetery. Steps have been put in place to prevent further intrusions. Following communication and input from neighbouring property owners, a maintenance schedule also in place to clean out the cattle grid at the entrance to help with the protection of the site.

Maintenance continued during the month of May at the three cemeteries with a focus on preparations for Mother’s Day as the cemeteries receive an increase in visitors during this period. Council received great community feedback through the front counter and on ground staff.

Regulatory Services

During the month of May there were a total of 21 dogs sized. Of these animals five were returned to the owner, four were impounded before being released to the owner, one was surrendered and rehomed, and nine were held for the impound period before being rehomed. Two remain within the impounding period.

No dog incidents were reported during the month. One nuisance dog order was issued related to barking and straying. One barking dog issue is ongoing.

A successful colouring competition for children between ages 2 to 34 years old promoting Responsible Companion Animal Ownership with over 60 entrants and the winners were decided by Council Mayor Charlie Sheahan, results of winners posted to Facebook and Newsletter, the front counter area and windows were covered in the entrants’ work.

Biosecurity

Council’s Biosecurity Officer has continued with training and implementation of the Chartis program which is a mapping tool to assist with the private property inspections and reporting for Councils responsibility under the Bio Security Act. The program is now run through the phones of the Officers – easily used and less cumbersome than the tablets once used. The staff continue to work with the company to improve the system to be more user friendly and contain the relevant data and reporting tools for the WAP funding.

Water way inspections were undertaken on the Murrumbidgee for emerging priority weeds. The use of the council drone was paramount in the inspection allowing the staff to inspect kilometres of river without leaving a safe site. An efficient and safe way to inspect the water ways of the council area.

Red Guide posted areas inspected and controlled weeds. An important tool for all road users to understand the meaning behind the Red Guide Posted areas, training for council staff will be undertaken at the next toolbox meeting for the Cootamundra Staff.

Inspections of TSRs (Travelling Stock Routes) and HSRs (High Risk Sites) were a priority as all the private inspections have been completed for FY 2024.

Council’s Biosecurity Officer gave a radio interview about priority weeds. This was a great promotional tool to raise awareness of biosecurity issues and the responsibilities of landholders in preventing and controlling weed incursions.

Weed control has been undertaken on town lanes, culverts, bridges, rights of way and road verges. Local road shoulder maintenance has been completed for the season.

Facilities

Council has ordered a sonic repeller system and laser bird deterrents to be installed under the roof of the Fisher Park grandstand. This should mitigate the long-term issue of pigeons nesting under the roof and creating an unhygienic area for the public and hopes to reduce the extensive time and resources spent cleaning the seating and walkways on the grandstand.

A new bench seat has been installed out the front of Elwood’s Hall Stockinbingal.

The Cootamundra indoor pool has undergone roof repairs to fix a number of leaks that were identified in both the male and female changerooms.

The Ned Steiger Pavilion at the Cootamundra Showground has had the roofing iron screwed down as a large amount of the roof was lifting in heavy winds.

Repairs have been made to the Riding for the Disabled toilet and to the Cootamundra Caravan Park unit toilet that was leaking.

Capital Works Projects

The Cootamundra Library upgrade is finished besides the installation of the new air conditioning unit that requires a crane to install on the roof. This will provide a much more comfortable experience for customers and staff as the existing unit is old and struggling to keep the library warm.

Installation of the new grease trap and septic tank at the Wallendbeen Hall has now been completed.

The engineer design for the concrete slab and footings for the new Fisher Park changerooms/bar/kiosk building has been received. We are currently drafting up the Request for Tender and will be advertised on Vendor Panel.

A quote has been received from a local builder that is very close to the funds available for the Ellwood’s Hall new toilet block. Once the potential for additional funding has been determined, plans will be made on how to best proceed with this this project.

Quotes have been received for installing the new disabled access emergency ramp at the TACC. Further investigations need to be undertaken due to the existing stormwater drainage that is collected from the opposite side of the building and travels underneath the building and is discharged into the lane where the ramp is proposed to be installed.

Waste

South-West Regional Waste Management Group met via Microsoft Teams on 29th May 2024. Unfortunately, the recently appointed manager Kyle O’Brien has resigned from the position. Hilltops Council are advertising for a new manager, applications close 16th June.

South-West Regional Waste Management Group met on 23rd April 2024. The meeting Minutes are attached to this report for your information.

Staff are working with contractors to obtain a quote to replace the existing water lines within the Cootamundra landfill. The lines are continuously breaking due to age, and the lack of water pressure has become as safety risk as the existing firehoses do not meet the regulations. This is a large-scale task as there are several meters that need to be connected to the new lines and the distance from the watermain will mean there will be close to 1000m of new pipework to be installed.

The following graph indicates the number of transactions and tonnages of domestic waste received at the Cootamundra Landfill by delivery type.

The majority of general mixed waste received remains similar to the corresponding period last year, with the exception of self-hauled domestic waste. This category has seen a reduction of 9.1 tonnes compared to May 2023.

The below graph details income per month for the current financial year.

Category	Minimum	Maximum
Rural Large	10,220	18,340
Rural	10,220	13,520

Category	Minimum	Maximum
Rural Large	16,330	39,350
Rural	10,880	29,500

REPORTING OFFICER	Teresa Breslin, Executive Assistant to Mayor and General Manager
AUTHORISING OFFICER	Steve McGrath, Interim General Manager
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	There are no Financial implications associated with this report.
LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS	There are no Legislative implications associated with this report.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS	There are no Policy implications associated with this report.
ATTACHMENTS	1. Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 28 May 2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER	415743
AUTHORISING OFFICER	Charlie Sheahan, Mayor
REPORTING OFFICER	Charlie Sheahan, Mayor
ATTACHMENTS	Nil