Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

25 June 2024

MINUTES OF Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Alby Schultz Meeting Centre, Cootamundra
ON Tuesday, 25 June 2024 AT 6:00PM

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

IN ATTENDANCE: Steve McGrath (Interim General Manager), Matt Stubbs (Deputy General Manager - Operations), Paul Woods (Interim Deputy General Manager - CCD), Linda Wiles (Manager Business), Zac Mahon (Manager Finance), Wayne Bennett (Manager Regional Services Cootamundra), 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.

2 Open Forum

Nil

3 Apologies and Leave of Absence

3.1 Apologies

Nil

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 28 May 2024

Resolution 133/2024

Moved: Cr Les Boyd

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 28 May 2024 be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting.

Carried

6 Mayoral Minutes

6.1 Mayoral Minute - Councillor Engagement

Resolution 134/2024

Moved: Cr Charlie Sheahan

Seconded: Cr David Graham

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

Carried

7 Reports from Committees

Nil

8 General Manager’s Report

8.1 General Manager Office

PROCEDURAL Motion

Resolution 135/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

1. That Council consider the late report regarding the “14 September 2024 Elections” in terms of clause 9.3 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

2. The Mayor/Chairperson ruled that the consideration of the late report “14 September 2024 Elections” is urgent as a decision is required before the next Ordinary meeting of Council.

Carried

Mayor/Chairperson announced that the late item will be considered first.

8.1.6 14 September 2024 Elections

Resolution 136/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

That Council:

1. Note that in the absence of alternate direction from the NSW Minister for Local Government, an election for nine (9) councillors for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will be required to be held on 14 September 2024;

2. Note that exceptional circumstances exist for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and the conduct of elections in September 2024, as a result of the then Minister for Local Government’s approval of a demerger in August 2022 and the subsequent further demerger pathway established by the new Minister for Local Government in October 2023;

3. Resolve in accordance with s296(5) of the Local Government Act 1993, that Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council enter an election arrangement with the NSW Electoral Commission and contract the NSW Electoral Commission to conduct the election for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council on 14 September 2024.

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

Carried

8.1.1 2024-25 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal - Councillor Fees and Additional Mayoral Fee

MOTION

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

1. The Councillors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 remain at $13,030.

2. The Mayors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 remain at $28,430.

3. Consistent with resolution 173/2022 Council continues to support superannuation contribution payments for Councillors, subject to individual Councillors nominating an eligible superannuation account, thus enabling superannuation payments to commence.

AMENDMENT

Moved: Cr Charlie Sheahan

Seconded: Cr Leigh Bowden

1. The Councillors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 be $18,340.

2. The Mayors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 be $39,350.

The Amendment on being put to the meeting was lost

The motion on being put to the meeting was carried

Resolution 137/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

1. The Councillors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 remain at $13,030.

2. The Mayors annual fee effective 1^st July, 2024 remain at $28,430.

Carried

8.1.2 Local Government NSW Annual Conference 2024

Resolution 138/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

1. The attendance of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Interim General Manager at the 2024 Local Government NSW Conference, be endorsed.

2. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor be nominated as voting delegates for the 2024 Conference.

3. LGNSW be advised of the voting delegates before 5pm Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

4. Council determine Motions for submission to LGNSW at a Councillor Workshop.

5. Motions determined from 4. above, be submitted to LGNSW by Thursday 15 August 2024 (preferred) or by Sunday 20 October 2024 (at the latest), following a further report to council.

Carried

8.1.3 Energy and Innovation Conference 28 & 29 August 2024

Resolution 139/2024

Moved: Cr Abb McAlister

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

The attendance of Cr Glover and one (1) appropriate staff member, at the 2024 REROC Energy and Innovation Conference, be endorsed.

Carried

8.1.4 Rural and Regional Summit Summary

Resolution 140/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Trevor Glover

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

Carried

8.1.5 Country Mayors Association Minutes 10 May 2024

Resolution 141/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

The Minutes of the Country Mayors Association Meetings held on 10 May 2024, attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2 Business

8.2.1 Final Operational Plan and Associated Documents 2024/2025

Resolution 142/2024

Moved: Cr Trevor Glover

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

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 Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council 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.

Carried

8.2.2 Applications for Community Donations 2024

Resolution 143/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

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

Carried

8.2.3 Open Streets Grant - Starry Nights Festival

Resolution 144/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

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.

Carried

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

Resolution 145/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr David Graham

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.

Carried

8.2.5 Cootamundra Showground Users s.355 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resolution 146/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Leigh Bowden

The Minutes of the Cootamundra Showground User s.355 Committee Ordinary Meeting held on 17 April 2024 attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.2.6 Muttama Creek Regeneration Group s.355 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resolution 147/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Les Boyd

The Minutes of the Muttama Creek Regeneration Group s.355 Committee meeting held 1 April 2024, attached to the report be, received and noted.

Carried

8.2.7 Cootamundra Heritage Centre Management s.355 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resolution 148/2024

Moved: Cr Les Boyd

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

The Minutes of the Cootamundra Heritage Centre Management s.355 Committee Meeting held 2 June 2024, attached to the report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.3 Finance

8.3.1 2025 Financial Year Rates & Annual Charges

Resolution 149/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr David Graham

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

Carried

8.3.2 Finance Update - May 2024

Resolution 150/2024

Moved: Cr Logan Collins

Seconded: Cr Les Boyd

The Finance Update report, be received and noted.

Carried

8.3.3 Restricted Cash Reconciliation - May 2024

Resolution 151/2024

Moved: Cr Abb McAlister

Seconded: Cr Les Boyd

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.

Carried

8.3.4 Investment Report - May 2024

Resolution 152/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr David Graham

The report detailing Council Cash and Investments as at 31^st May 2024, be received and noted.

Carried

8.4 Sustainable Development

Nil

8.5 Engineering Cootamundra

8.5.1 Cootamundra Engineering Report - June 2024

Resolution 153/2024

Moved: Cr Gil Kelly

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

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

Carried

8.6 Engineering Gundagai

8.6.1 Gundagai Engineering Report - June 2024

Resolution 154/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Logan Collins

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

Carried

8.7 Regional Services Gundagai

8.7.1 NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Levy

Resolution 155/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Abb McAlister

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.

Carried

8.7.2 NSW Weeds Action Program 2023-2024

Resolution 156/2024

Moved: Cr Logan Collins

Seconded: Cr David Graham

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

Carried

8.7.3 Draft Biosecurity Weeds Compliance and Enforcement Policy

Resolution 157/2024

Moved: Cr Abb McAlister

Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly

The Draft Biosecurity Weeds Compliance and Enforcement Policy, attached to the report, be adopted.

Carried

8.7.4 Gundagai Regional Services Works Report

Resolution 158/2024

Moved: Cr David Graham

Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson

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 159/2024

Moved: Cr Leigh Bowden

Seconded: Cr Les Boyd

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

Carried

9 Motion of which Notice has been Given

Nil

10 Questions with Notice

Nil

11 Confidential Items

The Meeting closed at 7:31pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23 July 2024.


CHAIRPERSON	GENERAL MANAGER

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

23 July 2024

8.7 Regional Services Gundagai

8.7.1 Review of Gundagai Waste Management and related Transfer Station Operations

DOCUMENT NUMBER

409247

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

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Financial implications are detailed at 2.3.3

LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Section 469 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

There are no Policy implications associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

1. Council acknowledges receipt of the report on the financial feasibility of transfer stations across the CGRC area.

2. Council endorses the following decisions regarding Adjungbilly Transfer Station:

2.1. Based on the information presented in this report, Council does not proceed with the construction of a transfer station at Adjungbilly at this time.

2.2. That Council at this time, retain the external operations of servicing Councils Transfer Stations.

2.3. That Council staff continue to research and identify options in the provision of the most effective and efficient waste service to the community and seek estimates/quotes as to determine the most cost effective process to have the current Transfer Stations serviced by internal or external resources

Introduction

This report serves as an initial overview of the comprehensive investigation conducted in response to Council resolution 255/2022 from Council’s July 2022 Council meeting. The resolution specifically tasked staff with assessing the feasibility of establishing a transfer station at Adjungbilly and conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis of transfer station services throughout the council area.

The management of waste operations is complex, and decision-makers must consider all factors that may influence the impact of their choices. Therefore, it is essential to recognise that when contemplating the development of any new waste services including transfer stations, the potential impacts on other areas of waste operations and broader council operations must be thoroughly understood and considered.

The subsequent sections will address the resolutions individually.

Discussion

To enhance clarity, this report is structured into Four distinct sections:

1. AVAILABILITY OF A SUITABLE SITE FOR A TRANSFER STATION AT ADJUNGBILLY

2. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF SERVICE TO TRANSFER STATIONS – INHOUSE - FULL COST FOR COUNCIL TO UNDERTAKE FULL SERVICE, THEN PLACE COST AGAINST A COMPETITIVE TENDER.

3. COST ESTIMATES TO CONVERT REMAINING VILLAGE LANDFILLS TO TRANSFER STATIONS AND REHABILITATE OLD LANDFILL SITES.

4. SUMMARY

1. AVAILABILITY OF A SUITABLE SITE FOR A TRANSFER STATION AT ADJUNGBILLY

1.1. History and Comparable Distances

Adjungbilly is approximately 29 kilometres southeast of Gobarralong, 35 kilometres northeast of Tumut and the town’s elevation stands at 513 meters above sea level, covering an area of 438.101 square kilometres (according to the 2021 Census).

Up until the 1980’s Adjungbilly residents utilised a small unregulated rural landfill site approximately 3km south of the Adjungbilly School on the Red Hill Road. Since the site was closed Adjungbilly residents have had to make their own arrangement regarding there waste disposal.

Small unregulated landfill sites were located in or near most small NSW rural communities and villages up until the 1980’s and since then there has been moves from the state government to regulate waste landfills and incentivise changes in waste management and this has led to the gradual closure of small landfills across the state since. Following the closure of the Adjungbilly landfill site the then Gundagai Council moved to close all of its remaining village landfills with the Tumblong, Nangus, Coolac and Muttama landfill sites being closed and replaced with transfer stations by 2015.

The replacement of the closed landfills with transfer stations in the same or nearby locations seems to indicate that the overall provision of waste services to all the community was not appropriately considered at the time. The placement of the transfer stations in the current locations has left the Adjungbilly residents with an unequitable travel burden to dispose of their waste compared to the majority of CGRC residents. This can be clearly seen in Map 1 which indicates the locations between Councils existing transfer stations serving their local communities and their nearest Landfill site with waste management facilities within the LGA and Map 2 with a 15km radius ring from each.

Map 1 Map 2

A map of a city

Description automatically generated A map with green circles

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The distance between Adjungbilly and the Gundagai landfill is approximately 46 kilometres via the non-stop route along Gobarralong Road. By car, this journey would take approximately 45 minutes.

The distance between Adjungbilly and its closest CGRC waste facility being the Coolac Waste Transfer Station is approximately 39 kilometres, following the Gobarralong Road, with a similar travel time of around 45 minutes. Currently, Adjungbilly residents are using a Transfer Station which is closest to their premises which is averaging a travel distance well in excess of 30km’s one-way.

This distance far exceeds the average distance required by residents in other areas of the LGA.

1.2. Land Availability – Potential Adjungbilly Location

There are four (4) locations that had been initially identified for possible location of the proposed Transfer Station that being three (3) road reserves and one (1) on a TSR.

Finding an appropriate location is one thing, having it approved or considered appropriate for use as a waste disposal/storage site is something else. Once a preferred site is identified, the approvals must be sort and obtained prior to any development proceeding. This includes reference to the EPA Handbook for Design and Operation of Rural and Regional Transfer Stations.

It is important to note that each rural site may have unique circumstances, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. Engaging with local stakeholders and seeking professional advice (e.g. EPA) will contribute to a successful waste transfer station that meets community needs while minimising environmental impact.

The sites identified in Map 3 and detailed below have potential to be approved for the proposed purpose however at this stage there has not been communication with or applications to relevant departments.

Map 3

Proposed site 1a Transfer Station Adjungbilly

Proposed Site 1b Adjungbilly

Proposed site 2a Adjungbilly

Proposed site 2b Adjungbilly

Proposed site 3a Adjungbilly

Proposed site 3b Adjungbilly

Proposed site 4a Adjungbilly

Proposed site 4b Adjungbilly

If the location of Council’s waste transfer stations was to be determined so to enable 95% of residents to access a council waste service or facility within a 20km journey, then this could be achieved by adding a new or relocating an existing transfer station to any of the above Adjungbilly locations. The below Map 4 indicates the accessibility and coverage at 17.5km radius if the Coolac and Muttama Transfer stations were combined to a new location between each village and a new transfer station was to be installed at the proposed site 4 being the eastern most site.

Map 4

2 - COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF SERVICE TO TRANSFER STATIONS – INHOUSE - FULL COST FOR COUNCIL TO UNDERTAKE FULL SERVICE, THEN PLACE COST AGAINST A COMPETITIVE TENDER.

2.1. Current Transfer Station Operation and Cost.

Council currently operates four (4) transfer stations all within the former Gundagai Shire area, as follows:

· Muttama

· Tumblong

· Nangus

· Coolac

The Council presently oversees day-to-day operations at these stations, which encompass tasks such as litter collection, bin repairs, fence and gate maintenance, scanner and camera monitoring, tag issuing, and skip bin management.

Previously, the Council held a Service agreement with Cleanaway for servicing the skip bins, but this Agreement expired in 2019. Since 2019, Cleanaway continued to provide service on an ad hoc basis until March this year when new 12 month agreements were negotiated and signed for their service to sure up security of the service, while Council was under 23a guidelines due to the pending state government demerger decision. The new contracts had the added bonus of securing Council reductions in the cost of the Cleanaway services which averaged 11% across the sites.

Below, is provided a breakdown of the issues and costs associated with the two (2) options that were considered. This only includes the servicing of the Skip Bins which included the collections and transportation of the waste from the Transfer Station facility to the Bald Hill Landfill facility.

Currently within the financial structure, the Gundagai Landfill is also classified as a Transfer Station, but this needs to be rectified, as a Landfill is technically not just a Transfer Station. For the purposes of this report, I have excluded the Gundagai Landfill from all Transfer Station finances and have placed it under its own independent operations with a cost comparison in 2.3.3 below.

2.1. External Contract:

The primary advantage of an external contract is that the Council incurs no initial capital expenses or overheads related to the infrastructure or operations necessary for bin collection services. The absence of an existing contract also allows for the possibility of exploring financial benefits through competitive tendering.

The 2022/2023 agreement for four (4) Transfer Stations carries an annual cost of $127,180.00.

2.3. Internal Operation (Option):

When comparing internal operations, the main challenge lies in ensuring an apples-to-apples comparison. The Council lacks the current infrastructure and equipment required for service delivery. Establishing this service would necessitate a significant upfront capital investment. Additionally, hiring an additional waste employee would be essential, given the absence of available resources. Costs that would need to be further investigated would need to cover the following inclusions,

2.3.1. Internal Operating Cost:

· Plant Operator costs

· Truck Hire costs

· Depreciation on Assets

2.3.2. Upfront Capital Costs:

· New Truck: Estimated

· Skip Bins: Five bins for four transfer stations,

The total capital costs alone may be in the vicinity of $490,000. This figure serves as an estimate, and until the Council seeks competitive pricing, the precise costs remain undetermined. However, it provides a reasonable worst-case scenario.

It would appear on initial estimates and evaluation that having the Council take over the service delivery of the Transfer Stations in their current locations and configurations using the bulk cubic metre front lift bins would not be financially viable at this time.

The investigation to establish if the current bulk cubic metre front lift bins is the most efficient way to deliver the waste service to the rural areas and while investigating these options the locations that the transfer stations are located should also be investigated to ensure service delivery within parameters that include types of waste, waste collection intervals, waste containers or bins allowed and maximum travel distance or circumference area to a waste facility to all residents within the Council area.

2.3.3. Gundagai Landfill / Transfer Station

When preparing this report the cost of the waste removal, cartage, hire of bulk bins and disposal under the Councils current agreement with Cleanaway for the month of May 2024 were investigated.

Cleanaway details;

In the month of May there was a total of 9.82 tonnes of waste removed and transported from Burra road site for disposal under the contract. The removal of the waste was completed with six separate movements. When considering all fees the cost to Council for the service was $6662.40 for the month. When the $6662.40 is divided by the total of the waste removed, being 9.82 tonnes, this equates to a per tonne disposal rate of $678.45.

South West Regional Waste Management Group (SWRWMG) Comparison;

The details above were then assessed and had the charges that would be applied to the same waste if it was handled and disposed of using the same conditions as the Cootamundra waste under the South West Regional Waste Management Group Agreement.

When all the costs that are applied by South West Regional Waste Management Group to the same 9.82 tonnes of waste the total charge would have been $1418.68.

When the $1418.68 is divided by the total of the waste removed being 9.82 tonnes this equates to a per tonne disposal rate of $144.96.

As can be seen the difference is considerable with a potential saving of $533.99 per tonne or a total of $5243.72 for the month of May 2024, noting that a reasonable capital investment would be required. This is a substantial amount however it must be remembered that the saving could be greater as the Compactor trailers used in the SWRWMG average approximately 20 tonnes per trailer movement. Considering that only 9.82 tonnes was disposed of in May it would be reasonable to estimate that the movements would be reduced from the Burra Road site to one trailer of 20 tonnes every seven to nine weeks. The reduced movements would also deliver cost savings as well as environmental benefits.

It must be remembered that to utilise the SWRWMG trailer system requires a compactor unit to be able to compact the waste into the trailer unit at the waste depot. The estimates to have a new compactor unit installed at the Burra road site is $220,000 however for the amount of use a unit would be used at the site it would be worth getting quotes on refurbishing the old Cootamundra Unit. The used unit was replaced a few years ago and is located at the Cootamundra Waste depot.

3. COST ESTIMATES TO CONVERT REMAINING VILLAGE LANDFILLS TO TRANSFER STATIONS AND REHABILITATE OLD LANDFILL SITES.

3.1 Costs to Construct new Transfer Station

The Scope of Works and financial estimates required to build a basic new Waste Transfer Station like those established at council existing sites are as follows:

· Project Management, planning and design preparation and approvals - $5,000.

· Site preparation and access (i.e. clearing and levelling, surface preparation, environmental protection) - $55,000.

· Security, fencing and gates, Scanning System, etc - $25,000.

· Bins - $16,000.

Estimated establishment costs would be approximately $101,000.

3.2 Rehabilitation Cost of Old Landfill Sites

In March 2021 council engaged an external contractor (Infrastructure Solutions Pty Ltd) to undertake surveys and prepare a report to detail the preliminary cost estimations for the rehabilitation works required to the Cootamundra, Stockinbingal, Wallendbeen and Gundagai Landfill sites.

A summary of the estimates provided in the report is detailed below;

4. Summary:

Information gathered in this report show that external operations for the transfer stations remain the more cost-efficient method of managing Councils Transfer Station operations at this time. It is the recommendation of this report that at this time Council, retain the external operations of servicing Councils Transfer Stations.

Council staff will continue to research and identify options in the provision of the most effective and efficient waste service to the community and seek estimates/quotes to determine the most cost effective process to have the current Transfer Stations serviced by internal or external resources.

A more detailed financial investigation and analysis are required to determine the current and long-term sustainability of all of Council’s waste operations. It is crucial to establish adequate reserves annually to ensure the timely execution of all regulated rehabilitation activities, as outlined in the OLG 23a Guidelines. With Council being in its current demerger status and with Council elections pending it would be timely for any further review in to waste services, fees and charges and management strategies would not be undertaken until the State Government Decision on the Council’s future has been made.

It is for the above reasons it is not recommended that Council proceed at this time with the construction of an additional Transfer Station to be located at Adjungbilly however, Council continues to review all of Gundagai’s waste operations to ensure they are and continue to be financially sustainable.

Financial Implications

Potential cost savings to the General Waste Budget for 2025/2026 as detailed at 2.3.3.

OLG 23a Guideline consideration

N/A

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 25 June 2024

DOCUMENT NUMBER	417279
AUTHORISING OFFICER	Charlie Sheahan, Mayor
REPORTING OFFICER	Charlie Sheahan, Mayor
ATTACHMENTS	Nil