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Minutes Ordinary Council Meeting
Alby Schultz meeting Centre, Cootamundra
6:19PM, Tuesday 24th February, 2026
Administration Centres: 1300 459 689 |
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Minutes Ordinary Council Meeting
Alby Schultz meeting Centre, Cootamundra
6:19PM, Tuesday 24th February, 2026
Administration Centres: 1300 459 689 |
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Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes |
24 February 2026 |
MINUTES
OF Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Ordinary Council
Meeting
HELD AT THE Alby
Schultz meeting Centre, Cootamundra
ON Tuesday, 24
February 2026 AT 6:19PM
PRESENT: Cr Abb McAlister (Mayor), Cr Rosalind Wight (Deputy Mayor), Cr Logan Collins, Cr Les Cooper, Cr David Graham, Cr Gil Kelly, Cr Penny Nicholson, Cr Ethan Ryan, Cr Danyal Syed
IN ATTENDANCE: Roger Bailey (Interim General Manager), Trevor Dando (Acting Deputy General Manager - Operations), Damian Smith (Acting Manager Finance), Linda Wiles (Manager Business), Lauren Dawes (Acting Manager Sustainable Development) Teresa Breslin (Executive Assistant)
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 Apologies, Leave of Absence, and AUDIO-VISUAL attendance requests
Nil
2.2 Leave of Absence
Nil
2.3 Audio-visual attendance requests
Nil
Nil
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4.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 27 January 2026 |
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Resolution 036/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 27 January 2026 be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting. |
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5.1 Mayoral Minute - Councillor Engagements - 17 January 2026 - 13 February 2026 |
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Resolution 037/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan The information in the Councillor Engagements Mayoral Minute be received and noted. |
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5.2 MAYORAL MINUTE - GUNDAGAI RICHARD NORDEN MEMORIAL PROJECT |
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Resolution 038/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That Council consider late item 5.2 Mayoral Minute Gundagai Richard Norden Memorial Project. |
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Resolution 039/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Les Cooper That Council approve the provision of $32,500 in financial assistance to the Gundagai RSL for the Richard Norden Memorial Project, with funding to be drawn from the restricted Gundagai DoTT Reserve. |
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Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan That Council bring forward item 7.4.1 on the agenda for consideration. |
7.4.1 DA 2025/119 - 18 BOURKE STREET, COOTAMUNDRA - PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING AND ERECTION OF A NEW DWELLING
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Seconded: Cr Les Cooper That Council suspend standing orders to allow open discussion in relation to 7.4.1 DA2025/119 – 18 Bourke Street, Cootamundra. |
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Standing orders were suspended at 6:43pm. |
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Seconded: Cr Les Cooper That Council resume standing orders. |
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Standing orders were resumed at 7:04pm. |
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Moved: Cr Logan Collins Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan That Council refuse the following development application, for reasons stated: § Application No.: DA2025/119 § Property: Lot C DP 382924, 18 Bourke Street COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590 § Development: Demolition of the existing Dwelling and construction of a new two-storey Dwelling 1. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(a)(i) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the application does not demonstrate how the proposed development supports the Aims of the Plan under Section 1.2 (2)(f) of the Cootamundra Local Environmental Plan 2013 by satisfactorily managing the heritage resources of Cootamundra. 2. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(a)(i) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the proposed development does satisfy the requirements in relation to heritage conservation of the Cootamundra Heritage Conservation Area of Clause 5.10 of the Cootamundra Local Environmental Plan 2013. 3. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(a)(iii) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the proposed development does satisfy the requirements in relation to Chapter 2 – Residential Development and Chapter 7 – Heritage requirements of Cootamundra Development Control Plan 2013. 4. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the likely impacts of the proposed development are unacceptable, as the development would result in adverse heritage impacts, visual impacts and amenity impacts for the neighbouring properties. 5. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(c) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the site is not considered suitable for the proposed development, as it would impact the public domain in a negative way in terms of the impact on the heritage conservation area, visual impacts and amenity impacts for the neighbouring properties. 6. Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(d) and (e) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the development is not in the public interest given the inconsistency of the overall size, bulk and scale of the proposed development with the aims of the LEP, heritage provisions and controls relating to residential development and sufficient justification for contravening the requirement has not been demonstrated. ON BEING PUT THE MOTION WAS LOST
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RESOLUTION 040/2026 Moved: Cr Gil Kelly Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That Council approve the application in accordance with the reasons outlined below and authorise the Interim General Manager to determine consent conditions sympathetic with that approval.
§ Application No.: DA2025/119 § Property: Lot C DP 382924, 18 Bourke Street COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590 § Development: Demolition of the existing Dwelling and construction of a new two-storey Dwelling REASONS FOR APPROAL
1. The proposed development is consistent with the aims of the Cootamundra Local Environment plan 2013 including section 1.2 (2) (f), which seeks to converse and manage heritage resources. (a) The development does not remove, obscure or diminish any identified heritage item. (b) The design has been prepared to be sympathetic in design, form and materials, ensuring compatibility and colour subtlety with the established street scapes. (c) Heritage conservation does not require replication of historic forms rather it requires design that respects significance while allowing contemporary evolution. (d) The proposal enhances the sites contribution to the conservation area by replacing or augmenting existing development with a well-designed high-quality structure. The intent of the LEP is to manage and conserve heritage, not to freeze development. The proposal achieves an appropriate balance between conservation and orderly development. 2. Clause 5.10 requires consideration of the heritage significant significance setting bulk scale and visual impact. (a) The proposal retains the character of the conservation area. (b) Building height and setbacks are consistent with surrounding development. (c) Materials and finishes are complementary rather than contrasting in the disruptive way. (d) The development maintains key view lines and does not dominate adjoining heritage fabric. It is a seamless addition to the existing streetscape. Importantly, the clause requires that Council consider impact not prohibit development. There is no demonstratable evidence that the proposal would result in a loss of heritage significance, impacts would be minor and acceptable. 3. Development control plans or DCPs provide guidance not mandatory standards unless specifically referenced in the LEP. (a) The proposal complies with the objectives relating to residential amenity, street scape, character and heritage. (b) Any minor variations for example setbacks, articulation, site coverage are offset by strong compliance with performance-based objectives. (c) The design includes changes in wall alignments and considered landscaping. With the second story setback and not obtrusively evident, also combining the positioning of the established tree on the nature strip, the development fits appropriately within the neighbourhood. (d) DCP controls must be applied flexibly in accordance with merit-based assessment principles. NSW planning law establishes that DCP’s are not statutory constraints or limitations but performance frameworks. The proposal still satisfies the underlaying planning objectives. 4. Heritage Impacts: (a) The design respects the heritage fabric of the surrounding precinct. (b) The development improves the visual presentation of the stie and the neighbourhood as a whole. 5. Visual Impacts: (a) The proposal is aesthetically cohesive and enhances the streetscape. (b) Landscaping will further enhance the visual streetscape. 6. Amenity impacts: (a) Overshadowing complies with solar access principles. (b) Privacy impacts are mitigated via window placement and screening. (c) Noise and traffic impacts are negligible for residential development. The assessment does not demonstrate measurable adverse impacts; rather, concerns appear very subjective. 7. The site is: (a) Zoned appropriately for the proposed use. (b) Serviced by existing infrastructure. (c) Located within an established residential area. (d) Capable of accommodating the development without environmental constraint. A site cannot be deemed unsuitable merely because it is within a heritage conserve action area. Heritage areas anticipate ongoing adaptive and compatible development. There are no physical, environmental, or servicing constraints preventing appropriate development of the land. 8. The proposal is in the public interest because it: (a) Provides high-quality architectural design. (b) Contributes positively to housing supply. (c) Enhances the streetscape presentation. (d) Demonstrates orderly and economic use of serviced land. (e) Aligns with the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, which promotes proper management and sustainable development of land. 9. Bulk and scale must be assessed in context: (a) The development is proportionate to the site area. (b) The design respects and exceeds existing neighbouring development patterns. The public interest test requires balancing conservation with growth. A well-designed contemporary building that respects heritage is consistent with modern planning principles. 10. It is important to reiterate that the intent of the Cootamundra Local Environmental Plan 2013 is to manage and conserve heritage – not to freeze development in time. Heritage conservation areas are living environments that must be allowed to evolve in a respectful and considered manner. The proposal before Council does exactly that. It does not diminish heritage significance; rather, it demonstrates how contemporary development can coexist harmoniously within an established character setting. 11. With regard to the concerns in the submissions received: (a) That the scale is oversized for the area: Council policy is no more than 60% footprint for this size band of allotments maximum footprint set at 420m2 for this allotment, 58% in this case is under so its compliant and the current dwelling design has a wall footprint of 354 square metres which is also compliant. (b) Heritage impact: No evidence of why this development is not a good fit into the conservation area. The development is sympathetic and respectful approaches and emulates the decorative style used in the Californian Bungalow style. (c) Building too modern: The submitted drawings clearly illustrate the replication to similar buildings surrounding the relevant area number. (d) Loss of privacy and overshadowing: The rear building on the top floor is a bedroom with highlight windows which are extremely small and very elevated, it is a bedroom only. (e) Negative visual impact: Standing in front of the house or from a far the very large tree directly in front of the house prevents a clear and direct view of the house you cannot see the rear building from the street. (f) Impact on property values: The street will be greatly enhanced by this very attractive and respectful building much more so than the current building that is there. (g) Potential commercial use: The building is not for separate occupation. (h) Parking issues if all bedrooms are in use: That is what the street is for. (i) Garages should be set back: In regard to the laneway being considered as a secondary road, lanes are not being considered as a secondary road to be consistent with existing development.
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6.1 Minutes of the Demerger Transition Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 27 January 2026 |
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Resolution 041/2026 Moved: Cr Gil Kelly Seconded: Cr David Graham 1. That the Minutes of the Demerger Transition Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 27 January 2026, attached to the report, be received and noted. 2. In consideration of the Demerger Transition Committee recommendations detailed in the minutes, Council endorses the following: 2.1. Pertaining to Item 4.1.1 Consolidating Expectations for the Demerger Transition, Council: 2.1.1. Confirms 1 July 2027 as the target date for the commencement of the two successor councils. 2.1.2. Confirms that the primary objectives of the Demerger Transition Project are: (a) By 31 December 2026, 6-months ahead of the commencement date for the new Councils, the project must have prepared documentation sufficient for the OLG to prepare the required Proclamation (b) To enable the two successor councils to effectively commence operations the project must develop two separate suites of IP&R documents and other governance arrangements, including policies and organisational structure, that clearly demonstrate that the two councils will be operationally and financially sustainable in the long term. 2.2. Pertaining to Item 4.1.2 Demerger Dispute Resolution Process, Council: 2.2.1. Adopts the dispute resolution process as outlined in the report. 2.2.2. Updates the Terms of Reference for the Demerger Transition Committee to include the dispute resolution process. 2.2.3. Confirms that decisions of the Demerger Transition Dispute Resolution Panel (DTDRP) will be accepted and implemented by Council. 2.2.4. Undertakes an expression of interest (EoI) process to recruit suitable nominees for the proposed Demerger Transition Dispute Resolution Panel (DTDRP). 2.2.5. Confirm any costs associated with the DTDRP be met from Council’s previously budgeted demerger funding. 2.3. Pertaining to Item 4.1.3 Confirmation of Previous Commitments from Council Submissions, Council: 2.3.1. Recommits to the Objectives and Interventions used in the preparation of the Draft Demerger Transition Plan and Financial Sustainability Plan. 2.3.2. Acknowledges that adherence to the Objectives and Interventions may impact the development of CGRC’s FY27 Operational Plan. |
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6.2 Minutes of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Transport Forum Meeting held on Thursday 12 February 2026 |
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Resolution 042/2026 Moved: Cr Logan Collins Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan 1. That the Minutes of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Transport Forum Meeting held on Thursday 12 February 2026, attached to the report, be received and noted. 2. In consideration of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Local Transport Forum recommendations detailed in the minutes, Council endorse the following: 2.1 That Council install 40 km/h speed pavement decals at the entry point of the Sheridan Street High Pedestrian Activity Area when exiting the Hume Highway. 2.2 That Transport for NSW (TfNSW) undertake further investigations into the feasibility and appropriateness of appointing a crossing guard at the existing Gundagai Public School pedestrian crossing on West Street. 2.3 That Council does not endorse the construction of two raised pedestrian crossings on Sheridan Street to replace the previously removed pedestrian crossings associated with the beautification and rejuvenation project of main street. 2.4 That Council pursue external funding to upgrade the narrow Reef Creek Bridge and to construct a dedicated bus bay at the existing bus stop on Muttama Road, in order to enhance road‑user safety within the Muttama township. 2.5 That Council seek funding to upgrade the Temora Street, Boundary Road and Berthong Road intersection in Cootamundra to improve compliance and road user safety. 2.6 That Council extend the existing Police Cars Only restricted‑parking signage further north along Cooper Street, toward the next driveway exit, to improve visibility and ensure unobstructed access for Police vehicles. 2.7 That Council install a single accessible car park, incorporating a shared zone, directly in front of the disability-friendly public toilets located on Wallendoon Street. 2.8 That Council install a single accessible parking space, including an adjacent shared zone, to enhance access for patrons of the Bush Chemist on Parker Street, Cootamundra. 2.9 That the list of upcoming events be noted. |
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7.1.1 Australian Local Government Assoication (ALGA) National General Assemly (NGA) 2026 - Registration |
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Resolution 043/2026 Moved: Cr Danyal Syed Seconded: Cr David Graham That Council delegates authority to the Mayor to determine Council’s representation at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly to be held 23–25 June 2026. |
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7.1.2 Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Membership 26/27 |
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Resolution 044/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly That Council apply for membership of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) for the 2026/27 financial year. |
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7.2.1 Relocation of the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre |
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Resolution 045/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr Rosalind Wight That Council approves the relocation of the Cootamundra Visitors Information Centre from its current location to the Cootamundra Arts Centre, as detailed in the business case attached to the report. |
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Resolution 046/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Danyal Syed 1. Receive and note the outcomes of the Bob Holder Statue Community Feedback Survey. 2. Defer the project pending identification of external funding or inclusion in a future Delivery Program and Operational Plan; and 3. Invite the Cootamundra Rodeo Committee to consider leading the project independently, with Council officers to provide in-kind or administrative assistance where appropriate and subject to available resources. |
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7.2.3 Draft Public Interest Disclosure (Internal Reporting) Policy |
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Resolution 047/2026 Moved: Cr Gil Kelly Seconded: Cr Rosalind Wight The updated Public Interest Disclosure (Internal Reporting) Policy, attached to the report, be adopted. |
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7.2.4 Delivery Program - Operational Plan Quarterly Progress Report |
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Resolution 048/2026 Moved: Cr Danyal Syed Seconded: Cr Les Cooper The Delivery Program incorporating the Operational Plan 2025/2026, quarterly progress report, (2nd Quarter October to December), attached to the report, be received and noted. |
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Resolution 049/2026 Moved: Cr Gil Kelly Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson The Minutes of the s.355 Committee Meetings, attached to the report, be received and noted. |
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Resolution 050/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr Danyal Syed That the Finance Update report for the month of January 2026, be noted. |
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Resolution 051/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan The Restricted Cash Reconciliation report for the period ending 31 January 2026, be received and noted. |
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Resolution 052/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That Council: 1. Note the completion of the December 2025 Quarterly Budget Review. 2. Adopt operating budget variations as outlined in the attachment totalling a net $251,009. 3. Adopt capital budget variations as outlined in the attachment totalling a net $724,010. |
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Resolution 053/2026 Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson Seconded: Cr Les Cooper The Stronger Communities Fund (SCF1) update report, be noted. |
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Resolution 054/2026 Moved: Cr Danyal Syed Seconded: Cr Rosalind Wight The report detailing Council Cash and Investments as at 31st January 2026, be noted. |
Item 7.4.1 considered earlier in the meeting.
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Resolution 055/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr Ethan Ryan 1. That the Draft Cootamundra‑Gundagai Regional Council Road Safety Action Plan 2026–2030, as attached to the report, be placed on public exhibition for a period of twenty‑eight (28) days. 2. That a further report be presented to the Ordinary Meeting of Council scheduled for a future ordinary meeting, outlining any submissions received during the public exhibition period and seeking formal endorsement of the Cootamundra‑Gundagai Regional Council Road Safety Action Plan 2026–2030. |
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Resolution 056/2026 Moved: Cr Logan Collins Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly That the Cootamundra Engineering Report for the month of January 2026 be noted. |
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Resolution 057/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That the Gundagai Engineering Report for the month of January 2026 be noted. |
At 7:52 pm, Cr Penny Nicholson left the meeting.
7.7 Regional Services Gundagai
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Resolution 058/2026 Moved: Cr Les Cooper Seconded: Cr David Graham That the Gundagai Regional Services report for the month of January 2026 be noted. |
7.8 Regional Services Cootamundra
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Resolution 059/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Gil Kelly That the Cootamundra Regional Services report for the month of January be noted. |
At 7:53 pm, Cr Penny Nicholson returned to the meeting.
8 Motion of which Notice has been Given
Nil
Nil
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Resolution 060/2026 Moved: Cr Penny Nicholson Seconded: Cr Rosalind Wight 1. Council entered Closed Council at 7:56pm. 2. Items 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5 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. 3. In accordance with section 11 (2) and (3) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the reports, correspondence and other documentation relating to Items 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5 be withheld from the press and public. |
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Resolution 061/2026 Moved: Cr David Graham Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That the confidential information in the Human Resources report be noted. |
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10.3 Tender - Cootamundra Water and Sewer Replacement RFT2026/6 |
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Resolution 062/2026 Moved: Cr Rosalind Wight Seconded: Cr Logan Collins That Council accepts the tender from Benex Group Pty Ltd for the contract price of $1,108,872.30 Inc GST. |
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10.4 Tender - Water and Sewer Mains Replacement in Gundagai RFT2026/7 |
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Resolution 063/2026 Moved: Cr Ethan Ryan Seconded: Cr Penny Nicholson That Council accepts the tender from Benex Group Pty Ltd for the contract price of $1,013,022.25 Incl GST. |
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Resolution 064/2026 Moved: Cr Ethan Ryan Seconded: Cr Logan Collins That Council note: 1. The current leasing arrangements for Lot 562 & Part Lot 563 DP 881310, Treatment Works Lane, Cootamundra. 2. The updated information surrounding lease provisions and current outstanding matters relating to the Contaminated Soil Recycling Facility. |
RESUMPTION OF OPEN COUNCIL MEETING
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Resolution 065/2026 Moved: Cr Danyal Syed Seconded: Cr Les Cooper That the Open Council meeting resume at 8:03pm. |
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS
Note: The Interim General Manager announced the resolutions made in Closed Council.
The Meeting closed at 8:05pm
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CHAIRPERSON |
GENERAL MANAGER |
