Ordinary Meeting Minutes

Held on Wednesday, 10 April 2013

at Council Chambers, Bega commencing at 2.01 pm

 


Present

Cr Bill Taylor, Mayor

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Michael Britten

Cr Keith Hughes

Cr Ann Mawhinney

Cr Kristy McBain

Cr Liz Seckold

Cr Sharon Tapscott

In Attendance

General Manager, Mr Peter Tegart

Acting Group Manager Infrastructure, Waste and Water, Mr Jim Collins

Group Manager Planning and Environment, Mr Andrew Woodley

Community and Relationships, Ms Leanne Barnes

Minute Secretary

 

1.

Confirmation of Minutes

43/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Mawhinney

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 March 2013 as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.

 

2.

Apologies

 

There were no apologies.

3.         Declarations

There were no declarations of interest

4.         Deputations (by prior arrangement)

 

 

Suspension of Standing Orders

 

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Seckold

That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the following persons to address council:

Regarding Planning and Environment (Sustainability) Report 8.1 DA No. 2012.98: Proposed Woolworths supermarket - Montague Street, Bermagui

·   Mr Adam Millar

·   Mr Neil McPherson

·   Mr Wes Dose, on Behalf of Woolworths

Regarding Economic (Enterprising) Report No 10.1 Eden Port Infrastructure Project.

·   Mr Rob Bain, on behalf of POEM

Regarding Infrastructure (Accessibility) Report 11.3.  Tender 5/13 and 6/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Works      .

·   Mr John Watkin, on behalf of the Bega Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Regarding Notice of Motion Item 16.1. Cr Russell Fitzpatrick - Merimbula Airport Runway.

·   Ms Natalie Godward on behalf of the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce

·   Mr Rex Koerbin

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

Mr Millar addressed the Council and responded to questions from Councillors.

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Mawhinney and Britten that Mr Millar be given an extension of two minutes to complete his address.

Mr McPherson addressed the Council and responded to questions from Councillors...

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Mawhinney that Mr McPherson be given an extension of two minutes to complete his address.

Mr Dose withdrew his request to address the Council

Mr Bain addressed the Council on behalf of POEM and responded to questions from Councillors.

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Mawhinney that Mr Bain be given an extension of two minutes to complete his address.

Mr Watkin, addressed the Council on behalf of the Bega Chamber of Commerce and responded to questions from Councillors.

Ms Godward and Ms Isles addressed the Council on behalf of the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce and responded to questions from Councillors.

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs McBain and Seckold that Ms Godward and Ms Isles be given an extension of two minutes to complete his address.

Mr Rex Koerbin addressed the Council.

The Mayor thanked the speakers for their addresses.

5.         Petitions

Cr Mawhinney tabled a petition from the Burragate community with 90 signatures regarding the sealing, as a matter of priority, of Burragate Road from Wyndham through to Towamba.

6.         Mayoral Minutes

 

 

Mayor Minute - Nanyang Delegation April 2013

44/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Cr Taylor

1.         That Council approve the delegation to Nanyang, Henan Province, China for the purpose of developing a friendship and promoting Tourism, Business and Education in our region

2.         That Council endorse the letter of cooperation between Bega Valley and Nanyang City, and endorse Cr Britten as head of the delegation.

3.         That Council acknowledge the support and assistance provided by Mr Michael Guo of AITA in coordinating the delegation and associated business meetings and Mr Guo be recognised as an “Honorary Friend” of the Bega Valley.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

 

7.

Adjournment into Standing Committees

45/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Mawhinney and Seckold

That the Ordinary meeting of the Council be adjourned for the purpose of dealing with staff reports to Standing Committees.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

3.08 pm      The Ordinary meeting adjourned and formed in the committee.

8.         Staff Reports – Planning and Environment (Sustainability)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Britten assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

8.1

Proposed Woolworths supermarket - Montague Street, Bermagui

 

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, following advice by the Group Manager Planning and Environment, that as the matter had been subject to previous reports and addresses to Council and as no new matters had been raised in the addresses today, the Chairperson ruled the matter be heard.

A motion was moved by Cr Fitzpatrick and Cr Tapscott

1.         That Development Application 2012.98 for the construction of a supermarket and two specialty retail tenancies (including liquor store), car parking, landscaping and associated advertising signage at Lots 11-15 Section 8 DP 758095, Montague Street, Bermagui be approved subject to conditions as outlined in the draft consent with the following changes:

Condition 11 to read:

"11. Prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate by the Principal Certifying Authority, a detailed colour and building materials schedule shall be submitted to and approved by Council. The schedule shall include:

a) External building finishes (including glazing treatments)

b) A colour palette (including colour samples)

"The development shall be finished in accordance with the approved schedule, prior to occupation.

"The plans and schedule shall include details of the following additional design elements;

i)   Spacing of the timber columns on the Montague Street façade shall be provided at 4 metre centres.

ii)  The Montague Street, Young Street and Laneway facades shall be modified to incorporate metal ship lap profile cladding (in addition to the timber cladding indicated on the Approved Development Plans)."

Condition 18 to read:

"18. The Canary Island Palms (Phoenix canariensis) shall be assessed by a suitably qualified arborist and those suitable for transplanting shall be transplanted into the landscaped areas onsite."

Condition 25 to read:

"25. A designated accessible pedestrian path shall be provided wholly within the site from the Montague Street frontage (at the Unnamed Laneway intersection) running parallel to the laneway and connecting to the main entrance of the supermarket.  Pedestrian desire lines shall also be clearly defined within the car park.  Details shall be submitted for approval by Council prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate by the PCA.

"(Reason: to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian access to and within the site)."

Condition 26 to read:

"26. The Woolworths pylon sign (Sign 7 & 8, on Christiansen O’Brien Pty Ltd, Plan A02 Rev P6) is not approved and shall be deleted as indicated in red on the Approved Development Plan.

"(Reason:  to minimise adverse visual impacts from adjacent residential properties in Young Street)."

2.        That those persons who made a submission be advised of Council's decision.

 

A motion was foreshadowed by Cr Mawhinney

1.         That Development Application 2011.98 for the construction of a supermarket and two specialty retail tenancies (including liquor store), car parking, landscaping and associated advertising signage at Lots 11-15 Section 8 DP 758095, Montague Street, Bermagui be refused for the following reasons:

a)         The proposed development would be contrary to Clause 65(1)(vi) of the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2002 as it would not be consistent with the streetscape character of the locality nor contribute to the seaside amenity and atmosphere of the Bermagui township.

b)         The proposed development is contrary to Clause 65(1)(a)(ix) and 79(f) of the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2002 as the development does not achieve an appropriate and acceptable standard of energy efficiency in accordance with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD).

c)         The proposed development is contrary to Clause 30(2)(a) of the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2002 as the development fails to achieve a high standard of commercial development.

d)         For the purpose of Section 79C(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended), the proposed development would result in unacceptable impacts on the built environment in terms of view sharing.

e)         Approval of the proposed development would not be in the public interest, for the purpose of Section 79C(1)(e) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended), as;

i)          The development fails to provide safe and convenient pedestrian linkages within, to and from the site.

ii)         The development fails to provide reasonable trading and delivery hours to minimise adverse impacts on surrounding development.

2.         That those persons who made submissions be advised of Council’s decision.

The motion was put to the vote and it was CARRIED

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Tapscott, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Crs McBain, Hughes, Seckold and Mawhinney

 

46/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Fitzpatrick and Tapscott

1.         That Development Application 2012.98 for the construction of a supermarket and two specialty retail tenancies (including liquor store), car parking, landscaping and associated advertising signage at Lots 11-15 Section 8 DP 758095, Montague Street, Bermagui be approved subject to conditions as outlined in the draft consent with the following changes:

Condition 11 to read:

"11. Prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate by the Principal Certifying Authority, a detailed colour and building materials schedule shall be submitted to and approved by Council. The schedule shall include:

a) External building finishes (including glazing treatments)

b) A colour palette (including colour samples)

"The development shall be finished in accordance with the approved schedule, prior to occupation.

"The plans and schedule shall include details of the following additional design elements;

i)   Spacing of the timber columns on the Montague Street façade shall be provided at 4 metre centres.

ii)  The Montague Street, Young Street and Laneway facades shall be modified to incorporate metal ship lap profile cladding (in addition to the timber cladding indicated on the Approved Development Plans)."

Condition 18 to read:

"18. The Canary Island Palms (Phoenix canariensis) shall be assessed by a suitably qualified arborist and those suitable for transplanting shall be transplanted into the landscaped areas onsite."

Condition 25 to read:

"25. A designated accessible pedestrian path shall be provided wholly within the site from the Montague Street frontage (at the Unnamed Laneway intersection) running parallel to the laneway and connecting to the main entrance of the supermarket.  Pedestrian desire lines shall also be clearly defined within the car park.  Details shall be submitted for approval by Council prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate by the PCA.

"(Reason: to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian access to and within the site)."

Condition 26 to read:

"26. The Woolworths pylon sign (Sign 7 & 8, on Christiansen O’Brien Pty Ltd, Plan A02 Rev P6) is not approved and shall be deleted as indicated in red on the Approved Development Plan.

"(Reason:  to minimise adverse visual impacts from adjacent residential properties in Young Street)."

2.        That those persons who made a submission be advised of Council's decision.

9.         Staff Reports – Community and Relationships (Liveability)

There were no Community and Relationships (Liveability) reports

10.       Staff Reports – Economic (Enterprising)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor McBain assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

10.1

Eden Port Infrastructure Project

 

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, following advice from the General Manager that no matters had been raised in the address to Council that would inhibit lodging of the RDAF4 application, the Chairperson ruled that the matter be heard.

47/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Allen

1.      That the report on Eden Port Infrastructure Project be noted.

2.      That Council lodge the RDAF4 application for public funding of breakwater wharf extensions, wave attenuator and boardwalk, noting the support of the NSW government to provide financial, project and asset management assistance.

3.      That Council note the expenditure on studies, report and plans in preparation of the RDAF application, and assign the tourism infrastructure vote and crown lands vote to supporting funds and maintenance of infrastructure should the application be successful.

4.      That Eden community groups and stakeholders be thanked for their assistance in preparing the RDAF submission.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

 

10.2

Sapphire Aquatic Centre

 

A motion was moved Cr Taylor

That this item be deferred to the Closed Session for discussion, under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to confidential business, on the basis that the reports concerns:

(g)     advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege,

The motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

48/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Taylor

1.         That Council note the report and legal advice on Sapphire Aquatic Centre management transition.

2.         That Council gives Sapphire Aquatic Limited 14 days notice to withdraw from the Facility Management Agreement under clause 18b of the facility management agreement between Sapphire Aquatic Limited and Bega Valley Shire Council,.

3.         That as a consequence, Council establish a Management Committee of Council to manage and operate the Sapphire Aquatic Centre through to the end of September 2013. That Council invite and appoint, upon consent, the present members of Sapphire Aquatic Limited to the Council Committee.

4.         That Council appoint a Senior Staff member to chair the Committee of Council appointed to manage the Sapphire Aquatic Centre.

5.         That Council authorise the expenditure of funds and transfer of appropriate staff on temporary or casual contract, to operate Sapphire Aquatic Centre until 30 June 2013, with appropriate adjustments made to the quarterly financial review.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen and Britten

Against:           Cr Fitzpatrick

11.       Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste and Water (Accessibility)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Fitzpatrick assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

11.1

Waste Disposal Vouchers

49/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Seckold and Allen

1.      That Council endorse the draft Policy Statement/Procedure.

2.      That Council re-assess the issuing of waste disposal vouchers in conjunction with the future review of the Waste Management Strategy.

3.      That the procedure is made available to the public via Council’s policies and procedures page on the BVSC website.

In favour:        Crs McBain, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Crs Taylor and Hughes

 

11.2

Beach Control 2012/2013

50/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and McBain

1.      That Council note the 2012/2013 beach control service report.

2.      That Council invite tenders for lifeguard services, including possible provision of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all controlled locations, for a three year period commencing in the 2013/2014 summer season.

3.      That a separable component for tenders invite submission for an extension of the length of the lifeguard service  

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

 

11.3

Tender 5/13 and 6/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Works

 

A motion was moved by Cr Britten and Cr Seckold

1.      The two tender packages be awarded simultaneously to enable the works to be carried out concurrently as planned.

2.      That Council accept the tender from RD Miller Pty Ltd in relation to contract for the works described in Tender 5/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Civil Works, in the amount of $400,172 (including GST), subject to variations and provisional sums.

3.      That Council accept the tender from Core Electrical and Communications Pty Ltd in relation to contract for the works described in Tender 6/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Electrical Works, in the amount of $232,315 (including GST), subject to variations and provisional sums.

4.      That authority be delegated to the General Manager to execute all necessary documentation.

5.      That unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision.

6.      That construction of Stage 1B not commit Council to Stages 2 and 3, and that Stages 2 and 3 be referred back to Council for further review with the Bega Traffic Study commissioned by Council.

A motion was foreshadowed by Cr Tapscott that the matter be deferred to allow for a workshop to Councillors regarding future stages for Littleton Gardens redevelopment and to prepare development of a detailed plan of those stages for exhibition.

The motion was put to the vote and it was CARRIED

In favour:        Crs Taylor, Hughes, Seckold, Mawhinney and Britten

Against:            Crs McBain, Tapscott, Allen and Fitzpatrick

51/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Seckold

1.      The two tender packages be awarded simultaneously to enable the works to be carried out concurrently as planned.

2.      That Council accept the tender from RD Miller Pty Ltd in relation to contract for the works described in Tender 5/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Civil Works, in the amount of $400,172 (including GST), subject to variations and provisional sums.

3.      That Council accept the tender from Core Electrical and Communications Pty Ltd in relation to contract for the works described in Tender 6/13 Littleton Gardens Stage 1B Electrical Works, in the amount of $232,315 (including GST), subject to variations and provisional sums.

4.      That authority be delegated to the General Manager to execute all necessary documentation.

5.      That unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision.

6.      That construction of Stage 1B not commit Council to Stages 2 and 3 and that Stages 2 and 3 be referred back to Council for further review with the Bega Traffic Study commissioned by Council.

 

11.4

Tender 60/12 Supply and Installation of Synthetic Grass Tennis Court Surfacing

52/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and Britten

1.         That Council accept the tender from Sports Technology International Ltd in relation to contract for works described in Tender 60/12 for the supply and installation of synthetic grass tennis court surfacing, in the amount of $146,960 (including GST), subject to variations and provisional sums.

2.         That authority be delegated to the General Manager to execute all necessary documentation.

3.         That unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

 

11.5

Water Supply and Sewerage Development Servicing Plans

53/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and Britten

That Council place the draft Water Supply and Sewerage Development Servicing Plan documents on public exhibition for 30 working days, in accordance with NSW Office of Water Guidelines.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Cr Hughes

 

11.6

Traffic Committee Approval Anzac Day -

 

This item was dealt with as Urgent Business

12.       Staff Reports – Governance and Strategy (Leading Organisation)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Mahwhinney assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

12.1

Eden Whale Festival - request for financial assistance

 

A motion was moved by Cr Britten and Allen

1.         That Council provided $15,000 to the 2013 Eden Whale Festival rom the 2013/14 Budget.

2.         That a further report be provided to Council regarding the possibility of purchasing a marquee for use by groups in lieu of donations including coordination with the Bega Valley Festivals Group.

An amendment was proposed by Cr Hughes and Cr Tapscott that $18,000 be provided to the 2013 Eden Whale Festival.

The amendment was put to the vote and it was LOST

In favour:        Crs McBain, Hughes, Tapscott and Mawhinney

Against:            Crs Taylor, Seckold, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

The motion was put to the vote and it was CARRIED

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

54/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Allen

1.         That Council provided $15,000 to the 2013 Eden Whale Festival rom the 2013/14 Budget.

2.         That a further report be provided to Council regarding the possibility of purchasing a marquee for use by groups in lieu of donations including coordination with the Bega Valley Festivals Group.

 

12.2

Southern Councils Group Annual General Meeting and Business Meeting 8 March 2013

55/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Hughes

1.         That Council note the resolutions of the Southern Councils Group meetings held on 8 March, 2013.

2.         That Council reaffirm its support for the Statement of Intent – Regional Response to Climate Change.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

4.42 pm      The Ordinary Meeting was reconvened.

13.

Adoption of reports from Standing Committees

56/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and McBain

That all motions recorded in the Standing Committees, including votes for and against, be adopted in and by the Ordinary Council Meeting

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

4.43 pm The Chairperson called a brief adjournment, reconvening at 4.54 pm

14.       Delegates Reports

14.1

Cr Britten - Australian Coastal Councils Conference – March 2013

 

The Australian Coastal Councils Conference was held was held at Glenelg and Victor Harbour SA.

The conference was spread over 3 days and as some 85% of Australia’s population is in coastal areas, the main thrust of the Conference was to provide examples of growth pressures placed on coastal towns, the pressure of non-resident population and the effects of climate change and to move forward to work out how to deal with the impact of climate change.

The Conference resolved to lobby political parties for the next election to create a uniform policy approach to climate change in Australia and to use COAG as a means of implementing a policy and establishing management benchmarks to secure funding for remedial works to mitigate recovery costs.

The Coastal Councils group intends to work with seven other organisations including Life Saving Australia and the Sydney Coastal Councils Group in the lead-up to the next election.

As part of the Conference various speakers identified examples of pressures developing in coastal areas including South Australia, Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and in Byron Bay NSW and details of these presentations will be available in the near future.

Three Councils gave presentations of the disasters that have occurred recently in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia which highlighted the vulnerability and high cost of Climate Change.

We have 11,500 beaches in Australia, 36,000 kilometres of coastline, 310 Surf Clubs dealing with beach safety and 1 million visitors to coastal areas per annum.

Professor Hugo of South Australia gave details of his research into population demographics and redesigning of census surveys prior to the next Census in 2016 so as to identify absentee owners and the pressures their properties bring on coastal areas through Tourism.

Discussion occurred at various times on the methodology needed to study climate change using photography, historical data, satellite imagery and interviews with local residents and one presentation in particular was by David Rissik of an organisation called NCCARF which has conducted $37M worth of research to date in specific areas on how to deal with Climate Change events in specific circumstances. Their information is available on their web site www.nccarf.edu.au and they are in danger at present of having their funding terminated.

Another organisation related to methodology being part of the CSIRO relates to the Australian Coastal Eco Systems and is known as TERN and has conducted project studies on coastal areas and they have video simulation on you tube combining high tide with storm surge and they also have available satellite seagrass and habitat mapping. Their web sites are www.coastalresearch.csiro.au  and www.acef.tern.org.au.

A presentation by Alan Cowley of Mornington Shire Council related to specific in depth assessments they have carried out for different beaches on 195 kilometres of coastline and they have a 20 page report available for anyone interested to access as to the methodology they applied which involved catchment flooding verses storm surge in the western port region and required them to carry out detailed community consultation with tailor made presentations.

Dr Rob Vertessy, the Director of Meteorology in Canberra gave a definitive presentation on how our climate is changing with the increase of CO2 emissions and its effect on sea water temperature and the resulting effects on climate generally. In Australia we have 100 years of accurate information and he confirmed that between November 1997 to March 2012 Australia had extreme weather events with rain, flooding, bush fires and heat waves with the air temperature being between 6 – 10 degrees centigrade above normal in different areas. 2010 / 2011 were the wettest years ever in Australia with 241 flood warning in Queensland alone. In January 2013 70% of Australia was over 42degrees and the recent cyclone on Cape York which affected the entire east coast gave 1 meter of rain and at one stage 632 mm in two days.

He said we have a serious global warming problem with the indicators of change including humidity, ocean warming, increase in sea surface temperature, depletion of snow coverage and higher land temperatures.

Sea rise is 2.3cms per annum and whilst weather events can be expected they cannot predict where in the globe events will occur. If the world continues on its present course of CO2 increases sea temps will increase by 2% by 2040 and any increase above this temperature may be irreversible. Over the next 27 years the predictions for the southern part of Australia is far dryer climate and intense droughts with less rainfall but with more intensity in rain when events occur. A 1% increase in sea temperature gives a 7% increase in holding capacity of water in the atmosphere. Dr Vertessy’s paper will hopefully be available shortly and he emphasised the need to diversify sources of water and their usage.

There was a great deal of information presented at the Conference and papers on all aspects will be made available shortly.

 

14.2

Crs Seckold and Mawhinney - ALGWA Conference March 2013

 

Strong Actions New Directions (SAND) was the chosen theme for the 2013 NSW Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Conference 14 – 16 March.

Councillors Seckold and Mawhinney welcomed the opportunity to participate in, and network with one hundred women at this sixtieth annual event held at Ettalong in the Gosford City Council.

Aunty Anita Selwyn welcomed attendees and Julie Griffiths (the retiring ALGWA President) read a letter of encouragement from the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and outlined the history of ALGWA lamenting the fact that among boards, executives and politicians only 27% have female representatives. This has not changed in the last 20 years!

Leonie Baldwin from the Central Coast and former Regional Co-ordinator NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet gave the opening address urging delegates to be prepared to take calculated risks, use their initiative, appreciate a person for his\her skills rather than his\her character, ask questions, use networks, share information with council staff, do the necessary research and homework thoroughly, know your own skills and respect yourself to make ethical and honest decisions.

Kath Roach Managing Director of Sinc Solutions conducted the plenary session giving sound advice on improving what we do:

·        Commitment is important “If you want a successful business you cannot have life balance.”

·        When confronting issues “put out the fires before they start”

·        The art of good communication is to “get to the point”.  Don’t grand stand

EMAZON was an energised young woman, a motivational speaker from STAND YOUR GROUND putting your ideas into action;

·        To make good decisions the brain needs to be in alpha mode – calm

·        Far too often in our busy lives, adrenalin is pumped through the system in small doses. When adrenaline is continually pumped through the system this disturbs brain waves which means making decisions is difficult

·        Physical calming activities assist with decision making and were demonstrated

Michelle Landy demonstrated that confidence or portraying yourself as confident (even though you may not be) can be an invisible success secret;

·        Practice is important

·        Managing your thoughts “Of course I’m scared”

·        Attempting new things regularly helps.

Leadership in Action - Gosford City Council has 1200 employees. Their Aspiring Managers Program (grow your own leaders) targets succession planning. We heard personal stories from 10 employees from Planning and Development who gave accounts of mentoring experience and acting managers and studying for Advanced Diploma in Management.

Dealing with minority groups

Two Case studies were presented by Gosford Council senior staff on how to identify and harness minority groups (the young, disabled, indigenous, elderly) enthusiasm, expertise and often unique talents within a community.

Rob Noble and Veronica Lunn spoke on building, improving and maintaining meaningful relationships. Delegates were asked to select the personality type most like themselves. Each ‘type’ was discussed and analysed. This was based on the works of Daniels and Price The Essential Enneagram. Thought provoking!

Emotional Intelligence by Colleen Worthy Jennings naturally evolved from this and the discussion centered on the importance of self-awareness, management of emotions and awareness of other’s emotions.

Maximising Your Relationship With The Media was conducted by journalist Jayne-Maree Sedgman. Her tips were to use plain English, not jargon and acronymns. Any photos, film clips or print are helpful as is recognising news value and what makes headlines. Key notes;

·        impact

·        timeliness

·        conflict

·        prominence

·        human interest

·        proximity

·        novelty

·        currency

On the 16th March our MC and stand-up comedian Dana Maray began the proceedings with a workshop on Public Speaking and made the following observations;

·        be yourself, be natural

·        use conversational mode

·        find your unique voice \ style

·        speak as you would normally speak

·        be ‘real’, let the audience in

·        practise out loud

·        strip it back to essentials

·        know who you are speaking to and why

·        be aware of reasons for your speech – inform, entertain, inspire, enact, change, persuade

·        structure

o   good opening grab the audience attention (quote, joke, something topical)

o   link ideas and themes

o   signpost (tell, elaborate, retell)

o   logical and memorable conclusion

o   use humour (this builds rapport)

o   dull? dry? not what but how

o   use personal stories and anecdotes

o   act out stories

o   put yourself in the audience place, what would you like them to take away, to remember?

This was followed by the Value of Having a Mentor by Melanie Wass. Participants were asked to reflect upon the influence of a significant other in their lives and what they could contribute as mentors.

Inspirational messages were delivered by Manager Pam McCann, General Manager Vanessa Chan and Mayor of Lismore Jenny Dowell.

The ALGWA’s Annual General Meeting wound up the formal proceeding. Retiring President Julie Griffiths spoke about the importance of encouraging gender balance at Local Government level and handed over the Presidency to Colleen Fuller and Secretary Bev Spearpoint.

Discussion of the Special Resolution was held to discuss changes and amendments to the ALGWA NSW Constitution as well as the importance of the recognition of Local Government in the Australian Constitution.

Delegates were thanked for their attendance and their self-belief in standing for, and being elected to Local Government.  They were reminded by a ninety year old member that she was proud to be an “old has-been rather than a never was-er.”

Councillor Seckold noted that there were many new Councillors in attendance.

15.       Rescission/alteration Motions

There were no rescission or alteration motions.

16.       Notices of Motion

 

16.1

Merimbula Airport Runway

 

A motion was moved by Cr Fitzpatrick and Allen

1.      That the General Manager negotiate with Hewatt Earthworks Pty Ltd regarding the cost of construction of an additional 200 m runway to the north while they are undertaking renewal works under RFT 57/12.

2.      That a report be presented to Council in conjunction with the Airport Masterplan, outlining the funding and the process to obtain optimal commercial benefit and technical compliance for the runway.

A motion was foreshadowed by Cr Hughes

That Council reaffirm its decision not to extend the Merimbula Airport runway.

The motion was put to the vote and it was LOST.

In favour:        Crs McBain, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:            Crs Taylor, Hughes, Tapscott, Mawhinney and Britten

Cr Hughes retracted his foreshadowed motion.

 

16.2

Long Term Financial Plan

57/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Fitzpatrick and Allen

That a report be prepared regarding the strategic, legal, financial and logistic effects of bringing forward the Merimbula Bypass works into the 2014-15 financial year, including impact on other projects and the Long Term Financial Plan.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Crs Hughes and Mawhinney

17.       Urgent Business

17.1

Traffic Committee Approval Anzac Day (Infrastructure Waste and Water (Accessibility) supplementary report number 11.6)

58/13

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and McBain

1          That Council consider Item ‘Traffic Committee Approval Anzac Day’ as urgent business to enable the Cobargo event to proceed on 25 April 2013

2          That Council note the advice of the Bega Valley Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 6 March 2013 and approve the following:

Anzac Day March and Service - Cobargo

i         That the proposed traffic arrangements for the Cobargo RSL Sub Branch Anzac Day March on 25 April 2013 be approved and deemed a Class 1 special event.

ii        That sections of Council road at Cobargo Bermagui Road and Tarlinton Street in Cobargo be temporarily closed on Thursday, 25 April 2013 for the Cobargo RSL Sub Branch Anzac Day March, in accordance with Traffic Control Plan 3827.

iii       That the temporary closure of the Princes Highway, Cobargo is a matter solely for Roads and Maritime Services.

In favour:        Crs Taylor, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Britten

Against:            Nil

18.       Questions On Notice

 

18.1

Cr Hughes - Woolworths Bermagui Development Application – Peer Review of Economic Impacts by Hill PDA

 

Cr Hughes asked a question at the Council meeting on 20 March 2013, regarding the Woolworths Bermagui development application.  

Could Council consider making a public statement about the community perception that there is a conflict of interest regarding the Hill PDA Report?

The question was taken on notice by the Group Manager Planning and Environment who has responded that the following extract from his recent report to Council on the matter is the appropriate public statement and is available for the media to publish if it so wishes:

The staff report to the Council meeting held on 16 January 2013 advised that to assist in the consideration of the economic impact of the proposed Woolworths development, Hill PDA were commissioned to undertake a peer review of both the applicant’s Economic Impact Assessment prepared by Location IQ, and that of Wakefield Planning which was commissioned by a group of Bermagui residents.

The report of Hill PDA and recommendations formed part of the report to Council.

In engaging Hill PDA, staff considered that Hill PDA had the necessary experience, skills and background in the Bega Valley Shire.

Staff have raised the issue of conflict of interest with Mr Adrian Hack of Hill PDA who provided the following response:

“The most recent job that we have done for Woolworths was in 2011 for an economic impact assessment of a proposed Woolworths Marketplace in Barden Ridge, Sutherland Shire. We have done a few economic impact assessment reports for Masters Stores (hardware and DYI) including Bega. Masters is a joint venture company between Woolworths and a US based hardware business. The Bega report was 2011. We have not done a job for Woolworths in the past year and half at least. We have also done a number of jobs for some of Woolworth’s competitors including Coles supermarkets and ALDI foodstores.

“I have also been an expert witness against Woolworths in some matters – the most recent case being The Hills Shire Council v Fabcot Pty Ltd LEC Proceedings 11/10836 relating to 73-75 Windsor Road, Kellyville. That matter was settled shortly before the hearing date via Section 34 conferencing with approval granted by Council following design amendments. I have been an expert witness against AMP in the case of AMP Capital Investors Ltd v Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation [2007] NSW LEC 397 yet I have done jobs for AMP. I have been an expert witness against Sydney City Council in the case of Artro Management v Sydney City Council [2009] yet I have done jobs for the Council. Finally I have been an expert witness against Almona Pty Ltd (Parklea Markets) in the case of Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW ats Almona Pty Ltd yet I have done jobs for Parklea Markets.

“It is not unusual for a consultant to act both for and against the same client provided that they relate to clearly different projects / matters. Furthermore I did not liaise or consult with Woolworths on this particular subject matter.

“Given the above history I see no conflict of interest in this particular matter.”

Further staff requested legal advice from Maddocks Lawyers regarding the issues of conflict of interest. In response, Maddocks advice has included the following:

“The advice of Hill PDA is not compromised although Mr Hack should have disclosed in his report that he had previously been engaged by Woolworths. The Land and Environment Court has provided guidance on the principles to be applied in determining whether an expert is independent through its case law, including an indication that an ASIC Guide on the independence of experts is of general application. The SIC Guide requires an expert to make a disclosure of previous work undertaken on behalf of interested parties. Although no disclosure was made by Hill PDA of previous work undertaken for Woolworths, it is our view that the Hill PDA Report has not been compromised as the discussion concerning previous work has been made prior to Council’s determination of the development application. Council has had an opportunity to consider the independence of Mr Hack, and is able to make a decision based on all material before it, not just Mr Hack’s report. In any event, failure to disclose is not, in itself, a basis for concluding bias.

“There is no material in the advice of Hill PDA that demonstrates bias. The Hill PDA Report specifies where it agrees and disagrees with the methodologies and assumptions utilised by Location IQ and Wakefield Planning respectively. Where Hill PDA disagrees with either of the parties, reasons are provided. Hill PDA also undertook its own analysis on the economic effects of the proposal at hand, which is the point of most significant variation between Location IQ and Wakefield Planning. The fact that Hill PDA largely supports the approach taken and conclusions reached by Location IQ is not in itself demonstrative of any bias.”

Based on this advice, consideration of the peer review of Hill PDA is appropriate as part of the overall assessment of the proposed development in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

 

18.2

Cr Fitzpatrick - Timeline for report to Council for the Development Control Plan

 

Cr Fitzpatrick asked at the Council meeting on 20 March 2013 for the timeline of the report to Council for the Development Control Plan.

The question was taken on notice by the Group Manager Planning and Environment who advised that a final workshop with Councillors is scheduled for 8 May and, all going well, a report will be prepared for Council to consider adoption of the Comprehensive Development Control Plan (CDCP) on 22 May 2013.

It is hoped that feedback currently being sought from Bega Valley development industry professionals will be positive and thus complement the timetable outlined above. The resolution of Council at its meeting of 20 March 2013, concerning rural development and crown road reserves, will also be incorporated in the CDCP.

In the meantime, parliamentary counsel is finalising the LEP statutory instrument, with gazettal anticipated by mid-2013.

 

18.3

Cr Fitzpatrick - Port of Eden redevelopment - Regional Development Funding

 

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick asked a question at the Council meeting on 20 March 2013, regarding the development and speculation around Council’s application to the Regional Development Fund for the redevelopment of the Port of Eden, which is causing serious concerns to Eden residents. In particular, concerns regarding the upgrade of Imlay Street to cater for heavy vehicle traffic, up to 65 tonnes (B-Doubles).

Could the General Manager confirm for residents that this will not be the case and that truck movements will be no more than that currently occurring?

The General Manager advised:

With reference to the Enterprising Report:  Eden Port Infrastructure Project, included in the Business Paper for 10 April 2013, the proposition to utilise B Doubles on the Breakwater wharf was discarded due to costs and impacts soon after the 2009 studies, reverting to the lower cost of intersection treatments in the 2011 business case. The proposed wharf platform extension is designed to support the safe movement of coaches and semi-trailers. While the frequency of semi-trailer movements is not expected to increase beyond current levels, the introduction of up to 50 cruise ship visits to the Port each year will substantially increase those movements through Eden CBD and beyond.

B Double and larger vehicle movements are expected at the multipurpose wharf, accessed through Imlay/Edrom Roads, servicing bulk freight such as timber and turbines. This has been reinforced by the recent efforts of the local federal member Dr Mike Kelly, RMS, Sydney Ports and council securing wind turbine freight through Eden rather than Port Kembla.

19.       Questions for the Next Meeting

19.1

General Sports and Recreation Committee (GSRC)

 

Cr Ann Mawhinney asked could a report be prepared on the workings of the General Sports and Recreation Committee (GSRC) including representation, consideration of application and recommendations.

The question was taken on notice by the Acting Group Manager Infrastructure Waste and Water.

 

19.2

Non Rateable land – Forestry Corporation of NSW

 

Cr Keith Hughes asked could a report be prepared on the potential loss of rate income through the non-rateability of the Forestry Corporation and this impacted on the availability of funding for councils collector roads.

The question was taken on notice by the Finance Manager.

20.       Confidential Business

There was no confidential business.

21.       Adoption of reports from Closed Session

There were no reports to adopt from Closed Session.

22.       Resolutions to declassify reports considered in closed session

There were no reports to declassify.

23

Announcement regarding support for RDAF4 submission

 

Cr Bill Taylor advised the Member for Bega, the Hon Andrew Constance, had indicated a letter will be issued by the Deputy Premier, Mr Stoner in support of Council’s RDAF4 Funding application.  The General Manager confirmed the letter has been received.

Closure

There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 5.28 pm.

 

CONFIRMED ........................................................................................................

Chairperson of the meeting of the Bega Valley Shire Council held on Wednesday, 10 April 2013.