Agenda of Council - 22 July 2020

Ethical Decision Making and Conflicts of Interest

A guiding checklist for Councillors, officers and community committees

Ethical decision making

· Is the decision or conduct legal?

· Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and Code of Conduct?

· What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else?

· Does it raise a conflict of interest?

· Do you stand to gain personally at public expense?

· Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest?

· Would it withstand public scrutiny?

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of conflict:

· Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act 1993 and Office of Local Government

· Non-pecuniary – regulated by Codes of Conduct and policy. ICAC, Ombudsman, Office of Local Government (advice only). If declaring a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest, Councillors can choose to either disclose and vote, disclose and not vote or leave the Chamber.

The test for conflict of interest

· Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty?

· Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced?

· Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of ‘corruption’ – using public office for private gain.

· Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest.

Identifying problems

1st Do I have private interests affected by a matter I am officially involved in?

2nd Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter?

3rd Do my private interests conflict with my official role?

Local Government Act 1993 and Model Code of Conduct

For more detailed definitions refer to Sections 442, 448 and 459 or the Local Government Act 1993 and Bega Valley Shire Council (and Model) Code of Conduct, Part 4 – conflictions of interest.

Agency advice

Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned.Officers of the following agencies are available during office hours to discuss the obligations placed on Councillors, officers and community committee members by various pieces of legislation, regulation and codes.

Contact	Phone	Email	Website
Bega Valley Shire Council	(02) 6499 2222	council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au	www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au
ICAC	8281 5999 Toll Free 1800 463 909	icac@icac.nsw.gov.au	www.icac.nsw.gov.au
Office of Local Government	(02) 4428 4100	olg@olg.nsw.gov.au	http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/
NSW Ombudsman	(02) 8286 1000 Toll Free 1800 451 524	nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au	www.ombo.nsw.gov.au

Disclosure of pecuniary interests / non-pecuniary interests

Under the provisions of Section 451(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 (pecuniary interests) and Part 4 of the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the Local Government (Discipline) Regulation (conflict of interests) it is necessary for you to disclose the nature of the interest when making a disclosure of a pecuniary interest or a non-pecuniary conflict of interest at a meeting.

The following form should be completed and handed to the General Manager as soon as practible once the interest is identified. Declarations are made at Item 3 of the Agenda: Declarations - Pecuniary, Non-Pecuniary and Political Donation Disclosures, and prior to each Item being discussed:

Council meeting held on __________(day) / ___________(month) /____________(year)

Item no & subject
Pecuniary Interest	In my opinion, my interest is pecuniary and I am therefore required to take the action specified in section 451(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 and or any other action required by the Chief Executive Officer.
Significant Non-pecuniary conflict of interest	– In my opinion, my interest is non-pecuniary but significant. I am unable to remove the source of conflict. I am therefore required to treat the interest as if it were pecuniary and take the action specified in section 451(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.
Non-pecuniary conflict of interest	In my opinion, my interest is non-pecuniary and less than significant. I therefore make this declaration as I am required to do pursuant to clause 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct. However, I intend to continue to be involved with the matter.
Nature of interest	Be specific and include information such as : · The names of any person or organization with which you have a relationship · The nature of your relationship with the person or organization · The reason(s) why you consider the situation may (or may be perceived to) give rise to a conflict between your personal interests and your public duty as a Councillor.
If Pecuniary	Leave chamber
If Non-pecuniary (tick one)	Disclose & vote Disclose & not vote Leave chamber
Reason for action proposed	Clause 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct provides that if you determine that a non-pecuniary conflict of interest is less than significant and does not require further action, you must provide an explanation of why you consider that conflict does not require further action in the circumstances
Print Name	I disclose the above interest and acknowledge that I will take appropriate action as I have indicated above.
Signed

NB: Please complete a separate form for each Item on the Council Agenda on which you are declaring an interest.

Council 22 July 2020

Item 8.1

8.1. Rezoning for Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Council’s Water and Sewer Service seeks to rezone certain lands for infrastructure purposes. This report recommends that Council resolve to support the planning proposal and provide it to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Gateway Determination.

Director Community Environment and Planning

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council:1. Supports a planning proposal to rezone land for water and sewer infrastructure.

2. Authorises Council officers to submit the planning proposal (Attachment 1) and supporting information to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment requesting a Gateway Determination under Section 3.34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

3. Authorises Council officers, subject to the conditions of the Gateway Determination and providing no substantial changes to the planning proposal are required, to progress the planning proposal to finalisation and gazettal without a further report to Council.

Executive Summary

A recent review of zonings by Council has identified several inconsistencies in the application of the SP2 Infrastructure zone throughout the Shire. To unify zonings and facilitate the management and development of existing and planned water and sewer infrastructure under the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (Infrastructure SEPP), Council is seeking to rezone multiple land parcels via an amendment to the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 (BVLEP 2013).

Background

Council is seeking to rezone 23 parcels of land through an amendment to LEP 2013 to facilitate the management and development of existing and planned water and sewer infrastructure under the provisions of the Infrastructure SEPP. Most affected land parcels have not been identified for future development, but rather contain water and sewerage infrastructure on land that is not zoned for those uses. While these infrastructure activities may be undertaken through existing use rights, future expansion of water and sewer infrastructure is constrained under the current zones.

A recent review of zonings by Council has identified several inconsistencies in the application of the SP2 Infrastructure zoning throughout the Shire including:

· Bega Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) – A large part of the existing Bega STP is zoned R2 Low Density Residential. Council has identified the need to expand the existing STP to the west to accommodate forecast population growth on land that is also zoned R2. All other expansion opportunities are limited as the remainder of the surrounding land is flood prone. R2 is not a prescribed zone under the Infrastructure SEPP and STPs are prohibited within the R2 land zone under BVLEP 2013. An amendment to BVLEP 2013 to rezone the land to SP2 Infrastructure is required to facilitate approval for the future upgrade of the Bega STP.

· Bega Water Treatment Plant (WTP) – The current zoning of IN2 Light Industrial allows for the construction of a water treatment plant only with development consent. Rezoning this land to SP2 Infrastructure would enable the streamlined approval pathway through the Infrastructure SEPP for any future upgrade or ongoing maintenance works.

· Zoning anomalies at other sites where water and sewerage infrastructure currently exist or where future infrastructure has been identified to meet future needs. Whilst these uses are not necessarily prohibited within the land zones, changes to definitions of what is prohibited in BVLEP 2013 or the Infrastructure SEPP could impact upon the feasibility of these sites to be used for their current or future purpose. A recent example was the change to the definition of ‘water reticulation’ in BVLEP 2013 in February 2019, which removed water reservoirs.

A planning proposal (Attachment 1) has been prepared by NSW Public Works Advisory on behalf of Council that seeks to address the above anomalies by rezoning applicable land parcels to SP2 Infrastructure to provide for increased planning certainty and to more accurately reflect their current and future land use purposes to the community.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

No community consultation has yet been undertaken.

Consultation planned

The Gateway Determination will confirm community consultation requirements. It is likely that the planning proposal will be exhibited as a ‘low’ impact proposal for a period of not less than 14 days in accordance with Section 5.5.2 of A Guide to Preparing Local Environmental Plans.

Council will engage with the local community and agencies as per the Gateway Determination and Council’s Community Engagement Strategy. This will include notification on Council’s website and in writing to adjoining landowners.

Council consideration of input

Should agency or community feedback to the planning proposal be received, a report will be prepared for Council outlining the submissions received and any changes to the planning proposal recommended in response to those submissions prior to resolving whether to proceed with amending BVLEP 2013.

In the event that no objections to the planning proposal are received from landowners and no changes are required to the planning proposal, it is recommended that Council resolve to authorise staff to proceed to finalise the proposed amendment to BVLEP 2013.

Financial and resource considerations

Water and Sewer Services has identified a $29 million capital works program in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan to upgrade the Bega STP, Bega WTP and Brogo WTP. The costs of $5,000 to assess, lodge and amend BVLEP 2013 have been charged in accordance with Council’s current adopted Fees and Charges.

Funding source		Amount
Planning Proposal - Water and Sewer Funds	$	5,000
Capital Works – Sewer Fund	$	4,000,000
Capital Works – Water Fund	$	25,000,000

Legal /Policy

The need for the planning proposal is not the direct result of any strategic study or report; however, the proposal can be linked to the directions contained within the Bega Valley Water Supply and Sewerage Strategic Business Plan 2014 (Strategic Business Plan).

The Strategic Business Plan is the principal planning tool for water supply and sewerage service delivery within the Shire and provides the framework within which Council provides water and sewerage services efficiently and sustainably. Specifically, the Strategic Business Plan identifies the need for major capital works for water supply across the Shire to meet the needs of the community and improve service levels. Many of these capital works include assets subject to this planning proposal.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

This planning proposal is consistent with the six outcomes of the Bega Valley Shire Community Strategic Plan 2040, and in particular the ‘Liveable Places’ outcome:

Goal 8:

‘Our places retain their character and scale development is well planned, and range of goods and services are available within our shire that meet the local needs’

Strategy 18:

‘To provide infrastructure and services to meet the ranging needs of residents in our towns, villages and rural areas’, as this planning proposal seeks to achieve a correct and consistent zoning for water and sewerage infrastructure throughout the Bega LGA, in order to facilitate the provision of water and sewerage infrastructure and services that would meet the needs of the residents of the Bega LGA.’

Environmental / Sustainability

An Environmental Constraints Assessment was undertaken by NGH Environmental in June 2019 to inform the planning proposal and identify whether any of the 23 land parcels are likely to contain critical habitat or threatened species populations or ecological communities, or their habitats. The study included a review of previous literature and database searches as well as site inspections of individual land parcels where considered necessary. It is considered that the planning proposal would not result in any adverse impact to critical habitat or threatened species populations or ecological communities, or their habitats.

Economic

The planning proposal will assist Council to deliver water and sewerage services efficiently and sustainably by assisting with the delivery of Council’s long-term capital works program.

Risk

The planning proposal will provide for a consistent zoning of existing and future water and sewerage infrastructure sites within the Shire thereby providing the community with certainty of land uses and reducing the risk of potential land use conflicts in the future. The planning proposal will also reduce project delivery risk by providing a more certain, streamlined approval process for the construction, upgrade and maintenance of these essential infrastructure facilities under the Infrastructure SEPP.

Social / Cultural

The planning proposal will assist with the delivery of major capital works for water supply and sewerage services across the Shire to meet the needs of the community and improve service levels, demonstrating to customers and stakeholders that water supply and sewerage service delivery in the Shire is well managed.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Planning Proposal Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Council 22 July 2020

Item 8.2

8.2. Submission on NSW Housing Strategy Discussion Paper

This report proposes that Council make a submission to the NSW Government’s Housing Strategy Discussion Paper.

Director Community Environment and Planning

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council make a submission (Attachment 1) to the NSW Government’s Housing Strategy Discussion Paper.

Executive Summary

The NSW Government has released a Discussion Paper to inform development of a NSW Housing Strategy. This report proposes that Council make a submission to that Discussion Paper.

Background

The NSW Government’s Housing Strategy Discussion Paper takes an end-to-end approach to meeting the housing needs of NSW residents across four inter-related themes:

· Supply

· Diversity

· Affordability

· Resilience

The proposed Strategy will cover the period to 2041. It identifies that Greater Sydney will require an additional 1 million homes by that time, with a further 290,000 homes required in regional NSW. This housing stock is required to support larger households and shared living. It will also need to be more diverse to meet the needs of different sectors, such as older people, Aboriginal people and people with a disability. In metropolitan areas, more of these households will be living in apartments.

Options

The options available to Council are to:

1. Submit Attachment 1 as Council’s feedback on the NSW Government’s Housing Strategy Discussion Paper.

2. Not make a submission on the Discussion Paper

3. Make an alternative submission to that provided in Attachment 1. Councillors would need to identify the amendments required.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

The NSW Government is engaging widely to inform development of its next Housing Strategy. The Discussion Paper was publicly exhibited on 15 June, until 24 July. NSW Housing has also engaged directly with Council officers via webinar.

Council officers have not directly engaged with the local community in relation to the content of Attachment 1; however, the submission is based on previous input to Council’s Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement and residential and rural residential land strategies.

Consultation planned

Council officers expect that NSW Family and Community Services will also consult widely on the draft Housing Strategy, to be developed following review of feedback on the Discussion Paper.

Council consideration of input

Councillors provided extensive feedback throughout the development of the recent Bega Valley Residential Land Strategy, Rural Residential Land Strategy and Local Strategic Planning Statement. This feedback, along with feedback provided during a Councillor workshop held on 8 July 2020, has been incorporated into the submission (Attachment 1).

Financial and resource considerations

There are no direct financial or resource considerations associated with making a submission, as this activity is part of the regular business of Council.Legal /Policy

There are no direct legal or policy implications of making a submission. The proposed submission (Attachment 1) is consistent with Council’s adopted policy position in relation to housing.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The proposed submission is consistent with the following Council strategies:

1. Community Strategic Plan

Goal 6: We are leaders in sustainable living and support innovative approaches to resource recovery and the production of renewable energy and food.

Goal 7: Our Shire continues to be a vibrant, enjoyable, safe and affordable place to live

Goal 8: Our places retain their character and scale, development is well planned, and a range of goods and services are available with our Shire that meet local needs.

2. Local Strategic Planning Statement Planning Priorities

1. Natural Environment: The exceptional quality of our natural environment and sustainable development practices set us apart and underpin our way of life and economy

2. Natural Hazards: People, land and infrastructure are well positioned to face natural hazards

3. Carbon Neutral: Our community, environment and economy have actively responded to the threat of climate change and the Shire continues to work towards the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050

4. Aboriginal People and Culture: Aboriginal culture and heritage is respected and celebrated, and local Aboriginal people have achieved economic prosperity and better health, education and employment outcomes

5. Agriculture, Forestry and Aquaculture: Innovation within the agriculture, forestry and aquaculture sectors continues as operators diversify to capitalise on new economic opportunities and are profitable and sustainable

10. Character: The distinctive character of the landscapes, towns and villages that make our Shire unique is thriving and continues to provide a sense of place and wellbeing to residents and attract visitors

11. Housing: Residential areas provide a range of housing styles, sizes and tenures that suit people of all ages, income levels and household sizes and enable communities to stay connected and healthy as people move through the various stages in life

3. Residential Land Strategy Principles:

1. Ensure sufficient residential land for population growth

2. Increase diversity of housing

5. Protect and enhance local identity and sense of place

6. Promote efficient use and provision of infrastructure

7. Preserve agricultural land and areas of high environmental value

8. Build in hazard protection and climate resilience

4. Rural Residential Strategy Principles:

2. Avoid and minimise potential for land use conflicts with productive, zoned agricultural land and natural resources

3. Avoid areas of high environmental, cultural and heritage significance, important agricultural land and areas affected by natural hazards

Environmental / Sustainability

There are no direct environmental sustainability implications of making a submission.

The Housing Strategy Discussion Paper identifies resilience of NSW housing stock, and in particular improved environmental performance, as a key theme for the Housing Strategy.

Economic

There are no direct economic implications of making a submission.

The Housing Strategy Discussion Paper recognises the importance of housing to the broader economic performance of the NSW economy. Affordability of housing and security of employment are important issues to be addressed in the Housing Strategy.

Risk

The making of submissions on government policy is a core function of Council and does not introduce additional organisational risk.

The Housing Strategy seeks to address the risks of inadequate housing supply, diversity affordability and resilience across NSW. The Discussion Paper identifies some of the specific risks for regional areas including less secure employment and lower household income.

Social / Cultural

There are no direct social and cultural implications of making a submission.

The proposed Housing Strategy seeks to provide guidance for key stakeholders to deliver housing that meets the needs of local communities across the housing continuum from homelessness to home ownership.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Submission to NSW Housing Strategy Discussion Paper

Council 22 July 2020

Item 8.3

8.3. Outcomes of Exhibition of Draft Climate Resilience Strategy

This report provides a summary of the public exhibition process and seeks a resolution of Council to adopt the Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy 2050.

Director Community Environment and Planning

Officer’s Recommendation

1. That Council resolves to adopt the Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 (Attachment 1), with amendments to the exhibited draft document as outlined in this report.

2. That Council officers advise those that made submissions during public exhibition of Council’s decision.

Executive Summary

The Bega Valley Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 (CRS) proposes a resilience approach to addressing the projected impacts of climate change across Bega Valley Shire. The CRS aims to support the Bega Valley community to adapt to our changing climate and make an equitable contribution to reducing the impacts of climate change through mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. A resilience approach allows our community to focus on strengthening our strategic advantages and addressing our vulnerabilities.

Council resolved on 30 October 2019 to place the Draft Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 (draft CRS) on public exhibition for not less than 42 days through November and December 2019. One hundred and twenty-nine responses were received during the public exhibition process. The feedback received was strongly supportive of the draft CRS and covered a wide range of issues. Following a detailed review of the submissions and survey results, a number of changes to the exhibited draft CRS are recommended. As none of the proposed changes substantially amend the intent or key directions of the exhibited draft CRS, it is recommended that Council resolve to adopt the CRS as amended (Attachment 1).

The CRS has been updated to recognise the experience of our community over recent months, battling drought, the Black Summer bushfires, the February floods that followed and a global pandemic that has fundamentally changed our way of life. Many of the vulnerabilities identified in the CRS, such as the length of our bushland/ urban interface, our reliance on external food and commodities and the exposure of our aquaculture industry to water quality impacts, were exposed during these events. Also revealed was the strength of our spirit, our ingenuity, and our sheer determination to do what was needed to keep our community safe.

Background

Many political, socio-economic and global environmental changes are beyond the control of local individuals and organisations. Collectively, though, all of us who have an interest in the Bega Valley Shire have the capacity to contribute to a more climate resilient future. Council’s role is to harness that collective capacity and document a shared blueprint for a resilient Bega Valley Shire. The CRS has a local, whole of Shire focus, where our actions can have the greatest benefit in increasing our resilience to a changing climate.

Council recognises that humans are affecting the global climate and has been working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions since 2006. In 2007, Council also recognised that climate change adaptation would also be required, given that global mitigation efforts were unlikely to contain the ‘built-in’ impacts on the climate from greenhouse gasses already emitted to the environment since the Industrial Revolution. Council adopted Bega Valley Shire Council Climate Change Strategy (2014 -2017) in 2013 to address the likely impact of climate change on Council operations and a new Bega Valley Shire Council Clean Energy Plan 2019- 2030 to address organisational emissions reduction.

This CRS will supersede the Bega Valley Shire Council Climate Change Strategy (2014 -2017), address mitigation and adaptation, and has a whole-of-Shire scope, recognising the need for coordinated climate change action across the Shire.

The CRS applies a resilience methodology to respond to the key challenges that climate change will present. A resilience approach allows our community to focus on building strong foundations for our Shire, that in turn allow us to implement adaptation and mitigation measures to address these climate change driven challenges.

The CRS identifies existing vulnerabilities within our natural systems, land use, settlements, infrastructure, economy and community. It assesses these existing vulnerabilities against key climate change impacts using a vulnerability methodology, with resultant high risks prioritised for response in seven Key Response Areas:

· Protecting our natural systems

· Prepared for natural hazards

· Liveable and connected places

· Safe, active and inclusive communities

· Diverse and thriving economy

· Energy security

· Food security

Each Key Response Area is underpinned by performance measures and targets, which will allow us to measure the ongoing success of the CRS and identifies climate resilience actions to address high risk vulnerabilities and enhance individual sector resilience. In early 2020 Council’s prepared a climate adaptation risk assessment of Council’s operations. This risk assessment was funded by Council’s insurer, Statewide Mutual, and is an important supporting document to guide the implementation of several actions contained within the draft CRS. This risk assessment has been included as Appendix 5 of the CRS.

Options

The options available to Council are to:

1. Adopt the CRS with the recommended amendments in this report (Attachment 1), This is the recommended option. The recommended amendments improve the exhibited draft CRS (Attachment 2).

2. Adopt the draft CRS as exhibited (Attachment 2).

3. Make further changes to either the CRS recommended for adoption (Attachment 1) or the exhibited draft CRS (Attachment 2), as identified by Council after consideration of this report and the summary of submissions provided in Attachments 3 and 4.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

Development of the CRS has been informed by Council’s Climate Resilience Technical Advisory Panel. The Panel, made up of members of the local community with expertise and interest in climate change, has provided detailed input on key issues to be addressed by the CRS and actions for enhancing our resilience.

Staff also sought input from NSW government agencies and industry representatives to understand their perspectives on climate change vulnerabilities and the strategies that they may have in place or are proposing to pursue. The views of community groups, such as Clean Energy for Eternity, were also considered in the development of the draft CRS.

Formal public exhibition of the draft CRS took place throughout November and December 2019. The draft CRS was promoted through Council News, Council’s website and on Council’s social media channel.

During and after the public exhibition process Council staff attended four community meeting events to discuss the draft CRS and collect direct feedback from meeting attendees.

Council received a total of 133 responses to the draft CRS, with 66 individual submissions, 63 survey respondents and four agency submissions (see Attachment 3).

There were 121 community submissions in support of the draft CRS and eight objections received through the survey process. Figure 1 provides a breakdown of the priority issues raised in the written community submissions.

A full summary of the 66 written community submissions and four agency submissions is provided in Attachment 4, detailing staff responses to issues raised in the individual submissions and suggested changes to the draft CRS.

Community feedback

The written and survey community feedback covered a wide a range of issues and provided valuable input into the fine tuning of the final CRS. Figure 1 illustrates the major issues raised through the exhibition process and the frequency these issues were mentioned in submissions.

Figure 1: Breakdown of priority issues raised in community submissions

NSW government agency feedback

Written feedback was received from NSW Resilience, Essential Energy and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Responses (two submissions) (Attachment 4). This feedback was generally supportive, with suggestions for minor adjustments to wording, names of documents and agency names. One of the submissions from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment requires that Council replace the local climate projections that it previously provided with broader regional projections consistent with the South East and Tablelands Climate Snapshot. Local Land Services has provided verbal advice that it is satisfied with the CRS.

Council has yet to receive submissions from some agencies; however, many of these have been central to the NSW Bushfire Response and Recovery and management of the COVID-19 emergency. The CRS references existing agency documents and programs and appropriately identifies who would be the appropriate lead agency for various actions but does not compel those agencies to deliver specific actions.

Response to submissions and recommended changes to the exhibited draft CRS

In summary, the recommended changes to the draft CRS are:

· Amend the text of the CRS to reflect the experience of our community over the last 6 months in enduring drought, bushfires, COVID-19 and economic downturn.

· Additional text to reflect the importance of ensuring that not only do we build back better, but our systems, processes and the key interrelationships are reviewed improved and strengthened based on systemic failures exposed over the last 6 months.

· Additional ‘whole of system’ vulnerability and related content in The Climate Resilience Strategy section to reflect feedback received from Council’s Climate Technical Panel on the importance the interrelationship of different vulnerabilities, the impacts of cascading vulnerabilities and consideration of the system as a whole, rather than the traditional sectoral approach to recovery and community resilience.

· The climate projections have been amended to reflect the guidance provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, which has requested that Council use existing regional climate projections rather than the local projections exhibited in the draft CRS.

· Adoption of a vulnerability framework throughout, rather than a mix of vulnerability and risk frameworks in the assessment of Shire-wide impacts. The CRS applies a risk-based approach to organisational impacts (Appendix 5) and a vulnerability approach to the more complex and inter-related impacts of climate change across the Shire.

Specific responses to key issues raised in submissions are described below.

More urgent targets

• Further research to be undertaken to develop quantifiable, science-based targets over the next 12 months.

• 2050 remains an appropriate horizon for achieving total cross sectoral resilience across the Shire.

• 2030 Renewable Energy target is included in the draft strategy and viewed as aspirational. This longer-term target does not remove the opportunity for shorter term focus on renewable energy expansion

• Further current trajectories of the transition to renewable energy in the transport sector will not see full transition by 2030.

No major changes recommended

Agriculture / Horticulture

The CRS provides support and encouragement for existing industries to become more resilient and for planning systems to be flexible to cater for new forms of agriculture / horticulture.

Recommended Changes

• Review the approval of larger on farm dams Action A19.

• Review Rural DA requirement for 90,000L tanks to greater capacity to cope with longer, more severe droughts. Action A18

• Role of SCPA better recognised throughout strategy

• Increased focused on Blue carbon opportunities Action F11

• Management of lovegrass across the landscape due to its impact on productivity, natural systems and increase in bushfire hazard. Action N30

Forestry

Forestry remains an important part of our local economy. The Eden Regional Forestry Agreement, which has recently been renegotiated and extended to 2039, provides the framework for native timber harvesting in our Shire.

Changes

• Action added for Forest Corp to investigate potential for non-harvest areas of State Forest to attract carbon credits. Action F8.

• Timber industry target amended to clarify increased value per unit of production.

• Strategy supports the expansion of hardwood and softwood plantations on low value or unused rural lands.

Renewable Energy

Council’s key function is as an advocate for further assistance for rooftop solar and energy efficiency, equitable access to renewable energy to all sectors of our community and community owned solar given the strong community interest and local industry expertise. BVSC’s Clean Energy Plan encompassed many of the suggestions regarding BVSC operations

Changes

• Amend Action E12 to support bulk buy programs.

• Include action re: promotion of Shire as leader in Renewable Energy development. Action E17.

• Action added to support off grid power supply for remote properties. Action E16.

Bushfire

The Bega Valley Bushfire Risk Plan provides the opportunity to reassess hazard management as improved science and historic observation is incorporated into future planning.

Recent bushfires will change community awareness and preparedness for bushfire hazard. Greater community connection and understanding of their local area and fire weather forecasts will aid people’s preparedness during fire season.

Changes

• Changes have been made throughout document text to reflect recent summer bushfires.

• Specific action in Catchments and Forests section regarding the management of lovegrass regarding bushfire hazard. Action N30.

• Action added for BVSC to support the post bushfire redevelopment recovery. Action H19.

• Amend action to support the development of village protection plans at appropriate locations throughout the Shire. Action H15.

Food Security

Strategy includes measures to enhance community-based food production and recognises the importance of reducing external market reliance. SCPA is great example of community developed, driven and supported resilience initiatives required to achieve resilience in the Shire.

Changes

• Change made to add SPCA to responsible organisations in relation to food security and community engagement.

• Action FO6 amended to seek provision of “seed” funding to lead organisations in different sectors like SCPA.

• The re-establishment of a small species abattoir will need to be financially viable and self-sustaining.

Consultation planned

The implementation of the CRS will require ongoing consultation with our community, government agencies and industry. The public exhibition process confirmed the extent of knowledge and skills that exist within our community. Council will seek to utilise this experience, skills and enthusiasm to drive the implementation of the CRS.

Council consideration of input

Two Councillor workshops were held to seek input on the adoption of the resilience methodology, the Key Response Area targets, and to develop specific climate resilience actions.

A further Councillor workshop was held on Wednesday, 1 July 2020, to discuss the results of the exhibition process and seek input on additional changes that may be required.

Financial and resource considerations

The development and exhibition of the CRS has been undertaken with staff resources and involved minor expenditure. These costs were included in Council’s adopted budget for 2019‑20.

The delivery of Council actions, identified in the CRS, will be prioritised as part of the annual operational planning process. Many of the actions proposed in the CRS will be implemented by staff as part of their existing function and work program, as climate mitigation and adaptation are business-as-usual activities.

In planning for major capital and operational expenditure, Council staff will consider the lifecycle costs of proposed activity and assess potential climate change impacts. Work to adapt Council’s assets to be resilient to climate impacts over their asset life will be incorporated in Asset Management Plans.

Council has limited ability to influence how other government agencies, industry and not-for-profit groups, or local residents choose to allocate resources to address their respective resilience challenges. However, the CRS seeks to provide whole-of-Shire strategic direction to address the climate change challenges the Shire is likely to face in the future.

Legal /Policy

National, state and local governments around the world are committed to responding to the existential threat to our economic, social and natural systems posed by climate change. This government action is supported by a growing coalition of industry, not-for-profit and citizen-led action.

The CRS is consistent with international, national and NSW policy on climate change, and Council’s adopted policy position.

Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, Council has obligations to act on the base of the best information available and in the public interest. Acting to address the impacts of climate change assists Council to meet those obligations.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The CRS is directly aligned with the community vision articulated in the Bega Valley Shire Community Strategic Plan:

“By working together, the Bega Valley Shire community integrates quality of life, enterprising business, sustainable development and conservation of the environment.”

and contributes to all six outcomes:

1. Active and healthy communities

2. Employment and learning opportunities

3. Sustainable living

4. Liveable places

5. Connected communities

6. Strong, consultative leadership

Environmental / Sustainability

Our community highly values the quality of our local environment and consistently rates our environmental management activities as an important Council function. The high quality of our natural systems underpins our tourism, aquaculture, fishing and agricultural sectors. As such addressing vulnerabilities and threats to our natural systems is a key focus of Council and other natural resource management agencies.

The health of our natural systems is a key priority of the draft Strategy and underpins the resilience and sustainability of all sectors identified. The effective management of our natural systems will not only increase our communities’ resilience but will also reinforce our “natural advantage” over other coastal destinations.

Economic

A key goal of enhancing the Shire’s climate resilience is to support the local economy and those dependent on it, but also to position the Shire to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise out of changes to our local climate, changes in technology, or changes in government policy. The CRS seeks to support diversification of the local economy and sustainably increase the value of primary production and secondary industries within the Bega Valley Shire.

The CRS acknowledges a range of economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities that characterise the Bega Valley Shire and affect our capacity to respond to shocks and stresses. Unfortunately, the recent Black Summer bushfires and current COVID-19 pandemic have exposed many of these vulnerabilities and further focused the need to increase the resilience of the Bega Valley Shire as a whole.

The CRS suggests that taking a resilience approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation will increase the resilience of our Shire as a whole, as we are increasingly exposed to the impacts of more extreme weather events on our economy, society and environment. The Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, when speaking about climate change and the economy in 2019 stated that “Australia’s financial stability will be better served by an orderly transition rather than an abrupt disorderly one”. The CRS seeks to guide such an orderly transition for our Shire and its residents.

Concerns about costs of climate change adaptation and mitigation have been the subject of extensive global and Australian research effort for many years. This research clearly highlights the benefits of well-targeted investment in resilience actions to address climate change impacts, particularly in the natural disaster context, rather than costly and often unfunded response and recovery expenditure. The Productivity Commission found that between 2008‑09 and 2012-13 Australia spent $11 billion on disaster response and recovery, while only $225 million was spent on disaster mitigation activities.

Research undertaken by the Global Commission on Adaptation (2019) finds that investing $1.8 trillion globally in “…early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved dryland agriculture, mangrove protection, and investments in making water resources more resilient” from 2020 to 2030 could generate $7.1 trillion in total net benefits. It also found that “Governments can expect to reap high rates of return on effective adaptation, with benefit-cost ratios ranging from 2:1 to 10:1, or even higher”. This view is supported by the Asian Development Bank (2014), which is of the opinion that “despite the uncertainty about future climate conditions, climate proofing is economically justified’ and the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience (2017), which concluded:

“that investment in disaster resilience – in both physical and community preparedness;

· is essential to lessen the forecast increase in costs;

· yields a double dividend namely;

1) in the avoided impacts of disasters when they occur

2) in the broader co-benefits that arise even in the absence of a disaster…such co- benefits support economic growth and social capital in Australian communities and are an important driver of regional investment”.

“The net benefits, and the case for investing in resilience, is greater when investments harness a double dividend or have multi-long-term benefits”.

Private and public sector companies are rapidly identifying climate risk as a key issue for business viability and an important aspect of corporate social responsibility. Minter Ellison has recently (February 2020) observed that “while for some, this summer has been a turning point in understanding the financial impacts of climate change, leading market stakeholders have recognised that climate change poses financial risks to Australian businesses and the broader economy for some years now. With the building momentum towards zero emissions, climate change is a dominant trend creating risks and opportunities for businesses across all sectors of the economy and over mainstream investment horizons”.

It is important to note that the CRS does not and cannot compel any industry sector or member of our community to undertake or invest in proposed actions to improve climate resilience within Bega Valley Shire. Rather, it recommends a range of actions, programs and further research which are designed to strengthen our collective resilience, including the financial sustainability of our primary production, transport and tourism sectors.

The CRS provides 163 actions under seven key response areas aimed at addressing key vulnerabilities and providing a pathway to a more resilient Bega Valley Shire. It broadly identifies each action as being high, medium, low or nil cost. These costs are deliberately indicative as it is not practical to provide detailed costings at this stage. Technology, methodologies and policy settings may be different at the time actions are being scoped in detail, or they have intangible elements that are not easily quantified (e.g. ecosystem services, community wellbeing, fiscal stability).

The majority of actions in the CRS for Council and government agencies are identified in existing strategies and programs (as listed in CRS) and are subject to current and future resource constraints. Changes to policies, provision of information and support for community networks are seen as low-cost items. Where high cost actions are proposed for Council, these actions will be subject to detailed feasibility and design and included in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan. These actions are primarily infrastructure projects. Whole of life costing, taking into consideration the climate to which these assets will be exposed, is an important component of the design process.

External grant funds will continue to be important for the implementation, support or facilitation of many community-based programs, particularly in the areas of community services and health. The CRS provides strategic direction to align these grant applications with projects that reduce maintenance costs to Council, through improved resilience to climatic influences and reduced consumption costs.

Community participation in climate resilience actions will require volunteer support from Council and other agencies. Volunteer support is an existing function of Council and CRS support can be integrated within existing programs.

Investment decisions by individual small businesses in the agricultural, service or tourism sectors in equipment upgrades, changes to business practices or energy supply remain the discretion of those operators. The CRS cannot compel any small business to make changes or investments that impact their financial viability. Rather the CRS looks to provide support through information, access to industry experts, promotion of grant opportunities etc, to allow local businesses to make informed decisions based on their own circumstances, strategic positioning and business planning.

The CRS is based on the established principle that making appropriate changes now to avoid or mitigate climate change impacts is more cost effective than paying to respond and recover from those impacts when they occur. Avoiding future disaster costs provides governments, and the communities they serve, with greater fiscal stability.

Risk

The CRS has identified 25 extreme vulnerabilities across the Shire and proposes actions to address these. Some of these actions address priority operational risks for Council such as natural hazard identification and management, at-risk infrastructure renewal and water supply management.

The CRS confirms the importance of setting clear planning benchmarks for the community, developers and government. Not only does this clarity build trust and transparency in planning-related decisions, but also assists in reducing one of the highest risk exposures for Council with regard the provision of hazard information and development assessment.

In early 2020 Council’s prepared a climate adaptation risk assessment that looked at Council’s operational risks. This risk assessment was funded by Council’s insurer, Statewide Mutual, and is an important supporting document to guide the implementation of several actions contained within the draft CRS. The risk assessment has been included in the CRS. This risk assessment (Appendix 5 of Attachment 1), which applies to Council operations, supersedes the previous document adopted by Council in 2010.

Council’s functional areas (Infrastructure and Assets, Environment Management and Protection, Community Services, Land Use Planning and Development, Emergency Management and Natural Disaster Preparedness, and Corporate Services) were assessed against six climate change impact scenarios (hot days, temperature, rainfall, wind, fire weather and sea level rise). The assessment identified a total of 34 risks of which 22 were ranked high or very high (see Table 9 of Attachment 1).

Social / Cultural

A changing climate provides challenges to people across the Shire, potentially exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new threats to our natural systems, communities, economy and built environment. Providing clear strategic direction on how we, as a community, can respond to climate change in the Bega Valley Shire has the potential to create community cohesion. It also provides opportunities through early adaptation, efficient transition to a low-carbon economy, and development of new industry and technological opportunities that create jobs and benefit all residents.

Our resolve and resilience as a community have been tested over recent months. These difficult times have revealed our community’s capacity move forward together as part of the recovery process. The CRS will assist our community to rebuild and recreate their special places.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy

2 ⇩. Draft Bega Valley Climate Resilience Strategy

3 ⇩. Summary of community feedback

4 ⇩. Response to issues raised in submissions

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.3 - Attachment 1*	Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy

PDF Creator

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.3 - Attachment 2*	Draft Bega Valley Climate Resilience Strategy

PDF Creator

Council 22 July 2020

Item 9.1

mcm9.1. Acceptance of Building Better Regions Grant and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

This report recommends that Council accept grant funding awarded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and note Council’s application through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Fund.

General Manager

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council:

1. Accept grant funds of $2,470,363 awarded under the Building Better Regions Fund and $1,221,983 awarded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

2. Advocate to the NSW Government for funds to match the Bega Valley Regional Gallery Redevelopment component of the Building Better Regions Fund.

3. Allocate Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program funding to deliver Tathra Kiosk upgrade, Berrambool Footbridge upgrade and sealing of Plumb Motors car park.

4. Note Council’s application for $1,000,000 under the Streets as Shared Spaces Fund for the Tathra Headland Activation Precinct project.

Executive Summary

Council has been awarded $2,470,363 under the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 4 – Drought Support to deliver upgrades to the Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery, Eden skatepark and Pambula squash courts.

The Australian Government has also awarded Council $1,221,983 under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. It is proposed that these funds be allocated to Tathra Kiosk upgrade ($150,000), Berrambool Footbridge upgrade ($350,000) and Plumb Motors car park sealing ($721,983).

Council has also recently applied for the Tathra Headland Activation Precinct project through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Fund.

This report seeks approval from Council to accept the grants awarded and in-principle support to accept the Streets as Shared Spaces Fund application, if successful.

Background

The Building Better Regions Fund is an annual Australian Government competitive funding program with two streams; Community Investments and Infrastructure, where projects can seek up to 50% of their project cost and for the infrastructure stream applicants must supply a cost benefit analysis for their project to be eligible. In 2019, Round 4, both streams of the fund were restricted drought impacted regions only as part of the Australian Government’s drought support package. Along with this change the additional condition of investment ready projects only for the Infrastructure Projects Stream was placed, where construction was required to commence within 12 weeks of executing an agreement.

Council made an application on 19 December 2019 for 50% funding towards upgrades to the Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery, Eden skatepark and Pambula squash courts. Council was advised of the success of that application on 5 June 2020. To execute the funding agreement for this project, the source of Council’s contribution is required to be confirmed for Council to sign the agreement and for the Australian Government department of Industry to execute the agreement.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is a non-competitive funding allocation. The $500 million program is designed to support local councils to deliver priority projects to support local economies to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It can only be used to fund projects that are not identified in Council’s 2020-21 program and must be delivered within 12 months.

The Streets as Shared Spaces Fund focusses on making streets and public spaces safer and more attractive during COVID restrictions and into the future. The first round was open to councils to make applications by 10 June 2020. Council officers have applied for $1,000,000 to fund upgrades of the Tathra Headland Activation Precinct.

Options

Options available to Council are to:

1. Accept the grants awarded under the Building Better Regions Fund and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure for the projects identified in this report and provide in-principle support to accept the Streets as Shared Spaces Fund, if successful. This is the recommended option.

2. Not accept one or all of the grants covered by this report.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

The projects identified in this report have been identified in Council’s Infrastructure Prospectus and Eden-Monaro advocacy plan. Advocacy for funding for these projects has been the subject of reports to Council and discussion with key stakeholders.

Consultation planned

Should Council adopt the recommendations of this report to accept the grants awarded, further consultation would take place with stakeholders.

Council consideration of input

Council has considered the projects outlined in this report on several occasions. Council was briefed on the specifics addressed in this report on 2 July 2020.

Financial and resource considerations

Building Better Regions Fund provides 50% funding for the total cost estimate of $4,940,726. The grant provides $2,470,364 towards the cost of the three projects as a whole. The Eden Skatepark has also received $300,000 funding through the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 program, so the shortfall required to match the Building Better Regions Fund grant is $2,170,364. It is proposed that this shortfall be sought as a matching contribution from the NSW Government in the first instance, with Council to underwrite the shortfall with a commitment to fund the gap through loan funds.

The Local Roads and Communities Program is a non-competitive contribution of $1,221,983 towards local economic stimulus projects. It is proposed to bring forward three community projects, with a total value of $1,221,983, into the 2020-21 capital works program.

The Streets as Shared Spaces Fund application of $1,000,000 for the Tathra Headland Activation Precinct project does not require any matching Council contribution.

Funding source		Amount
Building Better Regions Fund Grant	$	2,470,364
Stronger Country Communities Round 3 Grant for Eden skatepark	$	300,000
20-21 Asset Capital	$	950,000
NSW Government Grant or Loan Funds	$	1,220,364
Local Roads and Communities Program Grant	$	1,221,983
Streets as Shared Spaces Fund (if successful)	$	1,000,000

Legal /Policy

The acceptance of grants is a regular activity of Council. Grant agreements are well understood. Conditions in the grant agreements are abided by project managers and all other staff and contractors involved in delivering the projects.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The grants recommended for acceptance are consistent with Council’s identified priorities, and deliver on the following Goals in the Community Strategic Plan:

Goal 1: We are co-operative, caring and enjoy a culturally rich community life.

Goal 2: We are an active, healthy community with access to good quality recreation and sporting facilities, and medical health care

Goal 10: We have a network of good quality roads, foot paths and cycleways connecting communities throughout the Shire and beyond.

Environmental / Sustainability

The projects will be delivered in accordance with Council’s procurement and project delivery framework, which seek to maximise environmental benefits.

Economic

The projects will deliver local economic stimulus which will contribute to economic recovery from recent bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cost benefit analysis developed for Council’s Building Better Regions Fund application showed significant economic benefits to the Shire. Note this application was prepared in November 2019 and has not been adjusted post bushfire and COVID-19 impacts. Construction of the Pambula Squash Courts, Eden Skatepark and upgrade of the Bega Valley Regional Gallery is expected to support 27 jobs in Bega Valley LGA and generate $3.3 million to Gross Regional Product (GRP). The project is also expected to generate ongoing economic impacts through its operational expenditure and induced tourism impacts. Together, the projects will create a total (direct, indirect and induced) increase of 9 jobs and add $0.33 million to GRP per year.

Using a 7% discount rate over a 30-year evaluation period, the analysis concludes the projects will create crucial community assets and generate a net benefit to the community. With a Net Present Value (NPV) of $3.8 million and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.75:1, the combined projects represent a positive return on investment for the Bega Valley community.

Each individual project is estimated to have a different NPV and BCR dependent on their scope. The Gallery provides the largest NPV ($2.5 million), while the squash courts offer the highest BCR (2.2:1). The skatepark is estimated to also provide net positive benefits and incorporation of wider economic benefits would likely take these benefits much higher,

Council’s procurement practices, and the requirements of the grants, favour award of contracts to local suppliers, providing they are able to demonstrate value for money.

Risk

The acceptance of grants and subsequent delivery of capital works projects is standard business for Council. Risks are managed in accordance Council’s project management framework and standard operating procedures, which require project risks to be identified, assessed and mitigated.

Social / Cultural

The projects identified for grant funding provide significant social benefit the Bega Valley Shire community.

Data from the cost benefit analysis developed for Council’s Building Better Regions Fund application showed the following construction of the Pambula squash courts, Eden skatepark and upgrade of the Bega Valley Regional Gallery the major benefits of the project (in present value terms over 30 years) include:

· Community participation benefits (i.e. user benefits): An increase in the level of participation in cultural and recreational activities. This benefit is estimated at $3.8 million, around 42% of total benefits. This benefit is particularly important given the higher levels of disadvantage in the project areas

· Increased visitor expenditure: An increase in economic activity in and around the projects through higher visitation levels and on-site spending, and potential for major and regional events that brings visitors into the region. This benefit is estimated at $3.6 million, around 39% of total benefits, and relates to induced tourism expenditure.

· Additional economic activity: There is likely to be a direct uplift in economic activity related to new or increased revenue at the project sites. This benefit is estimated at $0.8 million.

· Health benefits: Positive health impacts due to reduced likelihood of diseases (e.g. cardiovascular) related costs. This benefit is estimated at $0.6 million. This responds directly to the region’s poor performance against health indicators (e.g. obesity).

Attachments

Nil

Council 22 July 2020

Item 10.1

10.1. Bega Valley Innovation Hub Update and Incubator Support Funding

An update on the delivery of the Bega Valley Innovation Hub (BVIH) over the past two years and intent for Council to apply for further funding with project partners.

General Manager

Officer’s Recommendation

1. That Council note the outcomes of the Bega Valley Innovation Hub (BVIH) for the local business community over the past two years.

2. That Council note and approve the intent to support a Council grant application to the Australian Government’s Incubator Support Program to continue the delivery of business innovation and growth programs in the Bega Valley Shire.

3. That Council note the partnership and investment to date with the University of Wollongong and if successful in the grant application due to extenuating circumstances, Council enact Section 55 (3)(i) of the Local Government Act as a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders.

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

Executive Summary

At its meeting on the 24 June 2020, Council requested further information relating to budget for the proposed application for funding for the Bega Valley Innovation Hub (BVIH). This report provides additional information for Council’s consideration. The Federal Government department have been advised of the delay in an application being provided and have requested that an application be received as soon as possible for consideration.

Bega Valley Shire Council in collaboration with the University of Wollongong (UoW) (Bega Campus), Bega Cheese and the Bega Chamber of Commerce has been a participant in the University of Wollongong’s iAccelerate Program through the BVIH. This program has delivered the iAccelerate Educate program successfully over the past 2 years and has also played a key role in pivoting support services to bushfire and COVID affected businesses in the Shire over the past six months. Further details of program outcomes and activities are provided in the attachments to this report.

The original program design required the delivery of a three-cohort program over an 18-month period and the Bega Valley is the only regional location of its size to have gained access to this program. Cohorts one and two were successfully delivered in Bega and Merimbula respectively. Due to the bushfires of 2020 and through a contract variation, the Phoenix program was developed. This allowed the BVIH to adjust and expand its programs towards supporting businesses survive and build new business skills and models for recovery. This extension support has also assisted business adapt to the impacts of COVID-19. The sessions delivered over the past six months ranged from cloud-based computing, business mental health, business planning, e-commerce and social media skills and ‘work from anywhere’ programs. The funding period for these programs finishes in July 2020.

The original project delivered enabled the Bega Valley to be the first regional incubator support of its kind and has also delivered:

· Improved iAccelerate program methodology due to co-development between an urban and regional area through the local Program Manager participating in iAccelerate program development.

· Development of a new bushfire recovery program ‘Phoenix’ which engaged and employed local facilitators and mentors, and which can now be used as a ramp in program for local businesses.

Pre-empting the wrap up of the Federal funding, Bega Valley Shire Council in collaboration with UoW (Bega) submitted an Expression of Interest (EoI) in May 2020 to the Australian Government to seek approval for a second application to the Incubator Support Program. This proposal suggests extending the partnership with UoW Bega and the iAccelerate program. Council was notified of a successful EoI on June 4^th 2020 and encouraged to submit a full application as soon as practicable.

The proposed project application will extend these outcomes through:

· A minimum of 36 businesses intensively supported to build their business and create local jobs.

· Build local business networks locally, regionally, nationally and internationally through collaboration and mentor development. iAccelerate are connected globally to innovation programs and activities.

· Hold regular meetups of participating businesses to build relationships and support business ideas and growth. Collaborative networking is seen as a key requirement for businesses to grow and adapt to market change and opportunities.

· Deliver local events throughout the Shire for businesses to attend, learn from each other and build links to grow their business.

· Maintain a profile for the Bega Valley for it to seen as a leader in innovation and help attract partnerships and funding.

· Support existing cohort businesses on their business journey.

· Deliver deeper engagement with the 120+ businesses that participated in the Phoenix program over February-June 2020.

· Collaborate with youth and indigenous stakeholders.

· Build relationships and networks that align emerging local businesses to our core sector strengths of:

o Forestry

o Agriculture including aquaculture

o Tourism

o Health and Aged Care

o Emerging industries (e.g. IT)

o Marine industries

Background

Council partnered with UoW (Bega Campus), Bega Cheese and the Bega Chamber of Commerce in 2017 with a Council commitment of $50,000 over two years (Council report 28 June 2017). This co-founded project period is now at an end but there is the opportunity to extend program delivery in the Shire through a further funding application and investment.

The intent of this report is to determine Council’s intent in securing this funding and identifying the resources required to deliver it. Prior to the full application proceeding, there is a need to continue to build other stakeholder participation in the project proposal in order for it to be successful. This includes further funding and in-kind support from other project partners.

Options

Council has the option of declining to proceed with an application and advising potential project partners. Other programs supporting small businesses recover and adapt would be investigated but may not leverage the same level of resourcing or build upon outcomes achieved.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

Council officers have supported, guided and worked collaboratively with the BVIH program over the past two years. Through the BVIH there has been constant business community engagement including:

· 12 founding business members of the BVIH

· 2 Educate programs delivered

· 1 Phoenix program delivered

· 1 Youth Hack event delivered

· 2 Pitch Final events with over 170 attendees

· Over 120+ businesses directly engaged in support related to:

o Value proposition / test your business idea

o Digital marketing

o Work from Anywhere

o Cloud computing

o E-commerce platforms

o Social media marketing and sales

o Finance and cash flow

o Facebook training (by Facebook)

· Local skills and capacity development through procuring the services of local innovators and businesses to develop new course content specific to the needs of bushfire and COVID impacted businesses.

· Investment by Eurobodalla Shire Council in additional Phoenix programs in 2020

An overview of the outcomes of the outcomes and deliverables of the Bega Valley Innovation Hub are included as attachments as well as further budget information.

Attachment 1: BVIH Overview Report June 2020

Attachment 2: BVIH Educate program Outcomes

Attachment 3: BVIH Phoenix Stabilise Report

Attachment 4: BVIH Proposed Draft Budget

Consultation Planned

Over the past two years feedback was sought from each session held to improve program design and delivery. This has ensured that the program adapts to regional requirements. Going forward, further consultation will be held over June-August to secure investment by other stakeholders. With any future program delivery engagement of the broader business community is key to longer term engagement and success. To this end events will be held to support networking and relationship building.

Financial and resource considerations

Council is requested at this time to provide a commitment of financial support contingent on the success of securing appropriate partner financial commitment (now achieved) and a successful application under the Incubator Support Program.

Funding source		Amount
BVSC Economic Development General Fund Budget (two years $30,000 per annum over 2021 and 2022)	$	60,000
Partner Contribution (Bega Cheese pledge two years $20,000 per annum 2021 and 2022)	$	40,000
Federal Government Incubator Support Program	$	$250,000
Business participation fees (projected)	$	25,000

Council staff have secured a pledge by Bega Cheese to provide $40,000 towards the application if it proceeds. The funding application also requires in-kind support of $38,000 over two years. It is proposed that this be shared between UoW (Bega) and BVSC staff and program partners which may contribute to the project (e.g. Bega Cheese). This is considered a standard amount of support to deliver a project of this type and scale.

If the application is not successful, then alternative small business support programs outside of the Incubator Support Program will be investigated including but not limited to other State or Federal funding programs which may emerge.

Legal /Policy

The intent is to extend the current collaboration with the UoW Bega to deliver the iAccelerate program over a two-year period. If successful, Council would partner with UoW (Bega) to deliver the program with Council closely involved in its delivery. Council would manage the reporting and relationship with the Australian Government.

While the scale of the project would usually require a tender, due to the collaborative effort to date over three years with the University of Wollongong, a government funded not for profit public university, it would be counterproductive to pursue a tender process at this time and would likely require other significant program partners to be engaged and developed. This process would take a significant amount of time and may not result in any material gain.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

Community Strategic Plan

Goal 3: Our economy is prosperous, diverse and supported by innovative and creative businesses.

Delivery Plan / Operational Plan 2019/20 and draft 2020/21

Leverage economic growth from innovation programs, infrastructure and commercial investments in the region.

Environmental / Sustainability

Through the proposed extension of the BVIH participants will be delivered a module on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Economic

Council support for the continuation of the BVIH aligns with the Bega Valley Economic Development Strategy (EDS) 2016-2021 and the Regional Economic Development Strategy. The five (5) focus areas of the EDS are Business Support; Infrastructure and Technology; Connections; Education and Skills; and Visitation.

The BVIH has provided a direct and positive impact on the local economy and can continue to help deliver business growth and development outcomes. Prior to Covid 19 the delivery of the program had supported the equivalent of 30 additional jobs across the region.

Risk

Council will be the lead applicant for the Incubator Support program and will manage engagement with UoW (Bega) through standard contracting arrangements.

The Incubator Support Program currently has funding available but this may be fully allocated in the near future and a full application is now required.

Social / Cultural

The BVIH has helped broaden and deepen the network of businesses engaging in new business ventures or pivoting to new opportunities. Many businesses that participated in the first two cohorts were social enterprises support a range of different health outcomes including seniors, youth and women.

Attachments

1 ⇩. BIVH Proposed Draft Budget

Council 22 July 2020

Item 11.1

11.1. Tathra Beach Kiosk

Council approval is being sought to conduct a formal expression of interest process for the occupation of the Tathra Beach Kiosk building while Council officers simultaneously continue to source funding for the essential building repair works.Director Assets and Operations

Officer’s Recommendation

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council, as Crown Land Manager of the Tathra Beach Reserve (R79310), call for expressions of interest for the occupation of the Tathra Beach Kiosk building based on a financial return to Council and the results be presented back to Council for consideration.

Executive Summary

The Tathra Beach Kiosk building is now vacant, and Council has received significant public interest in the future of the kiosk building. Council approval is being sought to commence a formal expression of interest process (EOI) to locate a tenant to occupy the building while Council officers simultaneously seek funding to enable the essential building repair works to take place.

Background

Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting of 8 April 2020, when considering its position on the future use of the Tathra Beach Kiosk building as follows:

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council approve the termination of the current lease effective immediately with the lessee not required to make any further financial contribution.

3. That Council make an application through the 2020-21 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program or any other alternative suitable external funding source to fund the essential building repair works.

Following the Resolution of Council, officers progressed the termination of the lease with the tenants formally vacating the kiosk building on 1 June 2020. Concurrently Council officers have been seeking quotations for the essential building repair works identified in the attached report of 8 April 2020 to enable applications to be submitted for external grant funding programs as they become available.

Since 1 June 2020 when the kiosk building has been vacant Council has received several enquiries about the ongoing future of the asset and a formal proposal to establish a vibrant licenced café/restaurant in the iconic kiosk building from a successful business operator. The attached confidential proposal details the economic and community benefits of operating from the kiosk building including but not limited to employment opportunities, skills development across multiple hospitality areas, community gatherings and events and much more.

Given the significant public interest Council approval is being sought to conduct a formal EOI process calling for suitably qualified commercial entities, incorporated community organisations and interested parties to operate the kiosk building based on a financial return to Council. Simultaneously, Council officers will continue to source grant funding for the essential building repair works to ensure the building works can be progressed at no expense to the successful lessee. Noting the EOI will include the opportunity for applicants to suggest a contribution to the building repair works in lieu of rent for a period to enable their proposal to progress.

Furthermore, due to the short time frame between now and summer period Council has written to our local State member, the Hon. Andrew Constance seeking consideration for the provision of the much-needed funding to allow the essential building repair works to be progressed now in the hope that the kiosk building can operate this coming summer period. The essential building repair works and an upgrade to the kitchen within the building have been estimated by qualified builders to be between $150,000 and $200,000.

The 2020-21 Crown Reserve Improvement Fund Program is now open with applications closing on 10 July 2020. If our local State member is not able to assist with the required funding Council officers will be making an application through this program and Council’s Grants officer will continue to identify other funding options for the building works.

Options

The options available to Council are:

1. Accept the recommendation provided by Council officers to conduct a formal EOI process for the occupation of the Tathra Beach Kiosk building and resolve accordingly.

2. Decline to accept the recommendation provided by Council officers to conduct a formal EOI process for the occupation of the Tathra Beach Kiosk building and continue to source grant funding for the building repair works prior to locating a tenant. Noting the significant community interest in the kiosk building and its future as well as the benefits of having the building occupied.

3. Maintain vacant possession of the kiosk building and continue to pursue the New South Wales Government to take responsibility for the asset. Noting until funding for the building repair works is sourced, the kiosk building will remain closed and unusable to the community.

4. Other options, as raised and resolved by Councillors.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

A formal request for assistance has been sent to our local State member, the Hon. Andrew Constance seeking consideration for the provision of the much-needed funding to allow the essential building repair works to be progressed.

Council property officers have been liaising with qualified builders to source the necessary quotations to enable grant funding applications to be submitted through the 2020-21 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program or any other alternative suitable external funding sources.

Council property officers have also been liaising with interested parties to advise of Council’s intention for the future of the kiosk building.

Consultation Planned

To maintain transparency and avoid any suggestion of impropriety, Council officers will run a public EOI process for the occupation of the kiosk building and report the results back to Council for consideration.

Council consideration of input

To ensure any future occupations of the kiosk building are appropriate, Council officers will consider:

• Compliance with the legislation, related policies and guidelines;

• Compatibility with the reserve purpose;

• Native Title rights;

• Aboriginal land claims.

Financial and resource considerations

As specified in the attached report of 8 April 2020 a market rental valuation report was obtained from Opteon Property Group on 4 May 2018 which outlined an annual rental achievable of $19,006 plus GST per annum as is or if there was no reduction in rent due to the commitment for building repair works the rental achievable would be $20,000 plus GST per annum.

Should Council obtaining funding and upgrade the kiosk building it is anticipated that a further market rental assessment will need to be commissioned to determine a rental figure prior to entering into any new tenure arrangement for the site.

Legal /Policy

The Tathra Beach Kiosk lease falls under the provisions of the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW).

In accordance with Council’s Management of Leases and Licenses Procedure tenure may be granted by:

• Invitations for EOI.

A lease enables exclusive use over a piece of land or building for a specified term and purpose. A lease is considered the best form of agreement if longer-term security of tenure is an important factor to the user of the land – such as where commercial use is proposed, and major financial outlay is required.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Environmental / Sustainability

Tathra Beach is subject to coastal processes and hazards which may affect the kiosk building. For this reason, any development of the kiosk building is restricted to the existing footprint only.

Risk

If a further public EOI process to locate a new tenant for the kiosk site is conducted any new tenancy will need to consider Native Title legislation. Council officers will be required to undertake a Native Title assessment and send notification to NTS Corp regarding a proposed new lease as it may affect Native Title interests in the reserve. When exercising powers provided by the transitional arrangements under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (NSW), Council Crown Land Managers must obtain written advice from a qualified Native Title Manager that the proposed lease complies with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Attachments

1 ⇩. Council report dated 8 April 2020 - Termination of lease Tathra Beach Kiosk

2 . Proposal to operate Tathra Beach Kiosk (Confidential - As this attachment contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret as per Section 10A(2)(d) of the Local Government Act 1993.

Although the above relates more explicitly to the discussion of closed business, it also forms part of the basis of justification as to why information relied upon in informing the public decisions made by Council are kept confidential. To consider this confidential material in open Council would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest (as defined in Section 14 of Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act 2009) as it would potentially disclose private business information and would also impact Council’s position in relation to its consideration. This meets the requirements of Sect 10 D of the Local Government Act 1993 if Council were to close the meeting to discuss the details of private business information.

Council 22 July 2020

Item 12.2

12.2. Adoption of Revised Delivery Program 2017- 2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 including Annual Budget, Financial Strategy and Long Term Financial Plan

The Draft Revised Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020 – 2021 including the Annual Budget along with the Draft Financial Strategy 2020-2021 and the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030 have been publicly exhibited in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and are recommended for adoption.

General Manager

Officers Recommendation

1. That Council adopt the Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017 – 2021, Operational Plan 2020-2021 including the Annual Budget included at Attachment 2.

2. That Council note the submissions received and the summary of submissions with Council Officer responses included at Attachment 1.

3. That Council adopt the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030 included at Attachment 3 and the Financial Strategy 2020-2021 included at Attachment 4.

4. That Council note the revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021, the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030 and Financial Strategy 2020-2021 will be published on Council’s website by 24 July 2020.

5. That Council formally acknowledge the ongoing financial contribution to the operations and capital projects of the Council and the significant current and proposed increase in support for the bushfire, flood and Covid-19 response and recovery provided by the Federal and State Governments

6. That Council officers advise those that made submissions during public exhibition period of Council’s decision.

Executive Summary

Council has been provided with all submissions that were made concerning the Draft Revised Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 including the Annual Budget, the Draft Financial Strategy 2020-2021 and the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030. Four external submissions and one Councillor submission were received during the exhibition period. Several internal adjustments are also recommended. Copies of all submissions along with a summary of submissions and Council Officer responses are included in Attachment 1.

It is appropriate for Council to adopt in accordance with Sections 403, 404 and 405 of the Local Government Act 1993, the amended Revised Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 and Budget for 2020-2021 along with the Financial Strategy 2020-2021 and the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030. Attachment 2 to this report is the Final Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 recommended for adoption at this Council meeting. Attachment 3 is the Long Term Financial Plan recommended for adoption and Attachment 4 is the Financial Strategy recommended for adoption.

Background

In accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework, Council

had prepared a draft Operational Plan 2020 – 2021 including its Budget responding to the adopted Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021. Council had resolved on 20 May 2020 for its

IPR documents, excluding the Long Term Financial Plan, be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.

An additional Council meeting was held on 27 May 2020 and it was resolved at this meeting

that the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) be amended and placed on public exhibition as a

supporting document for the draft 2020-2021 Operational Plan and Budget. The requested

amendments to the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) resulted in material changes to the draft

Operational Plan 2020-2021 and Budget which meant that it was appropriate for the full suite of IPR documents to be amended. This was prepared by Council Officers and at the Council meeting on 10 June, Council resolved for these revised documents to be placed on exhibition for a renewed 28 day exhibition period from Wednesday 10 June 2020 to Wednesday 8 July 2020.

On 20 May 2020, Council resolved:

1. That the draft, revised Delivery Program 2017-2021, the draft Operational Plan 2020-

2021, including Council’s Budget and Revenue Policy, the amended Financial Strategy

and the draft Fees and Charges 2020-2021 be placed on public exhibition for 28 days

with feedback on the documents to be considered at the Council meeting on 24 June

2020.

2. That Council hold an additional meeting on 27 May 2020 to consider and adopt the

March Quarterly Budget Review and to place the draft Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP)

on exhibition.

On 27 May 2020 Council resolved:

That the Long Term Financial Plan be placed on public exhibition as a supporting

document for the 2021 Operational Plan and Budget with the following amendment to

the draft:

a. On Page 12 Operating Revenue Rates and Charges: “That a Special Rate Variation

aimed at achieving the six pools strategy and support for protecting critical Council

assets be factored in from 2023 for consideration in the next LTFP to be considered post the 2021 election as a permanent increase in general rate income” and

b. On Page 16 Operational Expenditure Forecasts Other Expenses: include a statement “that Council commit to reviewing services and reducing duplication, reducing asset impacts by rationalisation, and reducing costs to operational expenditure to ensure that combined with a projected targeted SRV in the General Fund referred to on page 12 that from the 2023 financial year the projected operational deficit and cash position of the Council is significantly improved.”

c. That Council retain the rate peg increase over the water and sewer funds until a review of both funds is undertaken.

On 10 June 2020 Council resolved:

1. That updated versions of the draft revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and

Operational Plan 2020-2021, including Council’s Budget and Revenue Policy, draft

Financial Strategy and the draft Fees and Charges 2020-2021 along with the draft Long

Term Financial Plan, be placed on public exhibition for 28 days commencing 10 June

2020 with feedback on the documents to be considered at the Council meeting on 22 July 2020.

Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021

The Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 outlines what Council will do in the medium term to deliver services, projects, capital works and asset maintenance.

The Delivery Program 2017-2021 was originally adopted in June 2017 and has been revised since this time to reflect changes in our organisations structure, legislation changes, fire and flood recovery activities, an increase in external funding opportunities and COVID-19 impacts. The Office of Local Government issued a Circular on 1 May 2020 advising that with the delay to Local Government Elections each Council’s existing Delivery Program will apply for a further 12 months, maintaining the key themes and any activities not yet completed. This will mean the current Delivery Program 2017-2021 will also be used to guide the development of the Operational Plan for 2022.

The 2021 Operational Plan details what activities Council plans to achieve this financial year and which areas are responsible for achieving them. The Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 once adopted, will then be published on Councils website by 24 July 2020.

External Submissions
Mr Geoff Steel and Mr Michael Britten provided submissions in relation to Councils financial position. The full submissions and Council Officer responses are included in Attachment 1.

Internal Adjustments
A range of internal adjustments to the Operational Plan are outlined in Attachment 1. The internal adjustments largely relate to the removal or adjustment of existing Operational Plan activities Council Officers have advised are not achievable given current context. Several new activities have also been included to better reflect work being undertaken along with reassigning activities to the appropriate officer or Service Area. These were unknown when the draft documents were prepared.

2021 Budget and Revenue Policy

With respect to the Annual Budget 2021, Council acknowledges the support of the Federal Government through the early payment of the Federal Assistance Grant to Council operations, and the State Government through significant project and program funding relating to a variety of service delivery areas, infrastructure projects and other activities.

Since January 2020, Council has also received many funding streams to assist with Recovery, Rebuilding and Resilience following the devastating Black Summer Bushfires. The financial impacts because of multiple natural disasters and the COVID-19 Pandemic will be felt for several years to come.

Council has captured the known funding packages for an extensive range of recovery and rebuilding projects as well as capital works projects in the budget presented. Council will continue to acknowledge and report funding as it is received from State and Federal government and the associated expenses incurred by delivering these projects through our organisation’s operations.

External Submissions

Councillor Bain provided a submission which largely focussed on the 2021 Budget. The full submission and Council Officer responses to Councillor Bain’s submission is included in Attachment 1.

Internal Adjustments

Several internal adjustments to the budget are outlined in Attachment 1. These largely relate to successful grant application outcomes, reduction in operating income and expenses at Council pool facilities, reallocation of funding to future years in line with changes to Operational Plan activities and COVID-19 support from the State Government. The adjustments have been made to the budget in the Operational Plan recommended for adoption which is included at Attachment 2.

For further clarity Council Officers have also included in the Operational Plan recommended for adoption the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement for the Consolidated Fund along with each individual fund- General Fund, Water Fund and Sewer Fund. This reporting is related to the management of cash reserves.

Revenue Policy

With respect to the Revenue Policy minor amendments were made to better reflect Councils resolution regarding interest on overdue general rates and charges. Formatting errors were also corrected in the Rating Model placed on exhibition and an adjustment to the estimated pension rebate for general rates was made. A separate report is provided to Council at this meeting regarding Making of Rates and Charges.

External Submissions

The Bermagui Motor Inn provided a submission in relation to sewerage charges. The full submission and Council Officer responses are included in Attachment 1.

Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2031

The Budget Income Statement on Page 7 and the income and expenditure pie charts on Page 8 have been amended to reflect the adjustments made to the budget as outlined above. For further clarity Council Officers have also included in the LTFP recommended for adoption the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement for the Consolidated Fund along with each individual fund- General Fund, Water Fund and Sewer Fund. The updated Long Term Financial Plan 2021-2031 recommended for adoption is included at Attachment 3.

It is noted that there has been significant capital grant income over the last two years and continuing into this financial year. This situation is unprecedented, with projections that it will not be sustained. What this means is that over the longer term, the peak injection of grant income is expected to return to more moderate levels in the 2024 financial year. From that year onwards, our forecasting will be based on operating and maintaining the $1b of assets now held because of the significant capital investment.

External Submissions
There were three external submissions related to the Long Term Financial Plan. Council Officers have provided responses to those submissions in Attachment 1.

Financial Strategy 2020-2021

There was one external submission related to the Draft Financial Strategy 2020-2021. Council Officers have provided a response to the submission in Attachment 1. No further amendments have been made to the Financial Strategy since public exhibition. The Financial Strategy 2020-2021 recommended for adoption is included at Attachment 4.

Community Engagement

The Draft Revised Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020 –

2021 including the Budget and Revenue Policy, the Draft Financial Strategy 2020-2021, the Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030 along with the draft Fees and Charges 2020 –

2021 were placed on public exhibition from Wednesday 10 June to Wednesday 8 July 2020.

Given the limitations with COVID-19 and Council facilities being closed for a portion of the

exhibition period the primary point of access to view the documents was through Council’s

website. A number of social media posts on Council’s Facebook page were shared to

encourage the community to provide feedback. Information was also included in Council News produced during the exhibition period.

Public and Councillor Submissions

Four external submissions and one Councillor submission to the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting documents were received during the exhibition period. The submissions largely relate to Council’s financial position. One of the external submissions relates to sewer charges for non-residential customers.

Copies of all full submissions along with a summary of submissions and Council Officer responses are included in Attachment 1.

Legal /Policy

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to develop and publicly exhibit documents in the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework for a period of 28 days and consider submissions made to the Delivery program and Operational Plan prior to adoption.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The documents when adopted, will guide the Council’s operations under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Attachment 1_ IPR Documents_ExhibitionFeedback_July2020

2 ⇩. Attachment 2_DP_OP 2020-2021_FORADOPTION

3 ⇩. Attachment 3_Draft LTFP_2020-30_FORADOPTION.pdf

4 ⇩. Attachment 4_Financial Strategy 2020-21_FORADOPTION.pdf

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 12.2 - Attachment 2*	Attachment 2_DP_OP 2020-2021_FORADOPTION

PDF Creator

Council 22 July 2020

Item 13.1

13.1. Making of the Rates and Charges for 2020 - 2021

The Draft Revised Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational

Plan 2020-2021 including the Revenue Policy outlining the annual rates and charges for

the 2020-2021 financial year have been publicly exhibited in accordance with the

legislative requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and are recommended for

adoption.

Director Business & Governance

Officers Recommendation

That the Revenue Policy be adopted in the Draft Operational Plan 2020/2021.

That the following rates and charges be applied in accordance with Sections 534 and 535 of the Local Government Act 1993,

1. General Rates:

• to make a Base rate of $518.50 on each rateable parcel of land and an ad-valorem rate of 0.003142282 cents in the dollar on the rateable land value for all properties categorised as “residential” in accordance with Section 516 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the LG Act) and;

• to make a Base rate of $518.50 on each rateable parcel of land and an ad-valorem rate of 0.003142282 cents in the dollar on the rateable land value for all properties categorised as “farmland” in accordance with Section 515 of the LG Act and;

• to make a Base rate of $518.50 on each rateable parcel of land and an ad-valorem rate of 0.006551461 cents in the dollar on the rateable land value for all properties categorised as “business” in accordance with Section 518 of the LG Act and;

• to make a Base rate of$518.50 on each rateable parcel of land and an ad-valorem rate of 0.006551461 cents in the dollar on the rateable land value for all properties categorised as “mining” in accordance with Section 517 of the LG Act and;

2. Stormwater Charge:

• to make a stormwater charge of $25.00 per annum per single residential dwelling that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act and;

• to make a make a stormwater charge of $12.50 per annum per residential strata dwelling that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act and;

• to make a stormwater charge of $25.00 per annum per developed commercial property up to 1,200 square metres that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act and;

• to make a stormwater charge of $100.00 per annum per developed commercial property in excess of 1,200 square metres but not exceeding 3,000 square metres that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act and;

• to make a stormwater charge of $200.00 per annum per developed commercial property in excess of 3,000 square metres that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act and;

• to make a minimum stormwater charge of $5.00 per annum per developed commercial strata property that benefits from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural in accordance with Section 496A of the LG Act.

3. Waste and Recycling Collection Charge:

• in accordance with Section 496 and 501 of the Local Government Act 1993, that Council make waste management charges for 2020-2021:

Function	Note	Code	Description (All charges S496 unless noted)	Mandatory	Amount	Information
Waste Management	Section 501	Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Waste Management	Residential	$265.86	Mandatory charge per residential, non-rural, assessment excl Vacant Land.
		Rural	Rural Waste Management	Rural	$124.93	Mandatory charge per rural assessment excl vacant land and no other s501 charges are levied.
		Commercial	Commercial Waste Management	Commercial	$285.13	Mandatory charge per Commercial, non-rural, assessment excl Vacant Land.
		As noted	Waste Service Availability Charge	As Noted	$89.12	Mandatory charge per assessment for land where waste collection service is available and no other s501 charges are levied.
Landfill	Weekly	Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 80L Weekly		$124.00	Weekly landfill bin collection services are only available subject to assessment of medical need.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 140L Weekly		$166.05	Weekly landfill bin collection services are only available subject to assessment of medical need.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 240L Weekly		$224.01	Weekly landfill bin collection services are only available subject to assessment of medical need.
		Rural	Rural Landfill 80L Weekly	Rural	$171.96	Mandatory Minimum Rural.
		Rural	Rural Landfill 140L Weekly		$223.10	Standard service offering unless smaller size requested.
		Rural	Rural Landfill 140L Weekly (Bin Bank)	Bin Bank	$223.10	Mandatory Minimum Bin Bank.
		Rural	Rural Landfill 240L Weekly		$282.77
		Commercial	Commercial Landfill 240L Weekly	Commercial	$224.01	Mandatory Minimum Commercial.
		Commercial	Commercial Landfill 660L Weekly		POA
	Fortnightly	Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 80L Fortnightly	Residential	$66.06	Mandatory Minimum Residential.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 140L Fortnightly		$90.91
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Landfill 240L Fortnightly		$119.89
Recycling	Weekly	Commercial	Commercial Recycling 240L Weekly	Commercial	$102.35	Mandatory Minimum Commercial.
		Commercial	Commercial Recycling 360L Weekly		$129.94
		Commercial	Commercial Recycling 660L Weekly		POA
	Fortnightly	Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Recycling 80L Fortnightly	Residential	$44.39	Mandatory Minimum Residential.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Recycling 240L Fortnightly		$51.17	Standard service offering unless smaller size requested.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD Recycling 360L Fortnightly		$70.26
		Rural	Rural Recycling 240L Fortnightly	Rural	$100.07	Mandatory Minimum Rural.
		Rural	Rural Recycling 240L Fortnightly (Bin Bank)	Bin Bank	$100.07	Mandatory Minimum Bin Bank.
		Rural	Rural Recycling 360L Fortnightly		$119.16
Food Organics, Garden Organics	Weekly	Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD FOGO 80L Weekly	Residential	$87.30	Mandatory Minimum Residential.
		Residential or MUD	Residential or MUD FOGO 240L Weekly		$93.10	Standard service offering unless smaller size requested.
		Rural	Rural FOGO 240L Weekly		$111.29	Rural compost service is optional and only supplied where available (where truck already passes collection point).
		Commercial	Commercial FOGO 140L Weekly		$76.65
		Commercial	Commercial FOGO 240L Weekly		$90.65

4.Water supply services:

• Make an Annual Charge for Water Usage and Water Availability, in accordance with Section 501 and Section 502, comprising a Water Usage Charge of $3.10 per kilolitre for all water supplied by Council within or outside of its area based on water meter size:

Particulars	Volume factor	Access charge	Charge per Kl
20mm Water Connection	1	$245.73	$3.10
25mm Water Connection	1.56	$383.31	$3.10
32mm Water Connection	2.56	$629.04	$3.10
40mm Water Connection	4	$982.81	$3.10
50mm Water Connection	6.25	$1,535.72	$3.10
65mm Water Connection	10.56	$2,594.75	$3.10
80mm Water Connection	16	$3,931.43	$3.10
100mm Water Connection	25	$6,142.76	$3.10
150mm Water Connection	56.25	$13,821.25	$3.10
200mm Water Connection	100	$24,571.16	$3.10
Strata Title Units (per unit)	1	$245.73	$3.10
Unconnected properties which are able to connect (i.e. vacant land)	1	$245.73	$3.10

• To make an Access Charge of $245.73 for all properties that are unconnected and able to be connected to the water supply of Bega Valley Shire Council.

• That subject to a medical certificate from the Southern NSW Local Health District, Council provide fifty-three (53) kilolitres per patient per quarter in the case of all registered patients using home dialysis machines or other certified medical treatments free of charge, beyond this allowance all water usage is to be charged at $3.10.

5. Sewerage local fund:

Pursuant to Section 501 of the LG Act Council hereby resolves:

• to make a flat sewerage service charge of $1,245.97 for all residential and farmland properties except as outlined below, connected to the Council's sewerage service network and categorised as residential or farmland in accordance with Sections 515 and 516 of the LG Act;

• to make a flat sewerage service charge of $1,245.97 for each residential strata lot connected to the Council's sewerage service network and categorised as residential in accordance with Section 516 of the LG Act and;

• to make a flat sewerage service charge of $1,245.97 for each residential dwelling on a multi-dwelling lot connected to the Council's sewerage service network categorised as residential in accordance with Section 516 of the LG Act and;

• to make a flat sewerage service charge $622.99 for all properties categorised as residential or farmland in accordance with Sections 515 and 516 of the LG Act that are not connected and able to connect to the Council's sewerage service network and;

• to make a sewer usage charge for all properties categorised as business and mining in accordance with Sections 517 and 518 of the LG Act, calculated on the total water usage (by measure) multiplied by the sewerage discharge factor (according to the following schedule) multiplied $4.50 per kilolitre and;

• to make a sewer access charge for all properties (including strata and non-strata developments) categorised as business and mining in accordance with Sections 517 and 518 of the LG Act, calculated on the combination of a flat charge of $1,245.97 multiplied by the volume factor as noted in the table below, multiplied by the discharge factor as noted in the table below and;

• to make a flat sewerage service charge $622.99 for all properties categorised as business or mining in accordance with Sections 517 and 518 of the LG Act that are not connected and able to connect to the Council's sewerage service network and;

• Council notes that the discharge bands have been determined by the NSW Office of Water in its Best Practice Guidelines. The following table outlines these discharge factors and will be applied to the sewer usage charge and sewer availability charge. Council reserves the right to apply any discharge factor between 0%-100% with consultation with a business owner if necessary to accurately reflect an individual business.

Discharger	BVSC proposed
B and B	75
Bakery	95
Boarding House or Hostel	90
Butcher	95
Café/Bistro/Cakes/Patisserie	95
Car Detailing	95
Car Wash - hand wash only	75
Car Wash (robo, clean and go, gerni type)	95
Caravan Park	75
Charcoal Chicken	95
Chicken/Poultry Shop	95
Churches	95
Club (e.g. bowling, golf, racing)	50
Club (e.g. RSL, Surf Club)	95
Commercial Swimming Pool	85
Community Properties (halls)	95
Community Properties (reserves, sporting facilities, etc.)	10
Concrete Batching Plant	10
Craft/Stonemason	95
Day Care Centre’s / Pre-schools	95
Delicatessen, mixed business	95
Dental Surgery	95
Depot (bus, courier, truck, taxi, fuel)	95
Factory/Industry/Warehouse	95
Food Processing	90
Fresh Fish Shop	95
Funeral parlour	95
General Retail / Services	95
Government Department	95
Hairdresser / Beauty Salon	95
Hospital	95
Hotel	100
Joinery	95
Laundry	95
Marina	90
Mechanical Workshop	95
Mechanical Workshop w/ Car Yard	85
Medical Practice (incl. physio, herbal medicine, etc.)	95
Motel	90
Multi-premise Commercial (strata plan, dual occupancy)	95
Nursery	70
Nursing Home	90
Office Building	95
Optical Service	95
Panel Beating/Spray Painting	95
Printer	95
Radiator Repairer	90
Restaurant (including cafes, canteens, bistros)	95
Schools (Primary)	95
Schools (Secondary)	95
Schools (TAFE, University, etc.)	95
Seafood Processing	90
Self-Storage	90
Service Station	90
Shopping Centre	85
Supermarket	95
Take Away Food	95
Veterinary Practice, Kennels or Animal wash	80
Wreckers	90

Volume Factor – Sewer

VOLUME FACTORS
Meter size	Factor	Availability charge per year
20mm	1.00	$1,245.97
25mm	1.56	$1943.72
32mm	2.56	$3189.69
40mm	4.00	$4,983.90
50mm	6.25	$7,787.34
65mm	10.56	$13,157.49
80mm	16.00	$19,935.59
100mm	25.00	$31,149.36
150mm	56.25	$70,086.06
200mm	100.00	$124,597.44

Liquid Trade Waste

Pursuant to Section 501 of the LG Act Council hereby resolves:

• To make a Liquid Trade Waste usage charge of one dollar ($1.39) per kilolitre of water consumption multiplied by the discharge factors as tabled below.

Band	LTW Discharge factor
1	0%
2	0%
3	10%
4	20%
5	30%
6	50%
7	60%
8	80%
9	90%
2S	N/A

6. High Consumption Charge:

Pursuant to Section 64 of the LG Act Council hereby resolves:

• to make a high consumption charge (non-residential) that applies to eligible non-residential properties.

Eligible non-residential properties have an option of maintaining their existing Equivalent Tenement (ET) entitlement and paying the High Consumption Charges in lieu of paying Section 64 Developer Contributions. The non-residential High Consumption Charge is calculated annually by amortizing the Section 64 Developer Charges for water and sewer (presently $9,149 and $12,808 per ET respectively) over 30 years with a discount rate equal to the 30 year Treasury bond rate (currently 3% variable) and then divided by 205kL/y for water and 190kL/y for sewer. The figure of 205kL/y is the average annual water consumption per household (1 ET), and the 190kL/y is the average annual contribution to the sewerage system per household (1 ET).

High Consumption Charges non-residential	Charge per ($/kL)
High Consumption (water) Charge	$2.23
High Consumption (sewer) Charge	$3.38

7. Pension Claim:

In accordance with Section 575 of the LG Act, Council acknowledges that it must apply the following Pension concession’s to eligible properties, being owned and used as principle places of residence by eligible pension holders.

General Rates and Domestic Waste Services: $250.00

Water Supply Fund: $87.50

Sewerage Supply Fund: $87.50

8. Interest on Overdue Rates and Charges:

Council hereby resolves that in accordance with the provisions of Section 566(3) of the LG Act the interest rate to apply to all outstanding rates and charges for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 be calculated at 0% per annum.

Executive Summary

The Operational Plan 2020-2021 included Council’s annual Revenue Policy for 2020-2021

which includes details of proposed rates and charges for that financial year.

Council has been provided with all written submissions that were made concerning the

Operational Plan 2020-2021 including the Revenue Policy 2020-2021. Copies of all submissions

and a detailed summary of submissions and comments are included as an attachment to another report provided to Council at this 22 July meeting- Adoption of Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2020-2021 including Annual Budget. One external submission was received regarding the Revenue Policy.

Background

In accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework, Council

had prepared a draft Operational Plan 2020 – 2021 including its Revenue Policy responding to

the adopted Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021. Council had resolved on 20 May 2020 for its

IPR documents, excluding the Long Term Financial Plan, be placed on public exhibition for 28

days.

An additional Council meeting was held on 27 May 2020 and it was resolved at this meeting

that the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) be amended and placed on public exhibition as a

supporting document for the draft 2020-2021 Operational Plan and Budget. The requested

amendments to the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) resulted in material changes to the draft Operational Plan 2020-2021 and Budget, that were at the time on exhibition that had

commenced on 20 May 2020. A full suite of amended IPR documents was then compiled by

staff and at the Council meeting on 10 June 2020 Council resolved for these revised documents to be placed on exhibition for a renewed 28 day exhibition period from Wednesday 10 June 2020 to Wednesday 8 July 2020.

On 20 May 2020, Council resolved:

1. That the draft, revised Delivery Program 2017-2021, the draft Operational Plan 2020-

2021, including Council’s Budget and Revenue Policy, the amended Financial Strategy

and the draft Fees and Charges 2020-2021 be placed on public exhibition for 28 days

with feedback on the documents to be considered at the Council meeting on 24 June

2020.

2. That Council hold an additional meeting on 27 May 2020 to consider and adopt the

March Quarterly Budget Review and to place the draft Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP)

on exhibition.

On 27 May 2020 Council resolved:

That the Long Term Financial Plan be placed on public exhibition as a supporting

document for the 2021 Operational Plan and Budget with the following amendment to

the draft:

a. On Page 12 Operating Revenue Rates and Charges: “That a Special Rate Variation

50 aimed at achieving the six pools strategy and support for protecting critical Council

assets be factored in from 2023 for consideration in the next LTFP to be considered post

the 2021 election as a permanent increase in general rate income” and

b. On Page 16 Operational Expenditure Forecasts Other Expenses: include a statement

“that Council commit to reviewing services and reducing duplication, reducing asset

impacts by rationalisation, and reducing costs to operational expenditure to ensure

that combined with a projected targeted SRV in the General Fund referred to on page

Page 12 that from the 2023 financial year the projected operational deficit and cash position of the Council is significantly improved.”

c. That Council retain the rate peg increase over the water and sewer funds until a review

of both funds is undertaken.

On 10 June 2020 Council resolved:

1. That updated versions of the draft revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and

Operational Plan 2020-2021, including Council’s Budget and Revenue Policy, draft

Financial Strategy and the draft Fees and Charges 2020-2021 along with the draft Long

Term Financial Plan, be placed on public exhibition for 28 days commencing 10 June

2020 with feedback on the documents to be considered at the Council meeting on 22 July 2020.

Revenue Policy 2020 – 2021

In conjunction with the adoption of the Operational Plan for the 2020-2021 financial year,

Council is required to ‘make’ the Rates and Charges proposed in the Revenue Policy. The

Revenue Policy contains estimates of income and expenditure, rates, pricing methodology and borrowings for the 2020-2021 financial year.

There was one external submission directly related to sewer charges for non-residential customers.

Submission	Staff Recommendation
Bermagui Motor Inn- Sewerage charges for non-residential customers do not reflect the guidelines that they claim to follow.	Staff have reviewed the NSW Government’s Best Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Guidelines 2007 and the sewerage charges for non-residential customers in the Draft 2020-2021 Operational Plan and have concluded that our method of charging non-residential sewer is in fact in line with the recommendations of the guidelines and no further action is required.

Rates

The annual Ordinary Rates are per the Local Government Cost Index of 2.60%.

During the exhibition period staff made minor formatting amendments to the Revenue Policy

to provide greater clarity. Below is the Rating Model 2020-2021 that was exhibited in the Revenue Policy. Note that rate yield percentages in the last column will be switched to reflect the rate yield amount. Residential to be 83.3% and Farmland to be 7.3%

Considering the above recommended adjustment and in accordance with Sections 493, 494

and 537 of the Local Government Act 1993, it is recommended Council makes the following

ordinary rates for 2020-2021:

Interest Charges on Overdue Rates and Charges

The NSW Office of Local Government issued a Circular to Councils No 20-19 on 26 May 2020.

The Circular determined, in accordance with section 566 of the Local Government Act 1993,

the maximum rate of interest payable on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2020

to 31 December 2020 (inclusive) will be 0.0% and the maximum rate of interest payable on

overdue rates and charges for the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 (inclusive) will be

7.0% per annum. Council considered the issue of Interest on overdue rates and charges at its 29 April 2020 Council meeting.

On 29 April 2020, Council resolved (Resolution 85/20- Item 3):

3. That for the period April 2020 to June 2021 Council resolves to:

a) suspend new debt recovery actions for outstanding accounts where financial hardship is evident;

b) support ratepayers to establish payment plans; and

c) remove account keeping fees, interest on overdue amounts, late and reminder fees.

For the period April 2020 to 30 June 2021 interest on overdue amounts, late and reminder fees will be calculated at 0% per annum.

Community Engagement

The Draft Revised Bega Valley Shire Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 and Operational Plan 2020 –

2021 including the Budget and Revenue Policy along with the draft Fees and Charges 2020 –

2021 were placed on public exhibition from Wednesday 10 June to Wednesday 8 July 2020.

Given the limitations with COVID-19 and Council facilities being closed for a portion of the

exhibition period the primary point of access to view the documents was through Council’s

website. A number of social media posts on Council’s Facebook page were shared to

encourage the community to provide feedback. Information was also included in Council News produced during the exhibition period.

Legal /Policy

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to develop and publicly exhibit documents in the IPR framework for a period of 28 days and consider submissions made to the Operational Plan prior to adoption.

Attachments

Nil

Table 1: Investments by Fund $’000
Fund	March 2020	April 2020	May 2020
General Fund	15,026	9,755	19,175
Water Fund	23,151	23,794	24,189
Sewer Fund	41,841	40,905	43,287
TOTAL	80,018	74,454	86,651

Metropolitan	Non-Metropolitan
Principal CBD	Major Regional City
Major CBD	Major Strategic Area
Metropolitan Large	Regional Strategic Area
Metropolitan Medium	Regional Centre
Metropolitan Small	Regional Rural
	Rural

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 6.1 - Attachment 1*	Letter from Cr John White - East Gippsland Shire Council

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.1 - Attachment 1*	Planning Proposal Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.2 - Attachment 1*	Submission to NSW Housing Strategy Discussion Paper

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.3 - Attachment 3*	Summary of community feedback

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 8.3 - Attachment 4*	Response to issues raised in submissions

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 10.1 - Attachment 1*	BIVH Proposed Draft Budget

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 11.1 - Attachment 1*	Council report dated 8 April 2020 - Termination of lease Tathra Beach Kiosk

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 11.2 - Attachment 1*	Attatchment - Returned Services League Parade Bega - Application and Insurance

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 12.2 - Attachment 1*	Attachment 1_ IPR Documents_ExhibitionFeedback_July2020

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 12.2 - Attachment 3*	Attachment 3_Draft LTFP_2020-30_FORADOPTION.pdf

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 12.2 - Attachment 4*	Attachment 4_Financial Strategy 2020-21_FORADOPTION.pdf

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 12.3 - Attachment 1*	ATTACHMENT Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Bill 2016

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.2 - Attachment 1*	Attachment 1_Draft Fees and Charges_ SubmissionsSummary_July2020.pdf

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.2 - Attachment 2*	Attachment 2_Fees and Charges 20-21 For adoption v15-7-2020.pdf

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.3 - Attachment 1*	Certificate of Investment TCorp Cash Fund May 2020

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.3 - Attachment 2*	Certificate of Investment TCorp Strategic Cash Fund May 2020

Funding source		Amount
2020/21 Operating Budget	$	226,770

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.4 - Attachment 1*	OLG Circular 20-23 - 2020.2021 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal

Council	22 July 2020
*Item 13.4 - Attachment 2*	2020 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Determination

Ordinary

Meeting Notice and Agenda

To:

Copy:

Live Streaming of Council Meetings

Publishing of Agendas And Minutes

Ethical Decision Making and Conflicts of Interest

A guiding checklist for Councillors, officers and community committees

Ethical decision making

Conflict of interest

The test for conflict of interest

Identifying problems

Local Government Act 1993 and Model Code of Conduct

Agency advice

Disclosure of pecuniary interests / non-pecuniary interests

Agenda

Statement of Commencement of Live Streaming

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of Bega Valley Shire

1 Apologies and requests for leave of absence

2 Confirmation Of Minutes

3 Declarations

4 Public Forum – report by Mayor of deputations heard prior to the meeting

5 Petitions

6 Mayoral Minutes

7 Urgent Business

8 Staff Reports – Planning and Environment

9 Staff Reports – Community, Culture and Leisure

10 Staff Reports –Economic Development and Business Growth

11 Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste and Water

12 Staff Reports – Governance and Strategy

13 Staff Reports – Finance

14 Councillor Reports

15 Rescission/alteration Motions

16 Notices of Motion

17 Questions with Notice

18 Questions without Notice

19 Confidential Business

Statement of Cessation of Live Streaming for the period of the Closed Session.

Statement of Re-Commencement of Live Streaming

19 Noting of Resolutions from Closed Session

21 Declassification of reports considered previously in Closed Session

6.1. Request for support to communities impacted by Victoria/New South Wales Border - request East Gippsland Shire Council

Recommendation

Attachments

Council

22 July 2020

Staff Reports –Planning And Environment

22 July 2020

Council

22 July 2020

Staff Reports – Community, Culture and Leisure

22 July 2020

Council

22 July 2020

Staff Reports – Economic Develoment and Business Growth

22 July 2020

10.1. Bega Valley Innovation Hub Update and Incubator Support Funding

Officer’s Recommendation

Attachments

Council

22 July 2020

Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste And Water

22 July 2020

Council

22 July 2020

Staff Reports – Governance And Strategy

22 July 2020

Staff Reports – Finance

22 July 2020

16.1. Cr Jo Dodds - Protection of endangered shorebirds

Notice of Motion

Attachments

16.2. Cr Cathy Griff - Support for Regional Media and the ABC

Notice of Motion

Background

Attachments

16.3. Cr Cathy Griff - DA ANWE

Notice of Motion

Background

Attachments