Agenda of Public Forum - Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Record of Public Forum Agenda

13 December 2023

Public Forum

Held on Wednesday 13 December 2023 at 12:00pm

Council Chambers, Biamanga Room, Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre, Bega

Present:

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick , Mayor

Cr Cathy Griff, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Mitchell Nadin

Cr Helen O’Neil

Cr David Porter

Cr Joy Robin

Cr Liz Seckold

Cr Karen Wright

Copy:

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Anthony McMahon

Director, Assets and Operations, Mr Ian Macfarlane

Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Mrs Emily Harrison

Acting Director, Business and Governance, Mrs Gemma Stewart

Manager Communications and Engagement, Ms Kellie Dodge

Executive Officer (Minute Secretary), Mrs Jackie Grant

Public Forum Submissions Received

Deputations for the Public Forum of 13 December 2023 were received and circulated to Councillors.

Statement of Commencement of Live Streaming

The Mayor made an announcement about live streaming requirements noting that Public Forums are recorded and live streamed to the Internet for public viewing.The recording will be archived and made available on Council’s website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of Bega Valley Shire

The Mayor commenced by acknowledging, on behalf of Bega Valley Shire Council, the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Shire, the people of Yuin nation, to show respect to elders past and present.

Apologies

That the apology of Director, Business and Governance, Mrs Iliada Bolton be noted.

Public Forum Addresses

. Public Forum submissions received

FOR
	Name	Rep	Method	Comment
5	Mr Rodney McDonald – Item 9.7 - Construction of Bega Sports Complex - Funding and RFT 2223 032	Self	Face to Face	I am the President of the Bega Angledale Cricket Club and I will be speaking in favour of the staff recommendation to move forward with this project. I will talk about what it will mean for our club to have facilities at the ground and our frustration at the way the project has been handled to this point in time.
6	Ms Kerryn Constable– Item 9.7 - Construction of Bega Sports Complex - Funding and RFT 2223 032	Self	Face to Face	To support the current motion before council for the Bega Sporting complex.
7	Mr David Armstrong – Item 9.7 - Construction of Bega Sports Complex - Funding and RFT 2223 032	Self	Face to Face	Needs to proceed as a long term user.
AGAINST
	Name	Rep	Method	Comment
1	Mr Michael Brosnan - Item 8.1 – Moveable dwellings	On behalf of Social Justice Advocates	Face to face	Details of concern for our community if this is adopted.
2	Ms Roz Hansen - Item 8.1 – Moveable dwellings	Self	Face to face	I will be using a PowerPoint to demonstrate that the SJA moveable dwellings being used to house people who are at risk of being homeless in the Bega Valley Shire: (1) are caravans and fall within the definition of moveable dwelling (2) there is an approval pathway that operates for the installation of these caravans under the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulations 2021 (3) caravans are not subject to the Building Code of Australia noting that the definition of building does not include a moveable dwelling or associated structure or part of a moveable dwelling or associated structure (4) Council can prepare a local approvals policy for moveable dwellings to assist in determining applications within the Shire
3	Mr David Gallan - Item 8.1 – Moveable dwellings	On behalf of Tathra Uniting Church – Authority received	Face to face	In speaking against Council's motion the address will review the negotiations, planning, implementation and outcomes of the crisis accommodation units installed at Bega Uniting Church.
4	Ms Lynn McColl – Item 9.2 - Request for Tender (RFT) 2324-003 Market Street Slope Stabilisation	Self	Face to Face	I will be addressing Council's decision to spray concrete on the retaining wall under the homes on Market St Merimbula. I understand the structural integrity must be ensured, but the aesthetics are equally important in such a highly visible location as people enter Merimbula from the south, for those using the foreshore of Merimbula Lake and for residents who will be forced to look at the wall every day. Merimbula is a huge economic force in the shire as a business and holiday destination and needs to be made more attractive, not less. Once the structural integrity of the wall is completed, some simple landscaping and native planting will be a more attractive, more eco friendly and cost effective outcome to finish the project.

Mr Michael Brosnan was granted a 2 minute extension

Ms Roz Hansen was granted a 2 minute extension

Mr David Gallan was granted a 2 minute extension

The Public Forum session closed at 1:13pm.

The recording of the Public Forum is available on Council’s website:

http://webcast.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/archive.php

Excerpt from the Procedure 6.02.2 Code of Meeting Practice regarding the number of speakers:

4. Public Forums

4.8 No more than three (3) speakers are to speak “for” and “against” each item of business on the agenda for the Council meeting.

4.9 If more than the permitted number of speakers apply to speak “for” or “against” any item of business the CEO or their delegate may request the speakers to nominate from amongst themselves the persons who are to address the Council on the item of business. If the speakers are not able to agree on whom to nominate to address the Council, the CEO or their delegate is to determine who will address the Council at the public forum.

4.10 If more than the permitted number of speakers apply to speak “for” or “against” any item of business, the CEO or their delegate may, in consultation with the Mayor or the Mayor’s nominated Chairperson, increase the number of speakers permitted to speak on an item of business, where they are satisfied that it is necessary to do so to allow the Council to hear a full range of view on the relevant item of business.

Attachments

Nil