Agenda of Public Forum - Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Record of Public Forum Agenda

29 January 2025

Public Forum

Held on Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 12:00pm

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

Present:

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick , Mayor

Cr Mitchell Nadin, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Simon Daly

Cr Peter Haggar

Cr Clair Mudaliar

Cr Peggy Noble

Cr Helen O’Neil

Cr David Porter

Copy:

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Anthony McMahon

Director, Assets and Operations, Mr Ian Macfarlane

Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Mrs Emily Harrison

Director, Business and Governance, Mrs Iliada Bolton

Manager Communications and Engagement, Ms Kellie Dodge

Executive Officer (Minute Secretary), Mrs Jackie Grant

Public Forum Submissions Received

Deputations for the Public Forum of 29 January 2025 were received and circulated to Councillors.

Statement of Commencement of Live Streaming

The Mayor made an announcement about live streaming requirements:

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, I would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways and airspace on which we are gathering.

Apologies

There were no apologies.

Public Forum Addresses

. Public Forum submissions received

FOR
	Name	Rep	Method	Comment
2	John Rheinberger \| Item 13.1 – Rates charged to selected Non-for-Profit Organisations	On behalf of Merimbula Tennis Club Inc	Face to Face	The Merimbula Tennis Club is a sporting organisation available to the public and has never been rated in the past. This year a rate of $14,305.90 was levied as a Business enterprise. The club argues that it is a public facility and should not be rated.
3	Stan Soroka \| Item 13.1 – Rates charged to selected Non-for-Profit Organisations	On behalf of Eden Mountain Bike Club Inc	Face to Face	History of Eden Mountain Biking Club
AGAINST
	Name	Rep	Method	Comment
1	Melinda Steel \| Item 13.1 – Rates charged to selected Non-for-Profit Organisations	On behalf of the Bega District Band	Face to Face	Present case for one of many other community organisations that have similar issues with rates remission changes. Present case that all organisations, not just listed two, need to be included in motion. Present case that sports clubs are for members enjoyment of sport , while many other community organisations that purely give to the community and these organisations, like The Bega District Band, should be considered as the priority not for profit organisations in motions for rates remissions.

Melinda Steel was granted a 2 minute extension.

The Public Forum session closed at 12:37pm.

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