Rate rise and Crescent Head on Council's June agenda
Published on 13 June 2024
A 7.9% rate rise, plans for the Crescent Head Holiday Park and the Crescent Head Community Advisory Group, DAs for South West Rocks and the budget and plans for the coming financial year feature on a packed June agenda for Council.
You can register to speak to Councillors at the Public Forum on Monday 17 June. The meeting is only held if there are registered speakers.
The Ordinary Meeting will be held at the Kempsey Shire Council Chambers from 9am on Tuesday 18 June.
You can view the full June 2024 agenda and business papers at Council meeting agendas & minutes.
The meeting will be live-streamed via Council's YouTube page and on the Kempsey Shire Council website.
Integrated Planning and Reporting
Council will adopt a budget and plans to take effect in the new financial year, including the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2024-25. The budgeted consolidated net operating surplus, inclusive of income associated with capital grants and contributions, is $35M. There is a $1.9M surplus when capital grants and contributions are excluded. The general fund budget is a deficit of $4.4M excluding capital grants and contributions.
The 2024-25 financial year will see the delivery of a large capital works program of $73M across the shire that will result in a variety of new and replaced assets, facilities, and infrastructure including:
- Continued multi-million-dollar investment in maintaining and improving the shire’s road network
- Investment in priority works at Council’s Waste Management Centre
- Progression of major water and sewer infrastructure projects including Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme, Central Kempsey Wastewater Treatment Plan, Crescent Head Water Treatment Plant, Steuart McIntyre Dam Water Treatment Plant, Willawarrin Water Treatment Plant.
- Riverside Park foreshore and riverbank stabilisation
- Kempsey Regional Saleyards infrastructure upgrade
- Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks maintenance and improvements
- Implementation of the Verge/Eden Street sports complex masterplan
- Airport runway upgrade
- Toose Road permanent alternate route
Setting rates for the coming year
Council will determine the rates for the coming financial year, with an increase of 7.9% recommended and incorporated into the planning documents.
On 14 May 2024, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) partially approved Council’s application for a special variation to increase on general rates of 24.09% over 2 years, made up of a 7.9% increase in 2024-25 and a 15% increase in 2025-26.
In addition to approving the rate level for the coming year, Council also needs to set the charges, including domestic waste services, stormwater management services, water charges and sewerage charges.
Revised concept plan for Crescent Head Holiday Park
Council will consider a report on the Crescent Head Holiday Park 2024 Concept Plan. The plan has been significantly amended in response to community feedback provided while it was on exhibition. Amendments to the plan that went on exhibition include:
- reconsidering the northern area of the park closest to the foreshore (also known as “Area 9”) after the current holiday park lease expires in 2027, as part of a broader foreshore masterplanning beyond 2027
- removing the five cabins that were planned to go alongside Reserve Road (Area 5), with the area now identified for self-contained powered sites
- committing to a 24-hour access along the Killick Creek footpath
- removing exclusive parking rights for Holiday Park guests in Willow St from February 2025
- committing to conduct a comprehensive investigation into additional parking spaces and implementing time limits.
Crescent Head Community Advisory Group
In March 2024 Council resolved to establish the Crescent Head Community Advisory Group. An open expression of interest was conducted and Council received 30 applications. An assessment of the applications was conducted using the criteria of Relevant Experience, Representation, Commitment to participation, Community and Council values.
Councillors will confirm the members of the Crescent Head Community Advisory Group and amendments to the Community Advisory Group terms of reference.
Council-Managed Crown Land Plan of Management
The results of the community engagement on the draft Plan of Management for Council-Managed Community Crown Land and the final draft of the Plan, approved by the delegate for the Minister for Lands and Property, will be presented for adoption.
DA determinations for Rosedale Avenue
Council will consider a number of Development Applications that propose Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision for a series of properties on Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks.
Order of Business considered in open session
10.1. Integrated Planning and Reporting 2024-2025
10.2. Making the Rates
10.3. Crescent Head Holiday Park - Revised Concept Plan
10.4. Establishment of Crescent Head Community Advisory Group (CAG)
10.5. Council-managed Crown Land Plan of Management
10.6. DA2300939 - Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 20 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.7. DA2300945 - Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 24 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.8. DA2400965 Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 26 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.9. DA2400969 - Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 29 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.10. DA2400997 - Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 27 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.11. DA2400998 - Proposed Dual Occupancy and Strata Subdivision - 25 Rosedale Avenue, South West Rocks
10.12. Loan Borrowings - June 2023 Report
10.13. Outdoor Dining Fees
10.14. Mayoral and Councillor Fees for 2024-25
10.15. Statement of Cash and Investments - May 2024
11.1. Delegates Report - LGNSW Rural and Regional Summit
11.2. Delegates Report - Country Mayors Association May Meeting
11.3. Delegates Report - Understanding Local Government Finances
12.1. Legal Matters
12.2. Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes - 8 May 2024
12.3. Kempsey Regional Saleyards Infrastructure Upgrade Tender (TQE24/44)
More information
You can read the detailed agenda and reports in the business papers.
You can view the meeting on Council's YouTube page.