Kempsey farewells three Councillors
Published on 20 August 2024
In the final Council meeting before the September Local Government election, Councillors discussed key residential subdivision planning proposals at Yarrahappini and West Kempsey, as well as the renaming of the Kemp Street Sports Complex to the Terry Giddy Sports Fields.
Valedictorians
Council farewelled Mayor Leo Hauville, Deputy Mayor Kerri Riddington, and former Deputy Mayor Anthony Patterson, who will not be standing for re-election.
Each of the departing Councillors gave a five minute farewell speech, outlining successes and challenges over the course of their time in Council, acknowledging the support they have received from family and the community, the steep learning curve in becoming a Councillor, and thanking Council staff for their kindness and professionalism.
Concept Plan for Greenhill lookout
A lookout over the Macleay River at Greenhill is one step closer after Councillors voted to include the creation of a concept plan in the 2025-26 budget. This will be put before the next Council in April as part of the Operational Plan.
Planning proposal for Yarrahapinni
A residential subdivision proposed for Stuarts Point Road, Yarrahapinni was considered and generated significant discussion. On 26 February 2024, a delegate for the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issued a Gateway Determination to proceed with the planning proposal, with amendments. Council was asked to endorse the proposal with the amendments now made, which is the next step in the development process.
Councillors spoke about the importance of protecting threatened species, taking care of the river which passes through the piece of land, and preserving mature trees on the property. It was also noted that the current legislation already provides adequate environmental protection, and that Council has a responsibility to provide housing and allow development in the Shire.
The subdivision in question is located on 322 Stuarts Point Road, Yarrahapinni, and requires a change from a Primary Production zoning to a rural residential zoning, an amendment to the Kempsey Development Control Plan 2013, and an amendment of the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan 2013. The development proposes subdividing a 47.05 hectare block of land into 16 one-hectare lots for rural residential development plus one rural lot of approximately 30 hectares in area.
The land in question is in an area marked for Stage 2 release in Council's Rural Residential Land Release Strategy 2014, and the proposal has demonstrated that it can achieve the required provisions outlined in the strategy.
Council endorsed Planning Proposal PP2300004 which seeks to amend the Zoning and Lot Size Map at Lot 333 DP 805299, 322 Stuarts Point Road, Yarrahapinni in the Kempsey Development Control Plan 2013. The amendment will now be placed on public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days before the changes are made to the Act
Details about the planning proposal and the stakeholder engagement can be found on the Business Papers on the website.
Planning proposal for West Kempsey
West Kempsey is the location of a planned residential subdivision for 64 housing blocks on a 7.27 hectare block on the corner of North Street and Kemp Street, West Kempsey. This proposal is one step further back in the development process than the Yarrahapinni proposal.
Councillors considered whether the plan should be progressed to the next stage of the plan making process, which is to forward the planning proposal to the Minister for Planning & Public Spaces for gateway consideration. They discussed the benefits of including green space in the subdivision, the size of the lots, access to public transport, and the possible presence of Aboriginal artefacts. Councillors voted in favour of the Kemp Street development proceeding to gateway consideration.
Currently, the land is mostly grazing fields, with a small number of isolated trees, a dwelling, sheds and stock yards. For the proposal to go ahead, the land will need to be rezoned from RU2 Rural Landscape to R1 General Residential.
The site is in an area identified for future urban growth, is consistent with the pattern and scale of surrounding residential development and can be supported by existing road and transportation networks.
Councillors voted to submit the planning proposal to the Ministoer for Planning & Public Spaces for gateway consideration.
Grassy Head Playground
An urgent Notice of Motion was raised suggesting the imminent construction of a new playground at Grassy Head reserve be put on hold. A robust conversation took place regarding the decision-making process, criteria and weighting of submissions, and the risks vs benefits of suspending the construction of the playground, due to begin on Monday.
Councillors voted to go ahead with construction of the playground, but to ask for a detailed analysis of the decision-making process, criteria and weighting used in determining the final outcome for the location of the Grassy Head playground. A report will be made to the October Council.
Terry Giddy Sports Fields
The Kemp Street Sports Complex is closer to having a new name, with Council voting to rename the site the Terry Giddy Sports Fields in honour of the late,local paralympic athlete Mr Terrence Giddy OAM.
Terry Giddy was an acclaimed paralympian, competing in his first games in 1969 and retiring in 2006 after placing seventh in shot put at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games as Australia's oldest ever athlete. Terry helped to shape perceptions of those living with a disability and what they can achieve.
The proposal will now be placed on public exhibition and subject to community support will be lodged with the Geographical Names Board.
Business considered in open session
10.1. Planning Proposal - 322 Stuarts Point Road, Yarrahapinni - PP2300004
10.2. Planning Proposal - Kemp Street, West Kempsey - PP2400009
10.3. Proposed Dwelling - 492 Fishermans Reach Road, Fishermans Reach - DA2300826
10.4. Corporate Performance Report - Quarter 4 2023-24
10.5. Carry Over and Revote Budgets
10.6. Naming of Fields - Terry Giddy OAM
10.7. LGNSW Annual Conference 2024
10.8. Slim Dusty Centre Annual Report 2024
10.9. 2023-24 Financial Statements – Referral to Audit
10.10. Statement of Cash and Investments - July 2024
11.1. Notice of Motion - Riverside Park Foreshore Stabilisation Project
11.2. Delegates Report - Canberra 2 July to 5 July 2024
11.3. Delegates Report - Country Mayors Association - 9 August 2024
12.1. Legal Matters
12.2. Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes - 24 July 2024
More information
You can read the detailed agenda and reports in the business papers.
You can view the meeting on Council's YouTube page.