First meeting for new Council elects Deputy Mayor
Published on 15 October 2024
A smoking ceremony with Uncle Fred Kelly was held in the Civic Centre courtyard at the beginning of the meeting to welcome in the new Council.
In this first meeting for the new Council, Councillors elected Councillor Julie Coburn as Deputy Mayor, as well as approving the Development Application for the new Amenities and Accommodation block for the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, receiving an update on the Multi-purpose Pavilion on Verge Street, and finalising the formation of a Revenue Review Taskforce. There was also a Notice of Motion passed regarding the creation of a Dementia friendly community.
A new Deputy Mayor is elected
Kempsey Shire has a new Deputy Mayor, with Councillor Julie Coburn elected via an open show of hands, five votes to four. Councillor Coburn will serve as Deputy Mayor until September 2025.
There were two candidates for Deputy Mayor, with Councillor Lawrence also nominating for the role.
The Deputy Mayor is able to perform the duties of Mayor either at the request of the Mayor, or if the Mayor is unavailable or absent, and while the role is largely ceremonial, it is an important safeguard for the effective governance of the Council.
Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park DA approved
South West Rocks is closer to a new community amenities block in Horseshoe Bay after a Development Application has been approved that will also improve Council’s bottom line with the inclusion of accommodation units.
Councillors were asked to grant consent for a Development Application for the demolition of an amenities building and the construction of a replacement amenities building and three tourist accommodation units at Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park. The motion was passed, with three Councillors dissenting.
The proposed building will consist of amenities on the ground floor, including a camp kitchen, dining areas, toilets, shower facilities, laundry and a cleaner’s storeroom. These facilities will be open to all visitors to the Holiday Park. On the top floor there will be three two-bedroom units, each with its own independent kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living space and bathroom.
The item was discussed at length, covering issues such as potential conflict with the desired local character of the area, the size, height and overall footprint of the proposed development, as well as the benefits, including having quality accommodation and amenities for visitors to the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, and the need to for council to create opportunities to increase revenue to support financial sustainability into the future.
Revenue Review Taskforce Terms of Reference
Financial sustainability remains a focus for Council in the new term with the adoption of terms of reference for a Revenue and Review Taskforce that will bring Councillors, staff and community together to assess ideas for improving business.
Councillors decided that the Revenue Review Taskforce will include the Mayor, two Councillors, a suitably qualified external person, all members of council's Executive Leadership Team, as well as the Group manager for Corporate Performance.
Councillor Annette Lawrence and Councillor Ben Paix were appointed as the Councillor representatives, in addition to the Mayor.
The purpose of the Taskforce is to act in an advisory capacity to Council and the Executive Leadership Team to:
- identify ways to increase revenue
- identify and consider significant business efficiency improvements that Council may need to implement
- to review draft proposals for service reductions and cuts and provide feedback
Verge/Eden Street Multi-Purpose Pavilion update
The update on the Verge /Eden Street Multi-Purpose Pavilion and netball facilities was discussed by Councillors, with the main issue being the need to go back out for a new Design and Construct tender for the Multi-purpose Pavilion that will fit within the project budget.
Councillors agreed going back out to tender was the best solution, and suggested that alongside the tender process, that Councillors and representatives from key sporting groups receive a briefing on the Macleay Valley Sports Strategy and the Eden/Verge Street Sporting Complex Master Plan. The briefing would include the strategic vision, any proposals and improvements for fields included in the Sport Strategy and master Plan, work that has been completed so far, any proposed works, and information on the stakeholder consultation which has occurred for this project.
Creating a Dementia friendly community
Councillors and the Senior Leadership Team will participate in a workshop in March 2025 held by Dementia Australia on the importance of developing a dementia friendly community, after a notice of motion was passed at the meeting today.
Business considered in open session
9.1. Local Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes
10.1. Oaths and Affirmations
10.2. Election of Deputy Mayor
10.3. Review of Committees and Appointment of Delegates
10.4. Countback By-elections
10.5. LGNSW Annual Conference 2024
10.6. DA2300893 - 2A Livingstone Street, South West Rocks - Replace Park Amenities and 3 x Tourist Accommodation Units
10.7. Revenue Review Task Force
10.8. Multi-Purpose Pavillion Verge Street
10.9. Policy Framework Policy
10.10. Council Offices, Libraries and Depot 2024 Christmas - New Year Closedown
10.11. Local Event Day Applications
10.12. Disclosure of Interest Returns
10.13. Grassy Head Playground - Engagement and Decision Making
10.14. Development Activity and LEP Variations - Quarterly Snapshot
10.15. Statement of Cash and Investments - August and September 2024
REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS
11.1. Notice of Motion - Dementia Awareness
11.2. Delegates Report - Country Mayors Association - 9 August 2024
CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS
12.1. Legal Matters 12.2. Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes - 10 September 2024
12.3. Land Aquisition - Maria River Road
12.4. Riverside Park Foreshore Tender (TQE23-73)
More information
You can read the detailed agenda and reports in the business papers.
You can view the meeting on Council's YouTube page.