Notice of Motion – Cr Ring – Tarana Roads – Community Meeting
I am happy that Councillors supported my recommendation for a public meeting with Tarana residents to discuss current condition and ongoing management of roads in their area.
Our rural residents often feel let down by Council and not part of the broader community, this meeting will allow the resident to voce their concerns and to be heard.
Resolved: Unanimous
Tender 05/24 – Blast Furnace Projection Lighting and Electrical Upgrades
$430,000 in grant funds allocated for lighting upgrades to the Blast Furnace Park. The successful tenderer was Frontier assembly Pty Ltd,
Resolved: Unanimous
Beatlesfest Event Assistance Application
$20,000 allocated in sponsorship for Beatlesfest 2024/125 form the large events budget. Our new Director is proposing significant changes to how we manage our limited event budget and I agree with his view that events need two – three years to develop.
At the meeting it was noted that the event ran at a loss last year – but that loss was won by the organisers not Council. I reiterated my disappointment that Councillors were not briefed on the results of last year’s event, but this was not a reflection of the organisers. This was a failure of the mayor and General Manager to organize after I had previously raised this matter at an earlier council meeting.(see video below)
Resolved:
FOR: Councillor M Statham, Councillor D Goodwin, Councillor S McGhie, Councillor E Mahony, Councillor C O’Connor and Councillor S Ring
AGAINST: Councillor C Coleman and Councillor S Lesslie
South Bowenfels Housing Initiative Project
Councils Three Tree Hill Development at South Bowenfels is now deemed development ready. In order to minimise the risk to Council in developing the land and to ensure an appropriate financial return for Council an Expression of Interest will be called to determine the level of interests from suitable proponents to partner with Council or purchase with land.
The results of the Expressions of Interest will be presented to the next Council to make a determination on how to proceed. As I stated at the meeting, it is my position that when the land is sold is through a ballot system for Lithgow LGA residents
Resolved: Unanimous
2023/24 Quarter Three Budget Review
The report is available online if anyone wishes to read it. My o0ngoing concern id the lateness of deferring capital works projects to then next financial year. Council needs to have a better understanding of its capacity to implement capital and should be deferring projects at the March Council meeting not in June.
This is an ongoing issue and concern of mine with respect to Council waiting until the 11th hour to rephase capital works programs. Council should be able to determine what projects need to be deferred much earlier in the financial year.
Resolved: Unanimous
Proposed Transfer of Land at Blackmans Flat to EnergyAustralia (NSW) Pty Ltd for Pipeline
The sale of Lot 1 in DP1127043 ( the block can be viewed at https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/) to energy Australia. This is a former road that eventually may have provided access to Council owned land Blackmans Flat earmarked for a future waste facility. Conditions of sale would ensure future access to the site. It should be noted more that half of the lot is under a dam. Market price will be obtained.
Resolved: Unanimous
Various Matters – Lake Lyell Lease from EnergyAustralia (NSW) Pty Ltd .
An overly complicated report design with several separate issues was deferred to an Information Session.
Resolved: Unanimous
Outcomes of Study Visit LA TROBE VALLEY
Any visit to la Trobe to assess their Transition process should have occurred during the or prior to the preparation of the Lithgow Local Economy Project. I called this visit a junket and I stand by that claim