On 25 November 2024, I supported a motion by Council Administration to place the Draft Categorisation of Land as Farmland for Rating Policy on public exhibition until the end of January 2025. I supported this motion once a second point was added ensuring that Council wrote to all affected landowners.

Resident can review the policy and make submissions at the following link:

I have included the report tabled at the meeting above and would encourage any resident with concerns or questions to contact the Revenue staff (as stated in the report).

I have also attached questions and the answered I received from the Administration in relation to this item.

Once the community consultation period has concluded a report and recommendation will be brought back to Council.

Although I understand the intent of this policy there are still many unknowns with relation to its implementation:

How many residents are affected?

How much will the rates go up for rural residential properties?

How much will the rates decrease for farms?

Will there be an increase in service levels for the rural residential residents?

I am actively undertaking research on the policy because I still have concerns with it.

The funding model for all Councils is flawed and needs a major overhaul but that is an advocacy issue with both State and Federal Governments. Lithgow Councils current rating structure needs to be overhauled and I will continue working on this matter.

The post Farmland Rating Policy appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

Mayoral Minute Proposed Visit – NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

It was revolved:

THAT Council invite the Hon. Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, to

visit the Lithgow LGA to inspect roads and local areas, as well as to meet with residents and Councillors.

CONFIDENTIAL – I&E – 11/12/2024 – Wolgan Road – Project Briefing and Procurement Report

Resolved that:

THAT Council approve:

1. The engagement of WSP Australia Pty Limited for a total fee of $5,955,810 excl. GST

2. A contingency allowance of 15% of the above Fee valued of $893,371.50 excl. GST to allow

for unforeseen variations to the Contact. Total value = $6,849,181.50 exc. GST

3. Utilisation of funds provided as part of the tripartite agreement (payment in advance), noting

that NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW have endorsed the commitment

of the above Fee.

4. The General Manager to execute the Professional Services Contract (PSC) including

negotiated changes reviewed by Lithgow City Council Administration with a Contract start

date of 16 December 2024.

MOVED: Councillor S Ring SECONDED: Councillor E Mahony

CARRIED

CONFIDENTIAL – I&E – 11/12/2024 – Strategic Employment Lands Projects

THAT Council:

1. Endorse the General Manager to progress Actions 1 and 2 set out in the body of the Report.

2. Note that purchase options – in the form of a right of refusal – will be funded through the LEEP budget, with master planning supported by the LEEP budget and/or potential grants under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program and similar programs. Any such expenditure would first be reported to Council for approval.

3. Note that the execution of any successful grant applications by Council officers will not proceed until the successful outcomes are reported to Council and Council’s endorsement to proceed with the grants is obtained.

A DIVISION was called by Councillor S Ring

FOR: Councillor C Coleman, Councillor T Evangelidis, Councillor E Fredericks, Councillor R Smith and Councillor E Mahony

AGAINST: Councillor S Ring

As this was a confidential item, I cannot go into detail, but I will be closely monitoring all projects undertaken by the LEEP team. Holding the Administration accountable is a key function of all councillors.

The post Summary of Extra Ordinary Council Meeting 11 December 2024 appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

I added the following points to the Mayoral Minute which were accepted and passed with the full recommendation.

4. Writes to the Hon. Penny Sharp MLC Minster for Heritage in support of the application for State Heritage listing by Dr Bronwyn Hannah.

5. That the Mayor is authorised to advocate for the retention of the Small arms Factory Museum in situ and for its State Heritage Listing with both State and Federl Parliament.

Request for Information – Cr Ticehurst

Cr Ticehurst has been seeking information on the Barton Street sale for several years but insisted the item was withdrawn. Why?

 LEEP 2025 – 2026 Action Plan

I deferred the following items to an Emerging Economy meeting for review:

That Council withhold funding for LEEP Budget Items: Cadetship. Internship & Graduate Programs (total allocation over two years $101,000 and Capacity Building and Transition management training (total allocation over two years $88,000) until the Emerging Economy Committee undertaker a review of these project.

Of the 6 million dollars raised by the srv just over 1 million dollars is allocated to economic development. Expenditure of these funds need closer oversight by all Councillors.

Draft Lithgow Future Fund Policy

I moved that this policy be place on exhibition until the January meeting. I was not impressed with staff trying to rush through this and several other items with a new Council.

LEEP Communications and Engagement Strategy

That a decision on the LEEP Engagement Plan is deferred until the January 2025 meeting in order to provide Councillors adequate time to review the document and make comment and recommendations for change prior to it going on public exhibition.

The administration wanted Councillors to endorse this document and then they would undertake a final review and make corrections.

If a document is not ready when it is submitted to Council, it has no right being on the agenda.

Draft Policy – Categorisation of Land as Farmland for Rating

I supported the public exhibition of this policy because it provided sufficient time for affected residents to review and make submissions.

Essentially Council Administration is saying that properties that do not meet the category for farms will be transferred to rural residential. This will increase rates for the affected properties while reducing rates for productive farms.

The post Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting 25 November 2024 appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

The Mayor and I called this meeting to undertake a preferential election for two candidates for the Upper Macquarie County Council. The election held on the 28 October was not valid as it did not comply with Schedule 9 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

In relation to this election the Office of Local Government provided the following information:

• Under the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation), Council is required to conduct the election of members of UMCC by way of preferential ballot under Schedule 9 of the Regulation within two months of the ordinary election of the councillors (i.e. by 14/11/24).
• At Council’s meeting of 28 October 2024, the election of the members of UMCC was conducted by open voting (show of hands) rather than preferential ballot as required by Schedule 9, and that as a result, the outcome of the election was invalid. An extraordinary meeting was held on 12 November 2024 to correct this by conducting a fresh election in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Regulation.
• Having given notice of the fresh election in the agenda and business papers for the extraordinary meeting of 12 November, there was no requirement for the Council to separately resolve to conduct that election before it was conducted. Because an election is not a “resolution” of the Council for the purposes of section 372 of the Act, that provision did not apply to the holding of a fresh election for members of UMCC.

Councillor Ring and Mahoney were elected as Lithgow Councils representatives on the Upper Macquarie County Council

The post Summary of Extra Ordinary Council Meeting 12 November 2024 appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

Cr Evangelidis proposed the following:

THAT Lithgow City Council opposes an energy from waste facility within our local government area.

I moved the following amendment. That the Administration prepare workshops on existing and emerging energy production technologies. That the workshops will provide factual information on the positive and negative aspects of each technology and the potential risks to the broader Lithgow Community.

The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried:

FOR: Councillor M Statham, Councillor C Coleman, Councillor M Ticehurst, Councillor E

Fredericks, Councillor R Smith and Councillor E Mahony

AGAINST: Councillor D Goodwin and Councillor S Ring

Cr Ticehurst moved a procedural motion to suspend standing orders – the Council has since received official advice from the Office of Local Government that this was not in the Code of Meeting Practice. However, the following resolution put forward by Cr Ticehurst stands:

That Lithgow City Council oppose any pumped hydro project facilities within our Local Government area.

FOR: Councillor M Statham, Councillor C Coleman, Councillor M Ticehurst, Councillor T

Evangelidis, Councillor E Fredericks, Councillor R Smith, Councillor D Goodwin and Councillor E  Mahony

AGAINST: Councillor S Ring

Cr Ring – Council Resolution Action Register

THAT the Administration develop a tracking and reporting system for Council Resolutions to be implemented in February 2025 with a commencement date of July 2025.

 Cr Ring – Sodwalls – Tarana Road

MOTION

THAT the Administration table a report at the November meeting identifying the worst sections of the Sodwalls – Tarana Road and identifying funding sources that can be used to rectify these sections this financial year inclusive of obtaining external loans.

MOVED: Councillor S Ring SECONDED: Councillor E Mahony

 Councillor M Ticehurst  and   Councillor E Fredericks moved an amendment to defer this issue to a future information session. The amendment was carried.

Exeloo – Supply and Install at Queen Elizabeth Park,  Lithgow

Approved the purchase of a new Exeloo toilet to be located near the children’s playground. The toilet will also include an adult change table.

Variation – Wolgan Road Reconstruction Project Management Engagement

THAT Council vary Wassabi Group engagement by $307,395 excl GST, increasing the total contract value to $1,697,729, for the purpose of providing expert road design and technical review services to the Wolgan Road Reconstruction project, funded entirely by the disaster recovery prepayment provided by the NSW and Australian Governments.

The post Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting 28 October 2024 appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

Councillors are legally required to take the oath before the can take up the role of Councillor.

All Councillor took the oath

Election of Mayor.

Councillor Coleman and Ticehurst stood for the position of Mayor.  Councillor Coleman was elected Mayor for two years.

For Coleman: Evangelidis, Mahony, Ring, Smith, Coleman

For Ticehurst: Fredericks, Statham, Goodwin Ticehurst

Election of Deputy Mayor

I moved that the position of Deputy Mayor be for a period of two years as has occurred previously.  Cr Goodwin moved an amendment to limit the position to one year – which was carried.

Cr Fredericks and Ring stood for the position of Deputy and I was successful.

For Fredericks: Fredericks, Statham, Goodwin Ticehurst

For Ring: Evangelidis, Mahony, Ring, Smith, Coleman

 Countbacks to fill Casual Councillor Vacancies

Council voted to support the use of the countback provisions in the event a Councillor resigns during the first 18 months of the Council term.

This Decision saves Council more than $160, 000 that would be required for a by election

Business of Great Urgency

I successfully raised the issue of Thales not approving urgent repairs for the Small Arms Museum.

The following resolution was carried:

The Administration seek clarification from Thales and the Lithgow Small Arms Museum

Executive on the delays in approving essential maintenance works

The post Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting 8 October 2024 appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

I have often been asked if I believe that I have made an impact since returning to Council – the simple answer is yes.  Since returning to Council June 2023 I have attended 13 general council meetings during which time I have submitted 10 notices of motions  and 32 amendments to Administrative reports or other Councillors NOM’s.

Have they all been successful, no but it’s important to have open discussion and different perspectives. This goes to the heart of transparency so that the community knows that issues are being challenged and attempts are being made to get a better result.

Of the 32 amendments I have put forward I am proud of the following:

I attempted to reduce residential rates by 10% – lost

• To have the administration negotiate a fair price for fixtures and fittings owned by the Vale ladies – won. The Vale Ladies received a payment of $10,000 which they donated to palliative care.
• For the Council to write to NSW Fire Commissioner about the treatment of volunteers in the communications brigade and the lack of public consultation with respect to disbanding the brigade. – won
• To have the report on the loss of grant funding for Main Street referred to the Asset, Risk and Improvement Committee for independent review – won.
• Moved to have the use of section 226(d) of the local government act referred to Asset, Risk and Improvement Committee for independent guidance in relation to the current Mayor approving 2.2 million dollars prior to entering caretaker mode – lost
• Moved to have no change in rural rates until a proper policy is debated by the elected Councillors and the community is engaged in meaningful discussion.

Of the Notices of Motion that I submitted I would like to highlight the following:

• Rates Review – to lock at the impact of rates on both business and residences -lost. I was impressed by the Administration’s response to my report – 2 pages for every page I wrote. Although this motion went down working with community saw rates for Marrangaroo Fields revert to rural residential.

• Governance review of fees and charges. To have fees and charges reviewed by the finance committee. Fees and charges go up every year but no business cases are very tabled – lost.

• Community meeting at Tarana – I worked with the community to meet with Councillors and management to discuss roads. – won.
• Lithgow Hospital – that the Administration seek clarification on staffing levels at Lithgow Hospital – won

• Bathurst Bullet – that the Administration write to the Transport Minister objecting to extending the Bathurst Bullet to Orange at this point in time. This would have had disastrous impact on our community with no increased carriages.

The post Media Release – What Have I Achieved Since Returning to Council appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

At our last Council meeting I was disgusted at attempts to yet again silence Cr Stephen Lesslie because he was giving an opinion.  It doesn’t matter if anyone agrees with him – as an elected representative of our community he is entitled to express that opinion.

I called a Point of Order on the Mayor and Councillor McGhie because Cr Lesslie had not breached either the Code of Conduct or Code of Meeting Practice, nor was the matter Operational. I told the Councillors to grow a pair and get over it – Councillors are entitled to an opinion and to express it and if you don’t agree with it that’s life.

However, later in the meeting I ensured that Councillor McGhie was able to amend a motion consistent with the Code of Meeting Practice and even provided him with the words for the amendment. Why? Because the outcome was the best for the community moving forward.

Councillors working together, does not preclude heated debate nor should it be based on friendship, party or team allegiance.

I believe that I have demonstrated during the past twelve months to support any issue that I believe is in the best interest of our community regardless of the author of the issue.

If I or any of my team are elected, we are committed to working with all Councillors for the benefit of our community.

The post Media Release – Councillors Told To Grow A Pair appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

Apologies for not posting about the July meeting but here are the key elements of our last meeting.

Mayoral Minute – Halloween 2024

The return of Halloween to main street was a decision of Council. I amended the Mayoral minute so that the additional funding is drawn from carryover revenue from the SRV for economic transition. Why? Halloween has always been staged as an economic stimulus package and drawing on these funds is appropriate. If it is just a dress up party then clearly the funds would have to come from another source but that is decision for the community and council moving forward.
I also added an additional point requesting adequate surveys and assessment of the event be undertaken and reported back to the next council. The Mayor and Councillor McGhie voted against the amendment. The only Councillor to vote against the motion was Cr Lesslie.

Notice of Motion – 26/08/2024 – Cr S McGhie – Police Check and working with Children Check for Councillors

All candidates for Council elections are required to nominate and sign a statutory declaration see below. Candidates must acknowledge that they are not excluded from standing for Council as per the exclusions under the local government act.

Any sitting Councillor or candidate who believes a candidate for this election is not fit to hold public office needs to refer their proof and concerns to the electoral commission. If substantiated those individuals will be prosecuted for signing a false declaration and excluded from Council.

Any other action is a cheap political stunt to sew doubt in the minds of all residents. As stated at the Council meeting, I have a volunteer WWCC check but I won’t be posting it online. Why? Because you as an individual are unable to verify the currency or validity of the number provided unless you meet specific requirements as outlined at the following link.

The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) [WWC Act]- states that these checks are required for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW.

Child-related work is defined by section 6(1)(a) of the WWC Act as involving direct contact by the worker with a child or children and that contact is part of or more than incidental to the work. What are child related positions can be found at https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2012-051#sec.6

Response to Notice of Motion – 22 July 2024 – Rural Waste Management
I was dissatisfied with the response to my original Notice of Motion, so I successfully moved the following to replace the Administration’s response. This is how Councillors hold the Administration to account. Our rural residents deserve answers to their legitimate concerns. My motion was supported unanimously.
Motion

1. That Administration provide a report to the next Council meeting addressing the following:
a) Design guidelines for all waste transfer stations to ensure that residents can safely dispose of their waste at the transfer station inclusive of a risk assessment for unloading rubbish
b) Table the review undertaken by the Administration bulky waste services referenced on p 8 of 48
c) Option to provide enhance resource recovery options for residents in rural areas at Waste transfer stations

Continuation of the Wolgan Road Reconstruction – Interim budget allocation

The Administration had the mayor authorise the expenditure of $2.2 million because of the proximity to the Caretaker mode, an online extraordinary could be called very quickly. It wasn’t so I moved the additional Point

That Item 3.9 is referred to the ARIC Committee for review and advice to the next Council on developing an effective policy on Section 226 (d) of the Local Government Act

Not I thought an unreasonable request, but it was voted down by Councillors Statham, Bryce, McGhie, O’Connor and Goodwin. No council I have reviewed has a financial delegation greater than $500,00 for the mayor and only for specific uses. Why is Lithgow different and why would these councillors not wish to have protection for future Mayors?

Main Street CBD Stage 2 Footpath Revitalization Program – Funding Advocacy

$1.93 million dollars lost through poor management. I raised this publicly on the Friday before the Council meeting as part of the past on governance. Another candidate’s team after reading it, posted the next day sensationalizing it and using it to attack sitting Councillors. The loss of these funds raises serious question about Council operations which will be answered through the additional point that I added, and which got up:

C) That Item 3.11 is referred to the ARIC Committee to review the management of this project and to report back to the next Council.

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee will review this project and report back to the next Council. This is an independent committee regulated by the state government with access to all Council records. It achieves what Councillor Lesslie wanted but without going to the State Government.

Councillors employ only one staff member and our roles are regulated by state government legislation which you can read at The role of Council, Councillors and the General Manager .

The post Summary of Council Meeting 26 August appeared first on Councillor Steve Ring.

• Why is your group running for council and What are some of your group’s goals if elected?

In June 2023 I returned to Council after the resignation of former Councillor Deanna Goodsell.

I believe that I have made my presence felt in the chamber where I am content to play devil’s advocate and question everything that is tabled. It is the role of an elected Councillor to hold the Administration and when needed other Councillors to account.

I vote according to my conscience, research and what I believe to be in the best interest of our community.

I have selected a team that I believe is a good cross section of our community and we are committed to holding both Councillors and the Administration to account. It’s our money, our community and you vote for the councillors not the Administration.

“Gowing our community” is not a throwaway line but a firm commitment to get back to basics – roads, water, sewerage and waste. These are the building blocks of our community and once dealt with we can build a new future for our children and grandchildren.

You can find out more about Team Ring at independentlithgow.org  

• How would your group improve Lithgow’s economic future?

 Between February 2022 and February 2024, I was the volunteer Project Director for the Bushfire Local Economic Relief Fund for the Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce. During this period, I oversaw the delivery of a procurement forum for local businesses; Reintroduction of local Business Awards; A Business and Lifestyle Expo that attracted over 3,00 visitor and a targeted Investor Forum which attracted participants form the US, Finland, Denmark and form around Australia.

Team Ring is committed to diversifying our economy, attracting new residents, and ensuring that no one is left behind. If elected, we will:

Ensure that there is greater transparency and communication with the community and key stakeholders in growing our economy

Prioritise the development of Greenspots Industrial Park and associated housing estate.

Ensure The Foundations are supported in the development of the former cement works.

Seek to commit Council resources to attracting industry to invest in Lithgow – following on from the Lithgow Investor Forum. Targeting new technologies such as green hydrogen production, commercial glass houses (vegetable and flowers), recycling and manufacturing,

Explore opportunities to develop intensive agriculture within the Greater Lithgow Region.

Seek to undertake a review of tourism within the Lithgow LGA and determine what actions are required to grow commercial tourism over the next 10 years.

• Does your group have a plan to address the region’s housing needs? If so, what is the plan? 

In the last 12 months across Australia 2,400 construction firms have failed due to the current economy. Add to this the rising cost and shortage of building materials will impact on local construction.

 Council needs to process DAs for houses in a timely fashion, but we also need to have a bigger discussion about tiny homes and relocatable homes. There are many large blocks in Lithgow and the other villages where the buildings could be placed (like a granny flat) allowing residents to generate some revenue while increasing housing stock.

My team will seek to have this discussion within the context of developing a flexible housing strategy is developed that can meet not only projected growth but also unexpected demand via new industries

In that discussion will be the need for adequate social and affordable housing options for our community.

Council is already looking at how it can increase social housing through entering partnerships or direct sales to not for profit housing organisations. This is currently occurring at the Three Tree Hill subdivision (Council owned) where an EOI has been forwarded to numerous companies and the next Council will make decisions going forward.

Council has capacity to sell some of these blocks directly to locals via a lottery system like that used by Bathurst Council.

Council can also negotiate with developers for the inclusion of social housing through the DA process.

• How do your group intend to address local infrastructure issues such as roads, sewerage and water? 

The reality is that there is no quick fix to our local infrastructure. Council manages a large number of assets including 1,110 kilometres of roads. Council has still not fully implemented or completed its asset maintenance system This system is critical for our community to understand the current condition of our assets and how much money is required to maintain them and replace them in the future. Without this information financial planning is not accurate and this is reflected in the recent rate rise.

Calculated into the rate rise was a need for an additional $500,000 for roads but not based on an understanding of the real needs. How did they come to this figure? Simply there were two years where road budgets were overexpanded by $500,00 therefore moving forward, we need that amount of money. This was not the right approach.

We will address the question of infrastructure by:

A firm commitment from the Administration to complete all asset management plans for roads within 12 months.

The development of a 10-year replacement schedule for roads based on priority.

Seek to have a four-year maintenance plan for dirt roads in the LGA inclusive of cleaning drains

The adoption of a new policy for the management of back flow in the most affected residences.

Seek a cost impact assessment of providing limited bulky waste collection in areas that are not service by kerbside collection.

Seek to ensure regular testing of water at selected residential and commercial premises with the results made publicly available. With the result to be continuous improvement of the service.

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