Minutes of

Ordinary Council Meeting

Held on 25 February 2025 at 4:00 PM

Attendance at Meeting:

Councillors:

Mayor R Bell (Chair)

Deputy Mayor T O'Connor

Cr S Burrows

Cr L Doran

Cr L Petrov

Cr A Blakester

Cr D Mailler

Cr J Philp

Cr K Arnold

Apologies:

 Nil

Staff:

Ms T Averay, General Manager

Mr M Raby, Director, Infrastructure & Development

Mr Blake Dyer, Acting Director, Corporate and Community

Mr M Ahammed, Manager Finance & IT

Ms L Chalmers, Executive Support Officer

Mr S Vivers, Acting Manager Planning & Development

Ms Emily Sims, Planning Officer – Strategic

Mr M McLindin, Group Manager Infrastructure Services

 

 


Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes 

25 February 2025

UNCONFIRMED

COntents

1          Opening & Welcome. 4

2          Prayer. 4

3          Acknowledgement of Country. 4

4          Webcast Information.. 4

5          Apologies & Applications for Leave of Absence by Councillors. 4

6          Disclosure & Declarations of Interest/s. 4

7          Confirmation of Minutes. 4

7.1             Confirmation of Minutes  Ordinary Meeting held 17 December 2024. 4

8          Urgent, supplementary, and late items of business (Including Petitions). 5

8.1             EnergyCo New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community Reference Group meeting 23 January 2025. 5

9          Written Reports from Delegates. 5

9.1             Mayor's Activity Report for December 2024 & January 2025. 5

10        Public Forum... 6

11        Mayoral Minute. 6

11.1           Mayoral Minute - Uralla COMMUNITY Christmas Lunch 2024 at McCrossin's Mill 6

11.2           Mayoral Minute - Cost Shifting onto Local Government. 6

12        Notice of Motion/Questions with Notice. 6

Nil

13        Report of Committees. 7

Nil

14        Reports to Council. 7

14.1           Councillor Representative Report - Bundarra Community Meeting 12 February 2025. 7

14.2           DA-44-2024 - Alterations and additons to existing building, extension of existing carpark and associated work - 52 Hill Street Uralla. 8

A DIVISION DECISION was called and all stood with the result recorded as below:

14.3           Keeping of Animals & Birds Policy (Report following Second Exhibition). 9

14.4           Striking a New Deal (SaND) Community engagement Project Plan. 9

14.5           Draft Local Housing Strategy. 10

14.6           Community Engagement Strategy - Response to submissions. 10

14.7           Plans of Management for Council managed Crown Lands (CLM). 11

14.8           Introduction of a Declared Dams Safety LevY. 12

14.9           Summary of Future Grants. 12

14.10        Community Donations. 12

14.11        Revised Debt Recovery Update. 13

14.12        Debt Recovery Policy Review and Hardship Policy Review.. 13

14.13        Policy on Policy Making. 14

14.14        Quarterly Budget Review December 2024-25 (QBRS). 14

14.15        Loans as at 31 January 2025. 14

14.16        Investments as at 31 January 2025. 15

14.17        Register Resolutions Actions Status as at 19 February 2025. 15

15        Confidential Matters. 15

15.1           Grace Munro Options. 15

16        Communications of Council Decisions. 16

16.1           Grace Munro Options. 16

17        Conclusion of Meeting.. 17

 

 

 

 

AUDIO LINK: https://urallashirecouncil.podbean.com/e/25th-february-ordinary-meeting-of-uralla-shire-council/


Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes 

25 February 2025

UNCONFIRMED

 

1            Opening & Welcome

The Chair declared the meeting opened at 4:00.

2            Prayer

The Chair recited the Uralla Shire Council prayer.

3            Acknowledgement of Country

The Chair read the acknowledgement of country.

4            Webcast Information

The Chair advised the meeting was recorded, with the recording to be made available on Council’s website following the meeting and reminded the attendees from making defamatory statements.

5            Apologies & Applications for Leave of Absence by Councillors

 Nil

6            Disclosure & Declarations of Interest/s

COUNCILLOR

ITEM OR REPORT NUMBER

PECUNIARY OR NON-PECUNIARY INTEREST

NATURE OF INTEREST

O’Connor

14.10

Non-pecuniary significant interest – will not be present for this item.

Rotary Club of Uralla

Mailler

14.10

Non-pecuniary less than significant – will not be present for this item.

Rotary Club of Uralla

Doran

14.10

Non-pecuniary less than significant – will not be present for this item.

Rotary Club of Uralla and Rotary Art Show Committee. Assisting with the Elders Olympics

 

7            Confirmation of Minutes

7.1             Confirmation of Minutes  Ordinary Meeting held 17 December 2024

Resolution  01.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr Lone Petrov

That Council adopts the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held 17 December 2024 as a true and correct record.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

 

8            Urgent, supplementary, and late items of business (Including Petitions)

8.1             EnergyCo New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community Reference Group meeting 23 January 2025

Resolution  02.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr Kath Arnold

That Council receives the Uralla Shire Council Delegate’s Report from the EnergyCo North Community Reference Group meeting of 23 January 2025.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

9            Written Reports from Delegates

9.1             Mayor's Activity Report for December 2024 & January 2025

Resolution  03.02/25

Moved:         Mayor Robert Bell

Seconded:    Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

That Council receives the Mayor’s Activity report for December 2024 & January 2025.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

10         Public Forum

Public Forum held before item 14.3

11         Mayoral Minute

11.1           Mayoral Minute - Uralla COMMUNITY Christmas Lunch 2024 at McCrossin's Mill

Resolution  04.02/25

Moved:         Cr Jen Philp

Seconded:    Cr Leanne Doran

That Council receives this Mayoral Minute and congratulates the organisers and generous sponsors of the inaugural Uralla Community Christmas Lunch.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

11.2           Mayoral Minute - Cost Shifting onto Local Government

Resolution  05.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr Leanne Doran

That Council

1.    Receives and notes the findings of the LGNSW Cost Shifting report for the 2021/2022 financial year.

2.    Places a copy of the cost shifting report on Council’s website so that our communities can access it.

3.    Writes to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government seeking that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform, budgetary provision, and appropriate funding.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

12         Notice of Motion/Questions with Notice

Nil

13         Report of Committees

Nil

14         Reports to Council

14.1           Councillor Representative Report - Bundarra Community Meeting 12 February 2025

Resolution  06.02/25

Moved:         Cr Leanne Doran

Seconded:    Cr Jen Philp

 

That Council notes the draft notes with the following amendment:

Update the attendance list as follows:

 

Apologies:

Max Fitzgerald

Amy Layton

Tania Swan

Darren Swan

Margie Doak

Bill Doak

Matthew Monk

 

Councillors

Leanne Doran

Jen Philp

Adam Blakester

 

Council staff

Mick Raby

Toni Averay

 

Community members:

John Layton

Therese Layton

Bec McLean

Lindsay Groth

Angela Iskov

Ruth Deaves -

Jennifer Dezius

Jeffery Dezius

Peter Gregory

Trent Gregory

Jackie Stibbard

 

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.2           DA-44-2024 - Alterations and additons to existing building, extension of existing carpark and associated work - 52 Hill Street Uralla

Resolution  07.02/25

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

Seconded:    Cr Jen Philp

A DIVISION DECISION was called and all stood with the result recorded as below:

1.         That Council approves the Development Application (ref: DA-44-2024) for Alterations and additions, extension of carpark and associated work at Lot A DP759022, Lot 2 DP36806, Lot 1 DP368065 and Lots 4 – 6 DP 759022, land known as 52 Hill Street URALLA, subject to the conditions of consent in the attached Notice of Determination.

2.         That Council notes the submission received in response to notification of the Development Application.

3.    Direct the General Manager to:

        a)  add a relevant condition to ensure pedestrian safety during construction; and

        b) revise condition 15 to encourage planting of appropriate native vegetation.

       

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

Motion

Resolution  08.02/25

Moved:         Cr Kath Arnold

Seconded:    Cr Lone Petrov

 

That Council accept speakers on Item 14.3 Keeping of Animals & Birds Policy.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

Public Forum:

The chair introduced the speakers – Dr Carolyn Sonter and Allan Thomas.

The speakers made a presentation to Council on item 14.3 speaking to an amendment to the beekeeping component of the Keeping of Animals & Birds Policy.

The Chair invited questions from Councillors.

The Chair thanked the Speakers for their presentations to Council  

 

 

 

14.3           Keeping of Animals & Birds Policy (Report following Second Exhibition)

Resolution  09.02/25

Moved:         Cr Leanne Doran

Seconded:    Cr Jen Philp

That Council:

1.    Notes the submissions received in response to consultation; and

2.    Adopts the revised Policy - Keeping of Animals Policy (Urban Areas) (2024) with the following amendment:

        a) amend the provisions relating to beekeeping to align with the DPI provisions.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

 

14.4           Striking a New Deal (SaND) Community engagement Project Plan

Resolution  10.02/25

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

That Council notes the advice in this report, receives the Striking a New Deal (SAND) Project Plan and holds a Councillors’ workshop to further refine the project plan.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 


 

 

 

14.5           Draft Local Housing Strategy

Motion

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

 That Council:

1.       Endorses the Draft Uralla Local Housing Strategy for Public Exhibition for a period of 56 days.

2.       Receives a further report following the public exhibition period subject to the receipt of submissions and/or if any amendments are proposed.

3.       Adopts the Draft Uralla Local Housing Strategy if no submissions are received, and/or no substantive changes are proposed.

 

Motion lapsed.

Resolution  11.02/25

 

Moved:         Cr Leanne Doran

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

That Council receives the draft Uralla Local Housing Strategy for:

 

·         Public Exhibition for a period of 56 days;

·         Community engagement; and

·         Councillor and Key Stakeholder workshop(s).

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Cr Adam Blakester

carried 8/1

 

 

14.6           Community Engagement Strategy - Response to submissions

Resolution  12.02/25

Moved:         Cr David Mailler

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

That Council:

1.    Notes submissions received in response to consultation; and,

2.    Adopts the revised Community Engagement Strategy.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

Procedural Motion - Break

Resolution  13.02/25

Moved:         Cr Leanne Doran

Seconded:    Cr Kath Arnold

The Chair called for a short break at 5:54.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

Procedural Motion - Return

Resolution  14.02/25

Moved:         Cr Leanne Doran

Seconded:    Cr Kath Arnold

The Chair reconvened the meeting after a short break at 6:15.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.7           Plans of Management for Council managed Crown Lands (CLM)

Resolution  15.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr David Mailler

That Council notes this update on the preparation of Plans of Management for Crown Lands managed by Council.

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.8           Introduction of a Declared Dams Safety LevY

Resolution  16.02/25

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

 

That Council

 

1.         Notes the anticipated $10,588 (plus annual indexation) dam levy imposed by Dam Safety NSW, based on the current ‘Significant’ consequence rating of Kentucky Creek Dam;

 

2.         Incorporates the expected cost into annual budget preparation of the annual water charge with an adjusted annual Consumer Price Index allowance commencing in March 2025; and

 

3.         Notes that the impact on Council’s current draft Long Term Financial Plan considerations is an additional $10,588 (plus indexation) annual levy from 1 July 2025, which equates to an additional $6.46 (plus indexation) per connected household per annum.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.9           Summary of Future Grants

Resolution  17.02/25

Moved:         Cr Adam Blakester

Seconded:    Cr Leanne Doran

That Council notes this list for Information Only and further discussion if warranted.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

At 7:03pm Cr O’Connor, Cr Doran and Cr Mailler left the meeting having declared interests.


 

 

 

14.10        Community Donations

Resolution  18.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr Adam Blakester

That Council reallocates the funding of $3,000 set aside for the Lanterns Festival as resolved in the June 2024 Ordinary Meeting as follows:

a)    $1000 to the Uralla Rotary Arts Show;

b)    $1000 to the Lanterns Festival; and

c)    $1000 to the Anaiwan Elders Group.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 6/0

 

 

At 7:07pm Cr O’Connor, Cr Doran and Cr Mailler returned to the meeting.

 

 

14.11        Revised Debt Recovery Update

Resolution  19.02/25

Moved:         Cr Adam Blakester

Seconded:    Cr Leanne Doran

That Council notes the report regarding the recovery of rates in arrears.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 


 

 

 

14.12        Debt Recovery Policy Review and Hardship Policy Review

Resolution  20.02/25

Moved:         Cr Adam Blakester

Seconded:    Cr Lone Petrov

That Council:

1.    Endorses the revised Debt Recovery Policy and revised Hardship Policy for public exhibition for 28 days.

2.    Receives a further report on completion of the exhibition period should any submissions be received and/or changes proposed.

3.    Adopts the revised Policies should no submissions be received or changes proposed.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

 

 

14.13        Policy on Policy Making

Resolution  21.02/25

Moved:         Cr Sarah Burrows

Seconded:    Cr Adam Blakester

That Council:

1.    Receives the Policy on Policy Making and places on public exhibition for 28 days.

2.    Receives a further report on completion of the exhibition period.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 


 

14.14        Quarterly Budget Review December 2024-25 (QBRS)

Resolution  22.02/25

Moved:         Cr David Mailler

Seconded:    Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the second quarter budget review summary for the 2024/25 financial year; and

2.    Adopts the adjustments to budget allocations

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.15        Loans as at 31 January 2025

Resolution  23.02/25

Moved:         Cr David Mailler

Seconded:    Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

That Council notes that the total loan position as of 31 January 2025 is $1,232,830.

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.16        Investments as at 31 January 2025

Resolution  24.02/25

Moved:         Cr Adam Blakester

Seconded:    Cr Lone Petrov

That Council notes the cash position as of 31 January 2025 consisting of:

·   cash and overnight funds of $3,423,367;

·   term deposits of $24,350,000;

·   total convertible funds of $27,773,367 ($3,423,367 + $24,350,000) (including restricted funds).

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

14.17        Register Resolutions Actions Status as at 19 February 2025

Resolution  25.02/25

Moved:         Cr Adam Blakester

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

That Council notes the Resolution Actions Status Report as at 19 February 2025.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

15         Confidential Matters

Resolution  26.02/25

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

Seconded:    Cr Leanne Doran

That Council considers the confidential report(s) listed below in a meeting closed to the public in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993:

15.1           Grace Munro Options

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - d(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

Resolution  27.02/25

Moved:         Deputy Mayor Tom O'Connor

Seconded:    Cr Sarah Burrows

That Council return to Open Session of Council.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

16         Communications of Council Decisions

Resolution  28.02/25

Moved:         Cr Kath Arnold

Seconded:    Cr David Mailler

That resolutions of Closed Session of Council become the resolutions of Open session of Council.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

The Chair communicated the Council decisions from the closed session.

 

16.1           Grace Munro Options

Resolution  29.02/25

Moved:         Cr David Mailler

Seconded:    Cr Jen Philp

That Council:

1.    Directs the General Manager to negotiate and enter into a short-term lease of less than 5 years with Grace Munro Aged Care Centre Ltd generally in the terms recommended in Option 2 of this confidential report, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.

2.    Prepares a draft plan of management for the land and places that draft plan of management on public exhibition for adoption.

3.    Proceeds with negotiating a longer-term lease with Grace Munro Aged Care Centre Ltd once a plan of management has been adopted for the land and subject to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

For:                       Crs Robert Bell, Sarah Burrows, Leanne Doran, Tom O'Connor, Lone Petrov, Adam Blakester, David Mailler, Jen Philp and Kath Arnold

Against:               Nil

carried 9/0

 

17         Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting was closed at 8:40pm.