Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 18 February 2025

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Ordinary Council Meeting

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AI-generated content may be incorrect. Minutes

Tuesday 18 February 2025

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

18 February 2025

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting

Held on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at the

Parkes Council Chamber, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes

Present:

Cr Neil Westcott Councillor (Chairperson)

Cr Marg Applebee Councillor (Deputy Chair)

Cr William Jayet Councillor

Cr Ken McGrath Councillor

Cr Louise O'Leary Councillor

Cr Joy Paddison Councillor

Cr George Pratt Councillor

Cr Matthew Scherer Councillor

Cr Glenn Wilson Councillor

Council Officers in Attendance:

Mr Kent Boyd PSM General Manager

Mr Jaco Barnard Chief Financial Officer

Mr Andrew Francis Director Infrastructure and Sustainability

Mr Brendan Hayes Director Planning and Community Services

Mr Logan Hignett Director Operations

Mr Anthony McGrath Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Mrs Veronica Shaw Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance

Mrs Toni Lennane Executive and Councillor Support Coordinator (Minute Secretary)

NOTES

Cr Marg Applebee attended via audio-visual link.

The meeting commenced at 3:00 pm and concluded at 5:22 pm.

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

18 February 2025

Order Of Business

1 Opening of Meeting.. 5

2 Acknowledgement of Country.. 5

4 Apologies and Applications for a Leave of Absence.. 6

5 Applications to Attend by Audio-Visual Link.. 6

6 Confirmation of Minutes.. 6

6.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 January 2025. 6

7 Disclosures of Interests.. 6

8 Late Business.. 6

9 ADOPTION OF MULTIPLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS.. 7

9.1 Adoption of Multiple Items of Business. 7

10 Mayoral Minute(s) 8

10.1 Health Services In Parkes. 8

10.2 Parkes Gateway Service Centre - Sod Turning. 8

10.3 Trundle Main Street Official Opening. 8

10.4 Australia Day 2025 Celebrations. 9

10.5 Meetings, Functions and Events Attended by Mayor and Councillors. 9

10.6 Coming Known Events for Mayor and Councillors. 9

11 Councillor Report(s) 9

12 Reports of Committees. 10

12.1 Minutes of the Arts Advisory Council Meeting held on 4 February 2025. 10

12.2 Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 5 February 2025. 10

12.3 Minutes of the Parkes Sports Council Meeting held on 11 February 2025. 10

12.4 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 27 November 2024. 11

12.5 Minutes of the Airport Development Advisory Committee Meeting held on 21 January 2025. 11

13 Reports of the General Manager.. 12

13.1 Investments and Borrowings Report as at 31 January 2025. 12

13.2 Monthly Financial Reports as at 31 January 2025. 12

13.3 Quarterly Budget Review as at 31 December 2024. 12

14 Reports of the Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy.. 13

14.1 Operational Plan 2024-25 Progress Report 13

14.2 Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 for Adoption. 13

14.3 Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2029 for Public Exhibition. 13

14.4 Priority Projects - Community Benefit Assessment 14

14.5 Adoption of Parkes Shire Signage Manual 14

14.6 Councillor Expenses and Facilities Council Policy Amendment 14

14.7 Change to Opening Time for Administration Centre Customer Service Counters. 14

15 Reports of the Director Infrastructure and Sustainability.. 15

15.1 Major Projects and Current Works - Infrastructure and Sustainability. 15

15.2 Purchase of Groundwater License. 15

16 Reports of the Director Operations.. 15

16.1 Major Projects and Current Works - Operations. 15

16.2 Redetermination of Rent - Parkes Brick Pit 16

16.3 Transfer of Crown Roads to Council 16

16.4 Public Exhibition of the Peak Hill Flora and Fauna Reserve Masterplan. 17

17 Reports of the Director Planning and Community Services.. 17

17.1 Jack Scoble Scholarship 2025. 17

17.2 Planning Proposal To Rezone Land: Lot 329 DP750152 (109 Woodward Street, Parkes : Post-Exhibition) 17

17.3 DA2024/0089 - Application For Dual Occupancy 2A Best Street, Parkes. 18

17.4 Parkes Shire Council Housing Strategy Amendments. 18

17.5 Parkes Shire Council 7.12 Contributions Plan Amendments. 19

17.6 Parkes Shire Council Planning Agreement- Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System.. 19

17.7 January 2025 Building Statistics Update. 20

18 Notices of Motion/Questions with Notice.. 20

18.1 Highway Roadside Rubbish not Having Regular Collection. 20

19 Confidential Matters.. 21

19.1 Electricity Procurement for Small Market Sites. 22

19.2 Construction of Culverts at Jordan's Creek (PSC2025/001) 23

20 Report of Confidential Resolutions.. 23

21 Conclusion of Meeting.. 23

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

18 February 2025

1 Opening of Meeting

The Mayor declared the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 18 February 2025 open and welcomed Councillors, Council Officers and members of the public attending and listening to the meeting.

The Mayor advised attendees that the meeting was being recorded and streamed live on the internet, to enhance the accessibility of Council meetings to the broader Parkes Shire community, and that the recording will be archived and made available on Council’s website.

The Mayor asked that attendees ensure that mobile phones and other electronic devices were turned off or in silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

The Mayor further advised that all care would be taken to maintain privacy, however, as a visitor in the public gallery, members of the public should be aware that their presence may be recorded.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Mayor read the following Acknowledgement of Country in Wirajduri language, which has been provided by Mr Geoff Anderson, a Wiradjuri Elder and resident of the Parkes Shire:

Wiradjuri language

English Translation

Guwambanha ngindhugir

Goo wam bunna Nin doo gir

Badhu yanagha yindyamarra gu Wiradjuri Ngurambang

Baa doo yana Gaa. Yind ya Marra gu Wiradjuri noo rum bung

Gangula Marambang ngindhugir Nginha

Gan gula Maram bung Nindoo gir Nin naa

Mandaang guwu Mun dung goo woo

Welcome everyone

I would like acknowledge Wiradjuri Country.

I give Respect to Wiradjuri Country

It's good your all here.

Thank you

The General Manager read the Prayer:

O God,

In all Council's deliberations so inspire,

That wise decisions are made in all things,

We pray through Jesus Christ, Our Lord,

AMEN

4 Apologies and Applications for a Leave of Absence

Cr Doug Pout

5 Applications to Attend by Audio-Visual Link

An application to attend by audio-visual link was received from Cr Marg Applebee.

6 Confirmation of Minutes

6.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 January 2025

Resolved OCM 022/25

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That Ordinary Council Meeting receive and confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 21 January 2025 appended at Annexure A.

7 Disclosures of Interests

The Mayor reminded Councillors and Council Officers of their obligation under Council's Code of Conduct to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest they may have in matters being considered at the meeting, and invited Councillors and Council Officers to disclose any such interests.

Nil interests were disclosed.

8 Late Business

The Mayor advised that the following late items of business had been submitted by Council Officers, and invited a motion to enable the addition of the late items to the meeting agenda.

1. Director Operations - 19.2 - Construction of Culverts at Jordan's Creek (PSC2025/001).

9 ADOPTION OF MULTIPLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS

The Council may, at any time, resolve to adopt multiple items of business, as recommended in the report, byway of a single resolution. The Chairperson must list the items of business to be adopted and ask Councillors to identify any individual items of business listed by the Chairperson that they intend to vote against the recommendation made in the Business Paper, or that they wish to speak on (13.2).

9.1 Adoption of Multiple Items of Business

Resolved OCM 023/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Adopt the following items in the Agenda as recommended in the report:

Open matters:

10.5 - Meetings, Functions and Events attended by Mayor and Councillors.

10.6 - Coming Known Events for Mayor and Councillors.

12.1 - Minutes of the Arts Advisory Council Meeting held on 4 February 2025.

12.4 - Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 27 November 2024.

12.5 - Minutes of the Airport Development Advisory Committee Meeting held on 21 January 2025.

16.3 - Transfer of Crown Roads to Council.

17.7 - January 2025 Building Statistics Update.

10 Mayoral Minute(s)

10.1 Health Services In Parkes

Resolved OCM 024/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Formally write and thank our Local Member, Mr Phil Donato MP for continuing to advocate for regional health services.

2. Continue to lobby all levels of Government to address the declining health services in regional NSW.

3. Continue to lobby all levels of Government to develop expeditious methods to recruit and accredit immigrating doctors and other health professionals.

4. Continue to lobby all levels of Government to activate the Parkes Health Precinct masterplan.

5. Continue to lobby all levels of Government to provide accommodation for doctors and other health professionals in the Parkes Health Precinct.

6. Continue to lobby all levels of Government to support the training of health professionals, by the provision of a training HUB at the Parkes Health precinct.

10.2 Parkes Gateway Service Centre - Sod Turning

Resolved OCM 025/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Received and noted the information.

10.3 Trundle Main Street Official Opening

Resolved OCM 026/25

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Receive and note the information about the Trundle Main Street Official Opening.

10.4 Australia Day 2025 Celebrations

Resolved OCM 027/25

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Receive and note the information about the 2025 Australia Day Celebrations.

10.5 Meetings, Functions and Events Attended by Mayor and Councillors

Resolved OCM 028/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Note the report on the Meetings functions and events attended in an official capacity, by the Mayor and Councillors during the period 20 January 2025 through to 14 February 2025.

10.6 Coming Known Events for Mayor and Councillors

Resolved OCM 029/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Note the known upcoming meetings, functions and events for the Mayor and Councillors for the period 18 January 2025 through to 13 March 2025.

11 Councillor Report(s)

12 Reports of Committees

12.1 Minutes of the Arts Advisory Council Meeting held on 4 February 2025

Resolved OCM 030/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Arts Advisory Council Meeting held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 appended at Annexure A.

12.2 Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 5 February 2025

Resolved OCM 031/25

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 5 February 2025 appended at Annexure A.

12.3 Minutes of the Parkes Sports Council Meeting held on 11 February 2025

Resolved OCM 032/25

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr Glenn Wilson

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Parkes Sports Council Meeting held on Tuesday 11 February 2025 appended at Annexure A.

12.4 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 27 November 2024

Resolved OCM 033/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 27 November 2024 appended at Annexure A.

12.5 Minutes of the Airport Development Advisory Committee Meeting held on 21 January 2025

Resolved OCM 034/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Airport Development Advisory Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 21 January 2025 appended at Annexure A.

13 Reports of the General Manager

13.1 Investments and Borrowings Report as at 31 January 2025

Resolved OCM 035/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That:

1. Receive and note the Statement of Investments and Borrowings as on 31 January 2025

13.2 Monthly Financial Reports as at 31 January 2025

Resolved OCM 036/25

Moved: Cr Joy Paddison

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Receive and note the year-to-date financial reports for the period up to 31 January 2025 and initiate discussions around the prioritisation of non-essential services and events to reduce the anticipated loss of $6.5m.

2. That budget austerity measures be presented to the council workshop on 4 March 2025.

13.3 Quarterly Budget Review as at 31 December 2024

Resolved OCM 037/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Receive and note the budget review report to 31 December 2024

2. Adopt the budget variations proposed in the quarterly budget review to 31 December 2024

14 Reports of the Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

14.1 Operational Plan 2024-25 Progress Report

Resolved OCM 038/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Adopt the 2024/25 Operational Plan Progress Report (1 July to 31 December 2024), appended at Annexure A, pursuant to section 4.9 of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.

14.2 Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 for Adoption

Resolved OCM 039/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Adopt the Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029, appended at Annexure A, pursuant to section 4.9 of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.

14.3 Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2029 for Public Exhibition

Resolved OCM 040/25

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2029 attached at Annexure A, pursuant to section 4.9 of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.

2. Place the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2029 on public exhibition for 28-days between 19 March to 15 April 2025.

3. That a report be brought back to Council after the public exhibition period advising any submissions received, before the report is finally adopted by Council.

14.4 Priority Projects - Community Benefit Assessment

Resolved OCM 041/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That:

1. Council receive and note the Priority Project Community Benefit Assessment Report

14.5 Adoption of Parkes Shire Signage Manual

Resolved OCM 042/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Adopt the Parkes Shire Signage Style Guide.

2. Note that the locations for stage one rollout will be determined at a later Council meeting.

14.6 Councillor Expenses and Facilities Council Policy Amendment

Resolved OCM 043/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Adopt the amended Councillor Expenses and Facilities policy attached at Annexures A.

2. Place the adopted policy on to Council's Website.

14.7 Change to Opening Time for Administration Centre Customer Service Counters

Resolved OCM 044/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Receive and note the information regarding the change to the opening time for the Customer Service areas of the Administration Centre.

15 Reports of the Director Infrastructure and Sustainability

15.1 Major Projects and Current Works - Infrastructure and Sustainability

Resolved OCM 045/25

Moved: Cr Glenn Wilson

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Receive and note the Infrastructure and Sustainability Major Projects and Current Works Report for February 2025, appended at Annexure A.

15.2 Purchase of Groundwater License

Resolved OCM 046/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That:

1. Resolve to purchase the groundwater access licence in accordance with this report and appropriate due diligence checks

2. That the necessary documentation to facilitate the purchase and transfer of the water access licence be signed under the seal of Council as required.

16 Reports of the Director Operations

16.1 Major Projects and Current Works - Operations

Resolved OCM 047/25

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Receive and note the Operations Major Projects and Current Works Report for December 2024, appended at Annexure A.

16.2 Redetermination of Rent - Parkes Brick Pit

Resolved OCM 048/25

Moved: Cr Glenn Wilson

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That:

1. Council makes the necessary requests to Crown Lands for the transitioning of the land within Crown Land Licence 321141 to a Crown Reserve with Parkes Shire Council appointed as Crown Land Manager.

16.3 Transfer of Crown Roads to Council

Resolved OCM 049/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That:

1. Council transfer the following Crown Roads to Council tenure:

· Station Street from Edols Street to West Street Bogan Gate

· Lachlan Street from East Street to West Street Bogan Gate

· Bogan Street from Edols Street to West Street Bogan Gate

· West Street from Station Street to Lachlan Street Bogan Gate

· Jackson Street from Station Street to Bogan Street Bogan Gate

· Edols Street from Station Street to Hutton Street Bogan Gate

· Hutton Street from Station Street to Edols Street Bogan Gate

· Lister Lane from Station Street to Lachlan Street Bogan Gate

· Monomie Street from Station Street to Lachlan Street Bogan Gate

· East Street from Station Street to Lachlan Street Bogan Gate

2. If required, the seal of Council be affixed to the documentation to facilitate the transfer

16.4 Public Exhibition of the Peak Hill Flora and Fauna Reserve Masterplan

Resolved OCM 050/25

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Peak Hill Flora and Fauna Reserve Masterplan and place it on public exhibition for 28 days.

2. Following the conclusion of the exhibition period, make necessary amendments to the plan and report back to Council for final adoption.

17 Reports of the Director Planning and Community Services

17.1 Jack Scoble Scholarship 2025

Resolved OCM 051/25

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That:

1. Council notes the information on the 2025 Jack Scoble Scholarship

17.2 Planning Proposal To Rezone Land: Lot 329 DP750152 (109 Woodward Street, Parkes : Post-Exhibition)

Resolved OCM 052/25

Moved: Cr Joy Paddison

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That:

1. Council endorse Planning Proposal PP-2024-1440, No. 109 Woodward Street, Parkes – Post Exhibition (Attachment A).

2. Council delegate to the General Manager the authority issued by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to exercise the functions of the Minister under Section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 for the purposes of finalising Planning Proposal PP-2024-1440, No. 109 Woodward Street, Parkes – Post Exhibition (Attachment A).

3. Continue to consult with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on the terms of the amendment to Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012, to ensure its consistency with the objectives, outcomes and provisions of Planning Proposal PP-2024-1440, No. 109 Woodward Street, Parkes – Post Exhibition.

4. Inform parties who made a submission to the Public Exhibition of Planning Proposal PP-2024-1440 (109 Woodward Street, Parkes), the proponent and landowners of the subject land (and their consultant), of Council's resolutions.

At 4:27 pm, General Manager Kent Boyd left the meeting.

17.3 DA2024/0089 - Application For Dual Occupancy 2A Best Street, Parkes

Resolved OCM 053/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That:

1. Council resolves to approve Development Application DA2024/0089 subject to the Conditions of Consent included in the Development Assessment Report

2. Council informs persons who made a submission to Development Application DA2024/0089 of Council's decision.

In Favour: Crs Neil Westcott, Marg Applebee, William Jayet, Ken McGrath, Louise O'Leary, Joy Paddison, George Pratt, Matthew Scherer and Glenn Wilson

Against: Nil

carried 9/0

At 4:29 pm, General Manager Kent Boyd returned to the meeting.

17.4 Parkes Shire Council Housing Strategy Amendments

Resolved OCM 054/25

Moved: Cr Joy Paddison

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That:

1. Council adopt the Draft Parkes Shire Council Housing Strategy 2021-2041 - 2025 Update incorporating amendments and place on public exhibition for 28 days

2. The Draft Parkes Shire Council Housing Strategy 2021-2024 be received by Council post exhibition for further determination.

At 4:31 pm, Chief Financial Officer Jaco Barnard left the meeting.

At 4:33 pm, Chief Financial Officer Jaco Barnard returned to the meeting.

17.5 Parkes Shire Council 7.12 Contributions Plan Amendments

Resolved OCM 055/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That Council:

1. Amend the Parkes Shire Council Section 94A (7.12) Contributions Plan – SAP Inclusion to defer application of an additional 2% s7.12 contribution within the Parkes Precinct until 1 January 2027.

17.6 Parkes Shire Council Planning Agreement- Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System

Resolved OCM 056/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Council enters into the Planning Agreement for Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System (SSD - 48756517)

2. Council maintains the agreement in its public register of planning agreements in accordance with section 206 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.

3. While this planning agreement remains in force, Council must include in its annual report particulars of compliance with and the effect of the planning agreement during the year to which the report relates.

In Favour: Crs Neil Westcott, Marg Applebee, William Jayet, Ken McGrath, Louise O'Leary, George Pratt, Matthew Scherer and Glenn Wilson

Against: Nil

Abstained: Cr Joy Paddison

carried 8/0

17.7 January 2025 Building Statistics Update

Resolved OCM 057/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That:

1. Receive and note the January 2025 Building Statistics Report.

18 Notices of Motion/Questions with Notice

18.1 Highway Roadside Rubbish not Having Regular Collection

Resolved OCM 058/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Discuss the issue raised by Cr McGrath, noting the information provided by the General Manager.

An amended Motion proposed by Cr William Jayet was approved and all voted in agreement.

That Council amend the original Motion:

1. Write to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) regarding the issue.

In Favour: Crs Neil Westcott, Marg Applebee, William Jayet, Ken McGrath, Louise O'Leary, Joy Paddison, George Pratt, Matthew Scherer and Glenn Wilson

Against: Nil

carried 9/0

19 Confidential Matters

Resolved OCM 059/25

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Ordinary Council Meeting:

1. Moves into Closed Session to deal with the matters below, which are classified as confidential under section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 for the reasons specified:

19.2 Construction of Culverts at Jordan's Creek (PSC2025/001)

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - a of the Local Government Act, 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 personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

Further it is considered that discussions of this matter in open Council would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it would prejudice Council's ability to secure the optimum outcome for the community.

19.1 Electricity Procurement for Small Market Sites

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - d(i) of the Local Government Act, 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.

Further it is considered that discussions of this matter in open Council would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it would prejudice Council's ability to secure the optimum outcome for the community.

2. Exclude the media and public from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential, pursuant to 10A(1), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993.

3. Withhold reports and correspondence relevant to the subject business be withheld from the media and public as provided by section 11(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

4. Make public resolutions made by the Council in Closed Session after the conclusion of the Closed Session, and record such resolutions in the minutes of the Council meeting.

At 4:51 pm, the Meeting went into Closed Session.

19.1 Electricity Procurement for Small Market Sites

Resolved OCM 060/25

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Note the report on electricity procurement for small market sites;

2. Participates in the regional procurement process, facilitated by Central NSW Joint Organisation, for the supply of electricity for small market sites;

3. Note the extreme volatility of the energy market currently being experienced;

4. Agree to purchase 100% of renewable energy for each site;

5. Note the short timeframe for acceptance of offers for the supply of electricity;

6. Resolve that because of the extenuating circumstances set out in the report a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders for the aggregated procurement of electricity for small market sites which are due to commence on 1 January 2025;

7. Note that the reasons for the decision of the Council in resolution 6 are as follows:

(a) The services with respect to which the tender relates can only be provided by energy retailers.

(b) Council has received expert advice that due to the nature of the relevant market, offers from those retailers which will be made in response to the request for tender will only be open for acceptance for a period of 1-2 weeks.

(c) Even if the tender period was shortened to 7 days as permitted under the Regulations, some if not all of the relevant tenders would expire prior to Council being able to undertake an assessment of tenders, report the matter to Council and resolve to accept or reject any tenders.

(d) This would result in Council either having no valid tenders which it is able to accept, or it would not be able to consider for acceptance all of the tenders lodged in response to the request for tender.

(e) This would not be a satisfactory result for Council.

8. Delegate the determination, acceptance or rejection of proposals on behalf of Council to the General Manager;

9. Delegation the execution of the contract for the supply of electricity for small sites to the General Manager;

10. Receive a report on conclusion of the process detailing the outcome; and

11. Advise Central NSW Joint Organisation of its decisions.

At 5:03 pm, Cr George Pratt left the meeting.

At 5:05 pm, Cr George Pratt rejoined the meeting.

19.2 Construction of Culverts at Jordan's Creek (PSC2025/001)

Resolved OCM 061/25

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Joy Paddison

That:

1. Council awards the contract for construction of culverts at Jordans Creek (PSC2025/001) to Force Enterprises for the lump sum of $550,706 (ex GST).

At 5:19 pm, Cr Ken McGrath left the meeting.

At 5:21 pm, Cr Ken McGrath rejoined the meeting.

Motion

That Ordinary Council Meeting:

1. Resume in Open Session and note the Mayor’s report on Confidential Resolutions.

At 5:20 pm, the Council in Closed Session returned to Open Session.

20 Report of Confidential Resolutions

In accordance with clauses 14.22 and 14.23 of Council's Code of Meeting Practice, resolutions passed during a meeting, or a part of a meeting that is closed to the public must be made public by the Chairperson as soon as practicable. Such resolutions must be recorded in the publicly available minutes of the meeting.

21 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 5:22 pm.

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 23 pages numbered 1 to 23 of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 and confirmed on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

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