Agenda of Ordinary Council - 16 October 2019

MINUTES

Ordinary Council Meeting

18/09/2019

PRESENT

Members:

Councillor Peta Pinson (Mayor)

Councillor Lisa Intemann (Deputy Mayor)

Councillor Rob Turner

Councillor Michael Cusato

Councillor Sharon Griffiths

Councillor Peter Alley

Councillor Justin Levido

Councillor Lee Dixon

Other Attendees:

General Manager (Craig Swift-McNair)

Director Corporate Performance (Rebecca Olsen)

Director Development and Environment (Melissa Watkins)

Director Infrastructure (Dan Bylsma)

Director Strategy and Growth (Jeffery Sharp)

Governance Officer (Kirsty Callander)(part of meeting)

Governance Support Officer (Bronwyn Lyon)

Executive Assistant to the Mayor (Linda Kocis)

Communications Manager (Andy Roberts)

The meeting opened at 5:30pm.

01 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Mayor opened the Meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country and welcomed all in attendance in the Chamber.

02 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRAYER

Pastor Jeff Atherton from the People Builders Church delivered the Local Government Prayer.

03 APOLOGIES

RESOLVED: Dixon/Turner

That the apology received from Councillor Hawkins’ owing to approved leave be accepted.

04 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

RESOLVED: Alley/Dixon

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 August 2019 be confirmed.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

05 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Councillor Alley declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 11.11 - 2019-2020 Round 1 Community Grant Program for Endorsement, the reason being that Councillor Alley’s wife is a member of one of the community organisations that has applied for the grants that are the subject of this report and it was my wife that prepared the grant application on behalf of that organisation.

Councillor Alley declared a Non-Pecuniary, Less Than Significant Interest in Item 13.10 - Bold Street Laurieton Pedestrian Crossing, the reason being that Councillor Alley serves as the Treasurer on the Parish Council of the Anglican Church of the Camden Haven. The Church operates a business in Laurieton – the Anglican Op Shop. However that business is not located in Bold Street and would not receive any benefit or loss as a consequence of any pedestrian crossing in any of the proposed locations and has no competing Op Shop that operates in this area that may be serviced by any of the proposed crossing locations.

Mayor Pinson declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 15.02 - T-19-29 Dunbogan Flood Access Road - Stage 1A, the reason being that Mayor Pinson owns a company, Stabilcorp, which contracts from time to time with one of the tenderers.

Councillor Levido declared a Non-Pecuniary, Significant Interest in Item 15.02 - T-19-29 Dunbogan Flood Access Road - Stage 1A, the reason being that Councillor Levido is the principle of Levido Law and Property. The Firm acts for a principal of one of the tenderers, the subject of the report.

Councillor Levido declared a Non-Pecuniary, Significant Interest in Item 13.15 - Planning Proposal: 2019 Administrative Review of Port Macquarie - Hastings LEP 2011 (Amendment No 55) - Consideration of Submissions, the reason being that Councillor Levido is the principle of Levido Law and Property. The Firm acts for the owner of one of the properties the subject of the report.

06 MAYORAL MINUTES

Nil.

07 CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Cusato

That Council determine that the attachments to Item Numbers 11.11 and 12.02 be considered as confidential, in accordance with section 11(3) of the Local Government Act.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

08 PUBLIC FORUM – MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA

The Mayor advised of requests to speak in the Public Forum - Matters Not On The Agenda from:

1. Mr Peter Matthison, Midcoast Honey, regarding climate science presentation invitation.

2. Dr Sarah Mollard regarding health impacts of climate crisis on our community.

3. Ms Rachel Sheppard regarding climate change solutions for the Hastings.

4. Ms Susan East regarding reticulated water for Lake Cathie / Bonny Hills.

RESOLVED: Dixon/Griffiths

That the above requests to speak in the Public Forum - Matters Not On The Agenda be acceded to.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

08.01 Climate Science Presentation Invitation

Mr Peter Matthison, Midcoast Honey, addressed Council regarding climate science presentation invitation and answered questions from Councillors.

08.02 Health Impacts of Climate Crisis on Our Community

Dr Sarah Mollard addressed Council regarding health impacts of climate crisis on our community and answered questions from Councillors.

08.03 Climate Change Solutions for the Hastings

Ms Rachel Sheppard addressed Council regarding climate change solutions for the Hastings.

08.04 Reticulated Water for Lake Cathie / Bonny Hills

Ms Susan East addressed Council regarding reticulated water for Lake Cathie / Bonny Hills.

09 PUBLIC FORUM – MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

The Mayor advised of requests to speak in the Public Forum - Matters On The Agenda from:

Item 11.02 - Mr Roderick Mallinson in support of the recommendation.

Item 12.01 - Ms Susan Proust, Hastings Birdwatchers, in opposition of the recommendation.

Item 13.01 - Mr Tony Thorne, King and Campbell Pty Ltd, in opposition of the recommendation.

Item 13.02 - Ms June Le Pla, FAWNA (NSW) Inc., in opposition of the recommendation.

Item 13.03 - Mr Ken Monson, Hastings Birdwatchers, in opposition of the recommendation.

Item 13.04 - Mr Philip Lloyd in support of the recommendation.

Item 13.04 - Mr Tony Thorne, King and Campbell Pty Ltd, in support of the recommendation.

Item 13.10 - Mr John Saunders, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, in opposition of the recommendation.

RESOLVED: Alley/Dixon

That the above requests to speak in the Public Forum - Matters On The Agenda be acceded to.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Suspension of Standing Orders

resolved: Intemann/Griffiths

That Standing Orders be suspended to allow Items 11.02, 12.01, 13.01, 13.02, 13.03, 13.04 and 13.10 to be brought forward and considered next.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.02 Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility - Site Selection

Mr Roderick Mallinson addressed Council in support of the recommendation.

RESOLVED: Turner/Alley

That Council:

1. Note the information contained in the Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility- Site Selection Report.

2. Acknowledge the community engagement that has been undertaken regarding a new Aquatic Facility in Port Macquarie and thank the community for their feedback on their preferred site.

3. Reconfirm Macquarie Park as the preferred site for a new Aquatic Facility in Port Macquarie.

4. Request the General Manager to proceed with the next stage of the project being detailed design and approvals; including development of a Strategic Concept Design.

5. Request the General Manager provide a future report to Council on the progress of detailed design and the Strategic Concept Plan in June 2020.

6. Request the General Manager provide a future report to Council on the outcome of discussions with the displaced user groups of Macquarie Park, being Port Macquarie Football Club & Port Macquarie Army Cadets to identify suitable alternative facilities in June 2020.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

12.01 Health and Education Precinct Master Plan

Councillor Cusato left the meeting, the time being 6:22pm.

Councillor Cusato returned to the meeting, the time being 6:23pm.

Ms Susan Proust, Hastings Birdwatchers, addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation.

RESOLVED: Turner/Griffiths

That Council

1. Note the community engagement process and submissions received during the public exhibition period and subsequent workshops.

2. Adopt the Health and Education Precinct Master Plan.

3. Note the plans of stakeholders to establish a Consortium to assist in driving the development and implementation of a Health and Education Precinct.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.01 Transport Network Improvements (Including the Proposed Orbital Road Project) - 19 June 2019 Council Resolution Update Report

Mr Tony Thorne, King and Campbell Pty Ltd, representing J Newton Construction and St Agnes Care & Lifestyle, addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation and answered questions from Councillors.

RESOLVED: Intemann/Turner

That Council note the information included in the Transport Network Improvements (including the proposed Orbital Road Project) - 19 June 2019 Council Resolution Update Report, and confirm that:

1. The Transport Network Improvements - Strategic Business Case Scope of Works will consider all options put forward by the community.

2. Council staff will consider minimising impacts of the various options, for example by considering a two lane option where appropriate.

3. Public transport will be considered as part of the network modelling and initial transport planning.

carried: 7/1

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Griffiths

13.02 Notice of Motion - Revocation of Part of the Lake Innes Nature Reserve

Ms June Le Pla, FAWNA (NSW) Inc., addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation and answered questions from Councillors.

MOTION

MOVED: Pinson/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence from the NSW Minister for Energy & Environment, The Hon. Matt Kean MP.

2. Request the General Manager write to the NSW Minister for Energy & Environment, The Hon. Matt Kean MP, to seek clarification on whether Ministerial approval is likely to be granted for revocation of part of the Lake Innes Nature Reserve for the purpose of any future proposed Orbital Road link through the Nature Reserve.

AMENDMENT

MOVED: Turner/Alley

That Council:

1. Note correspondence from Council to Minister for the Environment, Local Government and Heritage, the Hon Gabrielle Upton, dated 23 July 2018, with regard to Road Corridor Interfaces with National Parks Land.

2. Note the response from Scot McDonald MLC on behalf of the Hon Gabrielle Upton, dated 10 September 2018.

3. Note correspondence received by the Member for Port Macquarie from the NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, the Hon Matt Kean MP, dated 8 August 2019, which was forwarded to Council on 22 August 2019.

4. Request the General Manager write to the NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, the Hon Matt Kean MP:

a) To clarify whether there is any update to the policy for revocation, recategorization and road adjustment in National Parks and Nature Reserves since the Department’s correspondence to Council dated 10 September 2018.

b) Attach copies of the letter from Council, dated 23 July 2018; and the response received by Council, dated 10 September 2018, for the Minister’s reference.

THE AMENDMENT WAS PUT AND CARRIED

MOVED: Turner/Alley

That Council:

2. Note the response from Scot McDonald MLC on behalf of the Hon Gabrielle Upton, dated 10 September 2018.

4. Request the General Manager write to the NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, the Hon Matt Kean MP:

b) Attach copies of the letter from Council, dated 23 July 2018; and the response received by Council, dated 10 September 2018, for the Minister’s reference.

carried: 5/3

For: Alley, Cusato, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Dixon, Griffiths and Pinson

THE AMENDMENT BECOMES THE MOTION AND WAS PUT

MOVED: Turner/Alley

That Council:

2. Note the response from Scot McDonald MLC on behalf of the Hon Gabrielle Upton, dated 10 September 2018.

4. Request the General Manager write to the NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, the Hon Matt Kean MP:

b) Attach copies of the letter from Council, dated 23 July 2018; and the response received by Council, dated 10 September 2018, for the Minister’s reference.

equal: 4/4

For: Cusato, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Alley, Dixon, Griffiths and Pinson

CASTING VOTE: AGAINST

MOTION LOST

13.03 Notice of Motion - Seeking Clarification on Lake Innes Nature Reserve from Member for Port Macquarie

Mr Ken Monson, Hastings Birdwatchers, addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation and answered questions from Councillors.

MOVED: Alley/Turner

That Council:

1. Note the content quoted below from the Port Macquarie News website dated 19 March 2019 that the Member for Port Macquarie “supports Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s vision for an orbital road”.

2. Note the content quoted below from the Port Macquarie News website dated 4 September 2019 that the Member for Port Macquarie does not support a change in an act of parliament to dissect the Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

3. Note that the Lake Innes Nature Reserve is continuous from Lake Road in Port Macquarie to Lake Cathie, therefore a new east-west road located anywhere between and including Lake Road and Lake Cathie will necessarily involve crossing Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

4. Note that Lake Innes Nature Reserve sits on low lying land and that any traverse of the Reserve will likely be on an elevated roadway, thereby reducing environmental impacts.

5. Note that Council has made no decision on any new road and, in accordance with the procedure for new infrastructure as set out by the NSW government, is presently conducting a Strategic Business Case that will consider all options and potential impacts, including on residents, businesses and the environment.

6. Request the General Manager write to the Member for Port Macquarie seeking clarification on her apparent support for an orbital road in principal but opposed to any crossing of the Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

7. Request the General Manager to table any correspondence received from the Member for Port Macquarie to a future Council Meeting.

equal: 4/4

For: Alley, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths and Pinson

CASTING VOTE: AGAINST

MOTION LOST

13.04 Notice of Motion - Proposed Orbital Road Investigation Area

Mr Philip Lloyd, representing the Alliance and Action Groups, addressed Council in support of the recommendation.

Councillor Dixon left the meeting, the time being 7:40pm.

Councillor Dixon returned to the meeting, the time being 7:43pm.

Mr Tony Thorne, King and Campbell Pty Ltd, representing J Newton Construction and St Agnes Care & Lifestyle, addressed Council in support of the recommendation.

RESOLVED: Cusato/Pinson

That Council:

1. Request the General Manager investigate the impact on the development of the upcoming Strategic Business Case (and possible future solutions for broader transport network improvements), of removing the current investigation area (with impact on residents, a school and retirement village etc) for the east-west Orbital Road from Ocean Drive to Oxley Highway that was the subject of detailed community engagement from November 2018 to April 2019.

2. Request the General Manager table a report to the November 2019 Council Meeting on the impact of removing this investigation area with the intention for Council to investigate alternative routes for the proposed orbital road project. Within this report also include any impacts on applications for funding and impacts on procedures to cross or encroach any nature reserves eg. revocation of such reserves.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.10 Bold Street Laurieton Pedestrian Crossing

Councillor Alley declared a Non-Pecuniary, Less Than Significant Interest in this matter and remained in the room during the Council's consideration.

Mr John Saunders, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, representing the Community in the Future and the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation and answered questions from Councillors.

RESOLVED: Pinson/Dixon

That Council:

1. Note the outcomes of the community engagement undertaken in response to the Council resolution from the Ordinary Council meeting of 17 July 2019.

2. Note the community engagement identified as Option 3 as the preferred location by the majority.

3. Note the earlier petition of over 600 signatures as tabled at 15 May 2019 Ordinary Council meeting.

4. Endorse the Bold Street Laurieton pedestrian crossing to be located at Option 3.

5. Request the General Manager write to the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams MP, providing a status update on the project and the proposed timeframe for delivery.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.01 Mayoral Discretionary Fund Allocations - 8 August to 4 September 2019

RESOLVED: Pinson/Dixon

That Council note the allocations from the Mayoral Discretionary Fund for the period 8 August to 4 September 2019 inclusive.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.02 Creation of Office of Deputy Mayor

RESOLVED: Cusato/Alley

That Council:

1. Create the Office of Deputy Mayor.

2. Set the term of the Office of Deputy Mayor to be 18 September 2019 up until the 2020 Local Government Ordinary Election.

3. Elect the Deputy Mayor by way of open voting, if more than one nomination for Deputy Mayor is received.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

The General Manager, acting as Returning Officer, called for nominations for the Office of Deputy Mayor.

The Returning Officer, advised that a nomination for the Office of Deputy Mayor had been received for Councillor Lisa Intemann, nominated by two Councillors and accepted by Councillor Lisa Intemann.

The Returning Officer then called for a show of hands in favour of Councillor Intemann for Deputy Mayor.

carried: 7/1

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Pinson

The Returning Officer declared Councillor Intemann elected to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the ensuing period as resolved by Council.

The General Manager congratulated Councillor Intemann on her election to the Office of Deputy Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor thanked Councillors for their support.

10.03 Determination of Councillor Numbers

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Cusato

That Council, in accordance with Section 224 of the Local Government Act 1993, resolve that it will comprise of nine councillors, including the Mayor, following the next ordinary Local Government election.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.04 Status of Reports From Council Resolutions

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Alley

That Council note the information contained in the Status of Reports from Council Resolutions report.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.05 Council Meetings Dates for 2020

RESOLVED: Intemann/Griffiths

That Council set the Ordinary Council Meeting dates for 2020 as the third Wednesday of each month (with the exception being no meeting scheduled in January, alternative dates for August and September due to the September Council election, and an earlier meeting in December due to the proximity of Christmas) being:

· 19 February

· 18 March (Taking the Council to the Community - Wauchope)

· 15 April

· 20 May

· 17 June

· 15 July

· 12 August

· 23 September

· 21 October (Taking the Council to the Community - Laurieton)

· 18 November

· 9 December

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.06 Notice of Motion - Professional Development Undertaken by the Mayor

Councillor Cusato left the meeting, the time being 8:35pm.

RESOLVED: Pinson/Griffiths

That Council note the professional development undertaken by Mayor Pinson since her election to Council in 2017.

carried: 4/3

For: Alley, Dixon, Griffiths and Pinson

Against: Intemann, Levido and Turner

10.07 Recommended Item from Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Legislative Compliance 2018-2019

RESOLVED: Intemann/Alley

The Council note the information contained in the Recommended Item from Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Legislative Compliance 2018-2019 report.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.08 Recommended Item from Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Annual Report 2018-2019

Councillor Cusato returned to the meeting, the time being 8:37pm.

RESOLVED: Intemann/Griffiths

That Council adopt the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Annual Report 2018-2019.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.09 Financial Assistance Grants

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Alley

That Council note the 2019/20 Grant calculations provided by the NSW Local Government Grants Commission for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in relation to the Financial Assistance Grant calculations.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.10 Monthly Budget Review - August 2019

RESOLVED: Alley/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Adopt the adjustments in the “August 2019 Adjustments” section of the Monthly Budget Review – August 2019.

2. Amend the 2019-2020 Operational Plan to include all budget adjustments approved in this report.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.11 Investments - August 2019

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Alley

That Council note the Investment Report for the month of August 2019.

carried: 7/1

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Griffiths

10.12 Delivery Program (2017-2021) Six Monthly Progress Report (January to June 2019)

RESOLVED: Turner/Dixon

That the information in the Delivery Program (2017-2021) six monthly progress report (January to June 2019) be noted.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.13 Annual Report of the Activities for the Mayor's Sporting Fund 2018/2019

RESOLVED: Pinson/Alley

That Council note the information outlined in the Annual Report of the Activities for the Mayor’s Sporting Fund 2018/2019.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

10.14 Draft Community Participation Plan 2019

RESOLVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Community Participation Plan 2019.

2. Place the Draft Community Participation Plan on public exhibition for 28 days from 23 September to 20 October 2019.

3. Request the General Manager provide a report to the November 2019 Ordinary Council Meeting outlining community feedback provided during the public exhibition period.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.01 Flynns Beach Master Plan Community Engagement Feedback Report

RESOLVED: Intemann/Dixon

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within the Flynns Beach Master Plan Community Engagement Feedback Report.

2. Recognise the community engagement that has been undertaken regarding Flynns Beach Master Plan and thank the community for their feedback.

3. Adopt the Flynns Beach Master Plan (Attachment 1), which includes minor amendments as outlined in this report.

4. Request the General Manager consider funding opportunities for implementation of Flynns Beach Master Plan through development of future Operational Plans and relevant State and Federal government grant programs.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item - 11.02 Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility - Site Selection - has been moved to another part of the document.

11.03 Recommended Items from the Mayor's Sporting Fund Sub-Committee - August 2019

RESOLVED: Pinson/Dixon

That Council, pursuant to Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, grant financial assistance from the Mayor’s Sporting Fund as follows:

1. That Wauchope High School Girls Rugby Team receive $350.00 to assist with the expenses incurred travelling to and competing at the NSWCHS Under 18’s State Rugby Championships held in Sydney on 31^st July 2019.

2. That Bradley Whitton receive $350.00 to assist with the expenses incurred travelling to, and competing at the All Schools Australian Swimming Championships held in Melbourne from 27 July to 31 July 2019 inclusive.

3. That Morgan Jean receive $350.00 to assist with the expenses incurred travelling to and competing at the All Schools Australian Swimming Championships held in Melbourne from 27 July to 31 July 2019 inclusive.

4. That Maddison Drewitt receive $350.00 to assist with the expenses incurred traveling to and competing as a member of the Under 16’s NSW Girls Hockey Team at the All Schools National Hockey Championships held in Newcastle from 1^st August to 8^th August 2019 inclusive.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.04 Cultural Plan - Progress Report

RESOLVED: Turner/Griffiths

That Council note the progress made on the 2018-2021 Cultural Plan actions.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.05 ArtWalk 2019 - Post Event

RESOLVED: Dixon/Turner

That Council:

1. Note the success of the ArtWalk 2019 event.

2. Support the growth of Artwalk to become one of Council’s signature events in 2020 and beyond.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.06 Bicentenary Priorities, Artwalk Resourcing and Tastings on Hastings

RESOLVED: Turner/Dixon

That Council:

Endorse the two-year temporary appointment of a Cultural Event Coordinator, to support the 2021 Bicentenary projects and the 2020 and 2021 Artwalk events.
Discontinue to run Tastings on Hastings as a Council event, but consider providing future support to an externally-run Tastings on Hastings event.
Recognise that Slice of Haven is likely to be the premier food and wine event in the Greater Port Macquarie area in 2020, and increase the budget for support of this event from $5,000 to $10,000 for 2020.
Continue to support events and activities that showcase local producers and produce, as guided by the 2019-2024 Port Macquarie-Hastings Events Plan.
Request the General Manager develop the 2021 Bicentenary event and 2020 and 2021 Artwalk events, to be signature Council-run events in line with the 2019-2024 Port Macquarie-Hastings Events Plan.
Endorse the reallocation of the existing 2019/20 Tastings on Hastings net budget $36,200 to support the delivery of the Bicentenary and Artwalk events.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.07 Disability Inclusion Action Plan Annual Progress Report

RESOLVED: Alley/Turner

That Council:

1. Note the information in the 2nd Year PMHC Annual Disability Inclusion Action Plan Report Card (Easy English).

2. Note the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2018-2019 Annual Progress report.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.08 Service Level Agreement with NSW Justice - Community Corrections

RESOLVED: Intemann/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Note the success of the trial with the NSW Justice - Community Corrections Partnership.

2. Endorse the Service Level Agreement for the formalisation of the NSW Justice - Community Corrections Partnership for a period of 3 years.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.09 Re-Establishment of Alcohol Free Zone - Port Macquarie CBD

RESOLVED: Cusato/Intemann

That Council:

1. Re-establish Alcohol Free Zones in the Port Macquarie CBD for a further four years from October 2019 to October 2023.

2. Request the General Manager write to Mid North Coast Local Area Commander, Superintendent Paul Fehon, to inform him of the public consumption of alcohol and antisocial behaviour at the Council managed Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park on Gordon Street, Port Macquarie. Also advising that this is discouraging local residents and families from entering this public space and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council requests that local Police act on this problem.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.10 Library Strategic Plan

RESOLVED: Alley/Dixon

That Council endorse the Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Strategic Plan 2019 - 2021, to help drive the library services.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

11.11 2019-2020 Round 1 Community Grant Program for Endorsement

Councillor Alley declared a Pecuniary Interest in this matter and left the room and was out of sight during the Council's consideration, the time being 9:07pm.

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Dixon

That Council pursuant to Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, grant financial assistance from the Community Grants 2019-2020 Round 1 for the total amount of $119,748 according to the following:

Organisation Name Project Funding

General Community Grants:

Community Hair Project Youth Week Activities $1150

Wauchope Show Society Refurbished Floor $10000

International Women’s Group International Women’s Group $2717

Rocking with Dave and Friends Music Workshops $4300

St. Thomas’s Soup Kitchen Kitchen Upgrade $9378

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Community First Aid $4100

Wauchope Little Athletics Centre Timing System $3000

Port Macquarie Astronomical Society Telescope Mount $10,000

Kendall Men’s Shed Wood Sanders $3759

Sub-total $48,404

Place Making Grants:

Pappinbarra Progress Association Photographic Exhibition $3516

Kendall Community Global Food

Garden Community Garden Expansion $2865

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence

Specialist Service Domestic Violence Walk $2500

Sub-total $8,881

Non-Council Owned Hall Grants:

Byabarra Hall and Recreational

Reserve Trust Pier Replacement $10,000

Sub-total $10,000

Band Grants:

Port Macquarie Hastings

Municipal Band Community Performances $10,000

Camden Haven Community

Band Community Performances $7100

Hastings Koalas Orchestra Community Performances $5676

Hastings District Highland

Pipe Band Community Performances $7224

Sub-total $30,000

Christmas and New Year’s Eve Events:

Telegraph Point Community Assoc. Christmas Celebration $1500

Camden Haven Chamber of

Commerce Christmas Celebration $5000

Beechwood Public School P&C Christmas Celebration $3045

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Christmas Celebration $5000

Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Lions Club Christmas Celebration $2653

Long Flat Public School P&C Christmas Celebration $450

Big Red Bus Christmas Celebration $4815

Sub-total $22,463

A further distribution of $16,891 is recommended for Environmental grants as follows:

Environmental Grants:

Port Macquarie Landcare Group Environmental Activities $10,000

Friends of Kooloonbung Creek Environmental Activities $5,000

Hastings Landcare Environmental Activities $1,891

Sub-total $16,891

carried: 7/0

For: Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item - 12.01 Health and Education Precinct Master Plan - has been moved to another part of the document.

Councillor Alley returned to the meeting, the time being 9:09pm.

12.02 Event Sponsorship Program Round 1, 2020

RESOLVED: Griffiths/Intemann

That Council pursuant to provisions of Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, grant financial assistance from the Event Sponsorship Program Round 1, 2020 in the total amount of $20,000 to:

Event Name & Ranking	Sponsorship $ Recommended
1. Howling Moon Blues Festival	$5,000
2. Fox Superflow MTB Event	$5,000
3. Twilight Tastings Wauchope	$2,500
4. Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association Bodyboard Teams Event	$2,500
5. Cycling NSW Junior Tour	$2,500
6. Laurieton Multisport Challenge	$2,500
Total allocated this round	$20,000

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item - 13.01 Transport Network Improvements (Including the Proposed Orbital Road Project) - 19 June 2019 Council Resolution Update Report - has been moved to another part of the document.

Item - 13.02 Notice of Motion - Revocation of Part of the Lake Innes Nature Reserve - has been moved to another part of the document.

Item - 13.03 Notice of Motion - Seeking Clarification on Lake Innes Nature Reserve from Member for Port Macquarie - has been moved to another part of the document.

Item - 13.04 Notice of Motion - Proposed Orbital Road Investigation Area - has been moved to another part of the document.

13.05 Notice of Motion - Request for Funding to Supplement Council's Ferry Services

RESOLVED: Pinson/Griffiths

That Council request the General Manager write to State Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams to request her representation for a recurrent funding contribution to Council for the operation of the Settlement Point and Hibbard Ferry Services.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.06 Notice of Motion - Water Security

RESOLVED: Cusato/Pinson

That Council:

1. Request the General Manager Report to the December 2019 Council Meeting on water security and water availability for the Local Government Area. Within this report request the General Manager include:

a) Updates on investigations into water filtration systems.

b) Current plans (if any) to raise the dam walls.

c) Outline any investigations into building new water infrastructure.

2. Request the General Manager:

(a) Write to the NSW Minister for Water, Hon. Melinda Pavey MP, asking for information on any new funding opportunities for local government to upgrade water infrastructure.

(b) Write to the NSW Leader of the National Party, Hon. Member John Barilaro MP, and the NSW Member for Port Macquarie, Hon. Leslie Williams MP, to advise of Council’s correspondence to the Minister attaching this report and the letter to the Minister.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.07 Notice of Motion - Climate Change Policy / Action Plan

MOTION

MOVED: Alley/Turner

That Council Request the General Manager:

1. Draft a scope for the development of a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

2. Consult with the Planning, Environment and Sustainability portfolio in the preparation of this draft scope for a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

3. Hold a Councillor briefing by February 2020 on the draft Climate Change Policy / Action Plan, once the policy / plan scope has been developed.

AMENDMENT

MOVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That Council defer the following motion:

“That Council Request the General Manager:

1. Draft a scope for the development of a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

2. Consult with the Planning, Environment and Sustainability portfolio in the preparation of this draft scope for a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

3. Hold a Councillor briefing on the draft Climate Change Policy / Action Plan, once the policy/plan scope has been developed.”

Until it is a legislative requirement that Council is to have such strategies and action plans in place.

THE AMENDMENT WAS PUT AND CARRIED

MOVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That Council defer the following motion:

“That Council Request the General Manager:

1. Draft a scope for the development of a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

2. Consult with the Planning, Environment and Sustainability portfolio in the preparation of this draft scope for a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

3. Hold a Councillor briefing on the draft Climate Change Policy / Action Plan, once the policy/plan scope has been developed.”

Until it is a legislative requirement that Council is to have such strategies and action plans in place.

equal: 4/4

For: Cusato, Griffiths, Levido and Pinson

Against: Alley, Dixon, Intemann and Turner

CASTING VOTE: FOR

MOTION CARRIED

THE AMENDMENT BECOMES THE MOTION:

RESOLVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That Council defer the following motion:

“That Council Request the General Manager:

1. Draft a scope for the development of a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

2. Consult with the Planning, Environment and Sustainability portfolio in the preparation of this draft scope for a Climate Change Policy / Action Plan.

3. Hold a Councillor briefing on the draft Climate Change Policy / Action Plan, once the policy/plan scope has been developed.”

Until it is a legislative requirement that Council is to have such strategies and action plans in place.

equal: 4/4

For: Cusato, Griffiths, Levido and Pinson

Against: Alley, Dixon, Intemann and Turner

CASTING VOTE: FOR

MOTION CARRIED

13.08 Notice of Motion - Protection of Public Infrastructure Bonds Fee

RESOLVED: Pinson/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Request the General Manager review the Protection of Public Infrastructure Bonds fee as listed in the 2019-2020 Published Fees and Charges, including benchmarking of similar fees with neighbouring and other Group 5 Councils.

2. Request the General Manager table a report on the results of this review to the November 2019 Council meeting, noting that any subsequent change to this fee would require public exhibition.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.09 Ocean Drive Duplication Project

Mayor Pinson left the meeting, the time being 9:40pm.

The Mayor vacated the Chair and the Deputy Mayor assumed the Chair.

RESOLVED: Levido/Cusato

That Council:

1. Note that the Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) - Regional Maintenance Delivery (RMD) is currently undertaking a review of the detailed designs and delivery methodology of the Ocean Drive Duplication with a view to delivering the project within the current confirmed available project funding of $65.5M.

2. Withhold giving consideration to additional project funding sources until such time as the RMS/RMD have finalised their review of the Ocean Drive Duplication detailed design and delivery methodology, thereby providing Council with information around any funding gap.

3. Request the General Manager table a report to a future Council meeting as soon as practicable, detailing the outcomes of the RMD review for the Ocean Drive Duplication project and any likely funding impacts for Council.

4. That the General Manager forward a copy of this report and Council’s recommendation to the Office of the State Member for Port Macquarie, Hon. Leslie Williams MP.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Nil

Item - 13.10 Bold Street Laurieton Pedestrian Crossing - has been moved to another part of the document.

13.11 Biodiversity Strategy: Report Following Close of Public Exhibition Phase

RESOLVED: Intemann/Turner

That Council:

1. Adopt the revised Biodiversity Management Strategy and mapping (Attachment 1).

2. Advise those people who made a submission during the development of the Biodiversity Management Strategy of the outcome.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Nil

13.12 Kooloonbung Creek Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan

RESOLVED: Cusato/Dixon

That Council note the information presented in the Kooloonbung Creek Flying Fox Camp Management Plan quarterly update report.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Nil

13.13 The Bago Tavern, 235 High Street, Wauchope - Inspection Report received from NSW Fire & Rescue

RESOLVED: Alley/Dixon

That Council:

1. Note the Fire Safety Inspection report, dated 5 August 2019, from NSW Fire and Rescue, as provided in Attachment 1 to this report.

2. Exercise the powers conferred on Council by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (Division 9.3 and Schedule 5), to issue a Fire Safety Order to address the outstanding fire safety concerns at the premises 235 High Street, Wauchope.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Nil

Mayor Pinson returned to the meeting, the time being 09:44pm.

The Deputy Mayor vacated the Chair and the Mayor assumed chair.

13.14 Bonny Hills Beach Hotel, 1045 Ocean Drive, Bonny Hills - Inspection Report received from NSW Fire & Rescue

RESOLVED: Cusato/Alley

That Council:

1. Note the Fire Safety Inspection report, dated 6 August 2019, from NSW Fire and Rescue, as provided in Attachment 1 to this report.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.15 Planning Proposal: 2019 Administrative Review of Port Macquarie - Hastings LEP 2011 (Amendment No 55) - Consideration of Submissions

Councillor Levido declared a Non-Pecuniary, Significant Interest in this matter and left the room and was out of sight during the Council's consideration, the time being 9:45pm.

RESOLVED: Intemann/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Take the necessary steps under sections 3.35 and 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act) to finalise Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Amendment 55) as attached.

2. Delegate authority to the Director Strategy and Growth to make any minor amendments to the Planning Proposal in finalising the Local Environmental Plan.

3. Notify all persons who lodged submissions of the meeting outcome.

carried: 7/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Councillor Levido returned to the meeting, the time being 9:45pm.

13.16 Question With Notice - Tree Lopping and Removal Program

RESOLVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That the General Manager be requested to provide a report to the October 2019 meeting of Council providing an update on the current program for public tree management in urban areas.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

13.17 Question With Notice - Feral Deer

RESOLVED: Cusato/Griffiths

That the response to the Question With Notice regarding Feral Deer be noted.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

14 ITEMS TO BE DEALT WITH BY EXCEPTION

Nil.

CONFIDENTIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

RESOLVED: Dixon/Alley

1. That pursuant to section 10A subsections 2 & 3 and 10B of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended), the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Council in Confidential Committee of the Whole (Closed Session) on the basis that items to be considered are of a confidential nature.

2. That Council move into Confidential Committee of the Whole (Closed Session) to receive and consider the following items

Item 15.01 T-19-31 Supply and Delivery of Two (2) x 20 Tonne Track Mounted Excavators

This item is considered confidential under Section 10A(2)(d(i)) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

Item 15.02 T-19-29 Dunbogan Flood Access Road - Stage 1A

Item 15.03 John Henry Taylor and Mildred Joy Taylor v. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

This item is considered confidential under Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Item 15.04 General Manager's Contract, 2018-2019 Performance Review & 2019-2020 Performance Agreement

This item is considered confidential under Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors).

3. That the resolutions made by the Council in Confidential Committee of the Whole (Closed Session) be made public as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the Closed Session and such resolutions be recorded in the Minutes of the Council Meeting.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Adjourn meeting

RESOLVED: Dixon/Alley:

That the Ordinary Council Meeting adjourn at 9:48pm.

Resume meeting

RESOLVED: Dixon/Alley:

That the Ordinary Council Meeting resume at 10:23pm.

ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CONFIDENTIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

RESOLVED: Alley/Griffiths

That the undermentioned recommendations from Confidential Committee of the Whole (Closed Session) be adopted.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item 15.01 T-19-31 Supply and Delivery of Two (2) x 20 Tonne Track Mounted Excavators

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Accept the quotation, through Local Government Procurement, from Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd, for the purchase of two (2) 20 tonne track mounted excavators for $577,181.00 (excl GST).

2. Affix the seal of Council to the necessary documents.

3. Maintain the confidentiality of the documents and considerations in respect of Tender T-19-31.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item 15.02 T-19-29 Dunbogan Flood Access Road - Stage 1A

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Accept the tender from Eire Constructions Pty Ltd for $1,114,057.80 (exclusive of GST) for the Construction of Dunbogan Flood Access Upgrade - Stage 1A project.

2. Accept the Schedule of Rates from Eire Constructions Pty Ltd for the Construction of Dunbogan Flood Access Upgrade - Stage 1A project.

3. Affix the seal of Council to the necessary documents.

4. Maintain the confidentiality of the documents and consideration in respect of Tender T-19-29.

carried: 6/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann and Turner

Against: Ni

Item 15.03 John Henry Taylor and Mildred Joy Taylor v. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Note the legal advice provided in relation to the John Henry Taylor and Mildred Joy Taylor v. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council matter.

2. Delegate to the General Manager to negotiate settlement on Council’s behalf based on the legal advice and accompanying objections following the costs assessment.

3. Request the General Manager to report back to Council when the matter is finalised.

carried: 8/0

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

Against: Nil

Item 15.04 General Manager's Contract, 2018-2019 Performance Review & 2019-2020 Performance Agreement

This item is considered confidential under Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors).

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Note the report from the General Manager’s Performance Review Panel on the General Manager’s performance in 2018-2019, which details better than satisfactory performance for the period under review.

2. Endorse the 2019-2020 Performance Agreement for the General Manager as presented by the General Manager’s Performance Review Panel.

3. Accept General Manager’s application for re-appointment in his letter of 3 June 2019:

a) That noting the high level of satisfaction with the performance of the General Manager as reflected in his 2018/19 performance review, and prior reviews, in accordance with clause 5.2 of the General Managers contract Council agrees to a new contract of employment for the General Manager, under the same terms and conditions as his current 4 year contract, for the term of 25 March 2020 to 24 March 2024, noting his current Total Remuneration Package of $350,487.

b) That the Mayor be delegated authority to sign the new contract.

carried: 6/2

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Griffiths and Pinson

The meeting closed at 10:24pm.

………………………………………..

Peta Pinson

Mayor

AGENDA Ordinary Council 16/10/2019

Item: 05

Subject: DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

RECOMMENDATION

That Disclosures of Interest be presented

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST DECLARATION

Name of Meeting:

Meeting Date:

Item Number:

Subject:

I, the undersigned, hereby declare the following interest:

Pecuniary:

Take no part in the consideration and voting and be out of sight of the meeting.

Non-Pecuniary – Significant Interest:

Take no part in the consideration and voting and be out of sight of the meeting.

Non-Pecuniary – Less than Significant Interest:

May participate in consideration and voting.

For the reason that:

Name:

Signed:

Date:

Please submit to the Governance Support Officer at the Council Meeting.

(Refer to next page and the Code of Conduct)

Pecuniary Interest

4.1 A pecuniary interest is an interest that you have in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to you or a person referred to in clause 4.3.

4.2 You will not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision you might make in relation to the matter, or if the interest is of a kind specified in clause 4.6.

4.3 For the purposes of this Part, you will have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is:

(a) your interest, or

(b) the interest of your spouse or de facto partner, your relative, or your partner or employer, or

4.4 For the purposes of clause 4.3:

(a) Your “relative” is any of the following:

i) your parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descendant or adopted child

ii) your spouse’s or de facto partner’s parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descendant or adopted child

iii) the spouse or de facto partner of a person referred to in paragraphs (i) and (i)

(b) “de facto partner” has the same meaning as defined in section 21C of the Interpretation Act 1987.

4.5 You will not have a pecuniary interest in relation to a person referred to in subclauses 4.3(b) or (c)

(a) if you are unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of your spouse, de facto partner, relative, partner, employer or company or other body, or

(b) just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, a council or a statutory body, or is employed by the Crown, or

(c) just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of a council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter, so long as the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.

Non-Pecuniary

5.1 Non-pecuniary interests are private or personal interests a council official has that do not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in clause 4.1 of this code. These commonly arise out of family or personal relationships, or out of involvement in sporting, social, religious or other cultural groups and associations, and may include an interest of a financial nature.

5.2 A non-pecuniary conflict of interest exists where a reasonable and informed person would perceive that you could be influenced by a private interest when carrying out your official functions in relation to a matter.

5.3 The personal or political views of a council official do not constitute a private interest for the purposes of clause 5.2.

5.4 Non-pecuniary conflicts of interest must be identified and appropriately managed to uphold community confidence in the probity of council decision-making. The onus is on you to identify any non-pecuniary conflict of interest you may have in matters that you deal with, to disclose the interest fully and in writing, and to take appropriate action to manage the conflict in accordance with this code.

5.5 When considering whether or not you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter you are dealing with, it is always important to think about how others would view your situation.

Managing non-pecuniary conflicts of interest

5.6 Where you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter for the purposes of clause 5.2, you must disclose the relevant private interest you have in relation to the matter fully and in writing as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the non-pecuniary conflict of interest and on each occasion on which the non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to the matter. In the case of members of council staff other than the general manager, such a disclosure is to be made to the staff member’s manager. In the case of the general manager, such a disclosure is to be made to the mayor.

5.7 If a disclosure is made at a council or committee meeting, both the disclosure and the nature of the interest must be recorded in the minutes on each occasion on which the non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises. This disclosure constitutes disclosure in writing for the purposes of clause 5.6.

5.8 How you manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest will depend on whether or not it is significant.

5.9 As a general rule, a non-pecuniary conflict of interest will be significant where it does not involve a pecuniary interest for the purposes of clause 4.1, but it involves:

a) a relationship between a council official and another person who is affected by a decision or a matter under consideration that is particularly close, such as a current or former spouse or de facto partner, a relative for the purposes of clause 4.4 or another person from the council official’s extended family that the council official has a close personal relationship with, or another person living in the same household

b) other relationships with persons who are affected by a decision or a matter under consideration that are particularly close, such as friendships and business relationships. Closeness is defined by the nature of the friendship or business relationship, the frequency of contact and the duration of the friendship or relationship.

c) an affiliation between the council official and an organisation (such as a sporting body, club, religious, cultural or charitable organisation, corporation or association) that is affected by a decision or a matter under consideration that is particularly strong. The strength of a council official’s affiliation with an organisation is to be determined by the extent to which they actively participate in the management, administration or other activities of the organisation.

d) membership, as the council’s representative, of the board or management committee of an organisation that is affected by a decision or a matter under consideration, in circumstances where the interests of the council and the organisation are potentially in conflict in relation to the particular matter

e) a financial interest (other than an interest of a type referred to in clause 4.6) that is not a pecuniary interest for the purposes of clause 4.1

f) the conferral or loss of a personal benefit other than one conferred or lost as a member of the community or a broader class of people affected by a decision.

5.10 Significant non-pecuniary conflicts of interest must be managed in one of two ways:

a) by not participating in consideration of, or decision making in relation to, the matter in which you have the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest and the matter being allocated to another person for consideration or determination, or

b) if the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to a matter under consideration at a council or committee meeting, by managing the conflict of interest as if you had a pecuniary interest in the matter by complying with clauses 4.28 and 4.29.

5.11 If you determine that you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest you must also explain in writing why you consider that the non-pecuniary conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.

5.12 If you are a member of staff of council other than the general manager, the decision on which option should be taken to manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest must be made in consultation with and at the direction of your manager. In the case of the general manager, the decision on which option should be taken to manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest must be made in consultation with and at the direction of the mayor.

5.13 Despite clause 5.10(b), a councillor who has a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter, may participate in a decision to delegate consideration of the matter in question to another body or person.

5.14 Council committee members are not required to declare and manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in accordance with the requirements of this Part where it arises from an interest they have as a person chosen to represent the community, or as a member of a non-profit organisation or other community or special interest group, if they have been appointed to represent the organisation or group on the council committee.

SPECIAL DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST DECLARATION

This form must be completed using block letters or typed.

If there is insufficient space for all the information you are required to disclose,

you must attach an appendix which is to be properly identified and signed by you.

[insert full name of councillor]

In the matter of

[insert name of environmental planning instrument]

Which is to be considered at a meeting of the

[insert name of meeting]

Held on

[insert date of meeting]

PECUNIARY INTEREST

Address of the affected principal place of residence of the councillor or an associated person, company or body (the identified land)

Relationship of identified land to councillor

[Tick or cross one box.]

 The councillor has interest in the land (e.g. is owner or has other interest arising out of a mortgage, lease, trust, option or contract, or otherwise).

 An associated person of the councillor has an interest in the land.

 An associated company or body of the councillor has interest in the land.

MATTER GIVING RISE TO PECUNIARY INTEREST[1]

Nature of land that is subject to a change

in zone/planning control by proposed

LEP (the subject land2

[Tick or cross one box]

 The identified land.

 Land that adjoins or is adjacent to or is in proximity to the identified land.

Current zone/planning control

[Insert name of current planning instrument and identify relevant zone/planning control applying to the subject land]

Proposed change of zone/planning control

[Insert name of proposed LEP and identify proposed change of zone/planning control applying to the subject land]

Effect of proposed change of zone/planning control on councillor or associated person

[Tick or cross one box]

 Appreciable financial gain.

 Appreciable financial loss.

[If more than one pecuniary interest is to be declared, reprint the above box and fill in for each additional interest]

Councillor’s Signature: ………………………………. Date: ………………..

This form is to be retained by the council’s general manager and included in full in the minutes of the meeting

Last Updated: 3 June 2019

Important Information

This information is being collected for the purpose of making a special disclosure of pecuniary interests under clause 4.36(c) of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (the Model Code of Conduct).

The special disclosure must relate only to a pecuniary interest that a councillor has in the councillor’s principal place of residence, or an interest another person (whose interests are relevant under clause 4.3 of the Model Code of Conduct) has in that person’s principal place of residence.

Clause 4.3 of the Model Code of Conduct states that you will have a pecuniary interest in a matter because of the pecuniary interest of your spouse or your de facto partner or your relative or because your business partner or employer has a pecuniary interest. You will also have a pecuniary interest in a matter because you, your nominee, your business partner or your employer is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.

“Relative” is defined by clause 4.4 of the Model Code of Conduct as meaning your, your spouse’s or your de facto partner’s parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descendant or adopted child and the spouse or de facto partner of any of those persons.

You must not make a special disclosure that you know or ought reasonably to know is false or misleading in a material particular. Complaints about breaches of these requirements are to be referred to the Office of Local Government and may result in disciplinary action by the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

This form must be completed by you before the commencement of the council or council committee meeting at which the special disclosure is being made. The completed form must be tabled at the meeting. Everyone is entitled to inspect it. The special disclosure must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

[1] Clause 4.1 of the Model Code of Conduct provides that a pecuniary interest is an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person. A person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to the matter, or if the interest is of a kind specified in clause 4.6 of the Model Code of Conduct.

2 A pecuniary interest may arise by way of a change of permissible use of land adjoining, adjacent to or in proximity to land in which a councillor or a person, company or body referred to in clause 4.3 of the Model Code of Conduct has a proprietary interest

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 10.01

Subject: Status of Reports From Council Resolutions

Presented by: Corporate Performance, Rebecca Olsen

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.3.2 Build trust and improve Council's reputation through transparency, good decision making and living Council’s Values.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the information contained in the Status of Reports from Council Resolutions report.

Discussion

Report	Date & Item of Resolution	Status	Reporting Officer	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report	Current Anticipated Date for Report
Revive Lake Cathie Inc. Submission to PMHC 2019-2020 Operational Plan	15/05/2019 Item 09.01	Delayed due to stakeholder meetings.	DDE		Oct-19
Paragliding Activities at Bartlett's Beach - Review of Risk Management Controls	17/07/19 Item 12.01		DDE		Oct-19
Borrowing for Projects	21/08/19 Item 10.08		DCP		Oct-19
Parking Strategy Review	21/08/19 Item 13.02		DI		Oct-19
Tree Lopping and Removal Program	18/09/19 Item 13.16		DDE		Oct-19
T-19-09 Supply and Delivery of Ready Mix Concrete - post negotiations	19/06/19 Item 15.04	Still negotiating	DI	Aug-19 Oct-19	Nov-19
T-19-10 Supply and Delivery of Road Construction Materials - post negotiations	19/06/19 Item 15.05	Still negotiating	DI	Aug-19 Oct-19	Nov-19
Port Macquarie Transport Network Community Consultative Committee - Membership	21/08/19 Item 13.09	EOI to recuirt members is underway	DSG	Oct-19	Nov-19
Coastal Koala Plan of Management	19/09/18 Item 12.04	Draft CKPoM under review and subject to peer review following legal advice from landowner	DSG	Oct-19	Nov-19
Planning Proposal PP2016 – 11.1 Mission Terrace Lakewood – post exhibition	15/11/17 Item 12.06	Going back out on exhibition to public	DSG	Sep-19	Nov-19
PP: Bundaleer Aged Care - 67 High Street and 4-8 Johnstone Street, Wauchope - Gateway Determination	15/08/18 Item 12.04	Awaiting legal advice and owner's consent	DSG	Sep-18 Oct-18 Feb-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jul-19 Sep-19	Nov-19
Planning Proposal – Lot 2 DP1091253 Beach Street Bonny Hills	19/04/16 Item 12.02	Awaiting advice from proponent	DSG	Sep-19	Nov-19
Planning Proposal Request PP2011 - 9.3: The Ruins Way and South Blackwood, Port Macquarie	19/06/19 Item 13.06	Awaiting advice from proponent	DSG	Aug-19 Sep-19	Nov-19
Town Centre Master Plan Charter Review	20/06/18 Item 09.09	Still being discussed	DSG	Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Aug-19 Oct-19	Nov-19
Future of Committees following establishment of Cultural Steering Group	19/04/17 Item 15.05	Item is to be discussed at a future Cultural Steering Group meeting, following the adoption of the Cultural Plan	DSG	Jun-17 Jul-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Feb-18 Apr-18 Jul-18 Sep-18 Feb-19 Apr-19 May-19	Nov-19
Proposed Orbital Road Investigation Area - impact of removing invesgitation area	18/09/19 Item 13.03		DI		Nov-19
Community Participation Plan 2019 - post exhibition	18/09/19 Item 10.14		DSG		Nov-19
Land Acquisition - 921 Hastings River Drive, Pembrooke - Post Exhibition	12/12/18 Item 12.04	Valuation pending.	DDE	Jun-19 Aug-19 Oct-19	Dec-19
LGP EL0519 Supply of Electricity - Accepted Rates	17/07/19 Item 15.06	Local Government Procurement completing evaluations and pending Council notification.	DCP	Sep-19 Oct-19	Dec-19
Protection of Public Infrastructure Bonds Fee	18/09/19 Item 13.08	Given the research required to prepare benchmarking of similar fees and the limited resources currently available within the Infrastructure Planning section, it is requested that this report be moved to December 2019.	DI	Nov-19	Dec-19
Tuffins Lane Sporting Fields - Terms of Agreement	14/12/16 Item 06.02	Awaiting Catholic Parish advice	GM	Oct-18 Mar-19 Apr-19 Jul-19	Dec-19
Markets Policy and local markets	21/11/18 Item 11.03		DSG		Dec-19
Hay Street Forecourt Tuesday Real Food Market Compliance Report	20/02/19 Item 11.01		DSG		Dec-19
Council owned lots at North Shore - Progress of Sale	19/09/18 Item 09.24)	Council is currently in the process of obtaining DA's for the individual lots, prior to sale - this will provide assurance to future purchasers that the lots can be built on.	DSG		Dec-19
Proposed Primary Airport Access Road Intersection with Oxley Highway	21/08/19 Item 13.01		DI		Dec-19
Water Security	18/09/19 item 13.06		DI		Dec-19
Canal Maintenance	18/10/17 Item 12.04		DI		2018/2019 FY
QFPM - Enforcement of Unlawful Activity Policy - findings of review	18/07/18 Item 09.07	Policy being drafted. Awaiting further advice and discussions with Councillors.	DDE	Dec-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Oct-19	Feb-20
2020 Ordinary Local Government Election	20/02/19 Item 09.07		DCP		Feb-20
Planning Proposal - Airport Business Park - post exhibition	17/07/19 Item 13.05	Awaiting additional information from the proponent to allow for the gateway determination to be issued.	DDE		Feb-20
Planning Proposal - Airport Business Park - draft DCP approval	17/07/19 Item 13.05	Awaiting additional information from the proponent to allow for the gateway determination to be issued.	DDE		Feb-20
JH Taylor & MJ Taylor vs PMHC - report when finalised	18/09/19 Item 15.03		DCP		Feb-20
Classification as "Operational" Land - 52 John Oxley Drive, Port Macquarie - post exhibition.	20/06/18 Item 14.05		DSG		Mar-20
Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility - Progress of detailed design and Strategic Concept Plan	18/09/19 Item 11.02		DDE		Jun-20
Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility - Outcome discussions with displaced user groups of Macquarie Park	18/09/19 Item 11.02		DDE		Jun-20
Trialling Of Parklets In The Port Macquarie Town Centre	16/05/18 Item 10.02	Council is still working the relevant approvals	DSG		Aug-20
MOU - Norfolk Island Regional Council - income and expenditure administration.	20/03/19 Item 09.02		GM		Feb-21
Biodiversity Certification Assessment and Strategy - Port Macquarie Airport and Surrounding Land - viability and implications of the options for securing the required Blackbutt Tallowwood dry grassy open forest and Koala habitat credits, prior to the clearing that creates the demand for those credits.	10/08/16 Item 12.01		DDE		2021 (estimate)
Ocean Drive Duplication - Outcomes of RMD Review	18/09/19 Item 13.09		DI		TBA

Cyclic Reports

Report	Reporting Officer	Reporting Cycle	Month	Altered Report Date
Mayoral Discretionary Fund Allocations	GM	Monthly	Every
Monthly Financial Update	DCP	Monthly	Every (except July)
Investments	DCP	Monthly	Every
Recommendations by the Mayor’s Sporting Fund Sub-Committee	DSG	Monthly	Every
Development Activity and Assessment System Performance	DDE	Quarterly	May, Aug, Nov, Feb
Operational Plan – Quarterly Progress	DCP	Quarterly	Nov, Feb, May, Aug
Management of Flying-Fox Colony in Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve - Quarterly Progress Report (15/08/18 - Item 12.08)	DDE	Quarterly	Dec, Mar, June, Sep
Legal Fees - Update Report (19/09/18 - Item 09.16)	DCP	Quarterly	Feb, May, Aug, Nov
Grant Application Status Report (21/08/19 - Item 11.02)	DSG	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Glasshouse Strategic Plan Update	DCP	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Digital Technology Project Status (16/08/17 - Item 09.18)	DCP	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Delivery Program – Six Monthly Progress	DCP	Biannual	Mar, Sep
Update on Site Specific Planning Proposal Requests	DSG	Biannual	Apr, Oct	Nov-19
Mayoral and Councillor Fees (Setting of)	GM	Annually	May
Long Term Energy Strategy – Progress	DDE	Biannual	May, Nov
Economic Development Strategy - Progress (20/11/2013 - Item 10.03)	DSG	Biannual	May, Nov
Performance of Property Investment Portfolio 6-Monthly (12/12/17 - Item 09.09)	DSG	Biannual	May, Nov
Council Policy - Status	DCP	Annually	Jul
Recreation Action Plan – Status	DDE	Annually	Jul
UGMS - Annual Progress Report on Implementation and Status of Actions (20/06/18 - Item 12.07)	DSG	Annually	Jul	Apr-19
Local Preference Policy Outcomes	DCP	Annually	Aug
Annual Report of the Activities of the Mayor’s Sporting Fund	DSG	Annually	Sep
Council Meeting Dates	GM	Annually	Sep
Creation of Office - Deputy Mayor	GM	Annually	Sep
Audit Committee Annual Report	DCP	Annually	Sep
Annual Report of Disability Discrimination Act Action Plan	DSG	Annually	Sep
Legislative Compliance Register	DCP	Annually	Sep
Cultural Plan 2018 - 2021 - Implementation Progress Report (19/09/18 - Item 10.02)	DSG	Annually	Sep
Koala Recovery Strategy Annual Report (19/09/18 - Item 12.05)	DDE	Annually	Sep	Oct-19
Annual Disclosure of Interest Returns	GM	Annually	Oct
Council’s Annual Report	DCP	Annually	Nov
Update Report - Impact of cost shifting for the previous financial year including any additional categories of cost-shifting that have been identified (21/10/15 - Item 09.04)	DCP	Annually	Nov
Compliments and Complaints Annual Report	DSG	Annually	Dec

Attachments

Nil

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 10.03

Subject: Mid North Coast Joint Organisation Update

Presented by: General Manager, Craig Swift-McNair

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.2.1 Promote Council participation and build linkages in local, state and federal initiatives, forums and opportunities to support Council’s continued planning for the growth of the region.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the information provided in this Mid North Coast Joint Organisation Update report.

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the operation of the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO).

Discussion

At the 21 March 2018 Council meeting, Council resolved to join the MNCJO as per the following resolution:

09.02 JOINT ORGANISATION OF MID NORTH COAST COUNCILS

RESOLVED: Turner/Intemann

In accordance with Part 7 of Chapter 12 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act),

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (Council) resolves:

1) That the Council inform the Minister for Local Government (Minister) of the Council’s endorsement of the Minister recommending to the Governor the establishment of a Joint Organisation in accordance with this resolution.

2) To approve the inclusion of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s area in the Joint Organisation’s area.

3) That the Joint Organisation be established to cover the Council’s area and any one or more of the following Council areas:

- Kempsey Shire Council;

- Nambucca Shire Council;

- Bellingen Shire Council;

- Coffs Harbour City Council;

- Clarence Valley Council

4) That, on the expiry of a period of 28 days from the making of this resolution, the General Manager provide the Minister:

a) With a copy of this resolution including the date on which Council made this resolution; and

b) Inform the Minister that this resolution has not been rescinded for the purpose of the Minister issuing a certificate under section 400P of the Act.

5) That Council will provide no financial guarantee to the Joint Organisation, nor will it accept any liability for decisions made and/or debts incurred.

6) To request the Joint Organisation consider the following points in the determination of its charter:

a) That decision making occurs via consensus and that a dispute resolution mechanism be included;

b) That a primary objective of any proposed Joint Organisation is to deliver cost-savings to the member councils, and therefore the JO should not entrench excessive ongoing expense or administrative burden;

c) That the purpose and core functions of the Joint Organisation be limited to the following functions, with all other functions to be decided on a case by-case basis:

i) Strategic planning and regional priority setting;

ii) Intergovernmental collaboration and

iii) Regional leadership and advocacy

7) That any requests for financial contribution to be decided by Council resolution.

8) That agendas for meetings of the Joint Organisation be provided to PMHC Councillors prior to the meetings, and that all official business of the Joint Organisation be reported to a subsequent Ordinary Meeting of Council, including agendas, reports, and minutes of meetings.

9) That Council’s decision to participate in the Joint Organisation be reviewed against the stated goals of additional investment to the region, and substantial benefit and significant cost savings to Councils, within 24 months of the commencement of the Joint Organisation.

CARRIED: 7/2

FOR: Alley, Dixon, Griffiths, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

AGAINST: Cusato and Hawkins

Subsequent to the above Council resolution, Joint Organisations (JOs) in NSW were proclaimed by the Governor of NSW on 9 May 2018. The MNCJO was proclaimed as including Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC), Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) and Bellingen Shire Council (BSC), with the first MNCJO Board meeting held on 13 June 2018.

This report deals specifically with Resolution 8 detailed above in relation to providing MNCJO Board agendas, reports and minutes of meetings to Council. To this end, a report was tabled at the 19 September 2018 Council meeting detailing amongst other things, the agenda and minutes of the 13 June 2018 and 17 August 2018 MNCJO Board meetings. It is acknowledged that since September 2018 regular reporting to Council on the agendas, reports and minutes of MNCJO Board meetings has not occurred on a regular basis as required by Resolution 8 listed above, however this report provides the following MNCJO Board meeting papers by way of update:

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 October 2018

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 December 2018

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 24 January 2019

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 1 February 2019

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 April 2019

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 12 June 2019

- MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 9 August 2019

All of the above mentioned agendas and minutes are attached to this report for information.

It should also be noted that all MNCJO Board agenda’s and minutes are loaded onto Councils electronic document management system that is accessible to all Councillors.

By way of summary, since the proclamation of the MNCJO, the member Councils of the MNCJO have worked hard in building collaborative networks with strategic partners, such as Destination NSW, the Office of Emergency Management and Transport for NSW, plus there has been a concerted effort to investigate opportunities for regional collaborations. Some of the key achievements to date are:

- Development of the MNCJO Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities (SSRP).

- Development of the MNCJO Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus for the purpose of seeking just over $10 million funding from the NSW government over 3 years, to be matched by the member Councils.

This is an important initiative due to the fact that the 3 x member Councils of the MNCJO have 15% of the States ageing timber bridges between them. If the above-mentioned funding can be achieved, then 91 timber bridges will be upgraded across the 3 x Councils, which represents 42% of the total number of timber bridges across the member Councils.

This project has caught the interest of the Minister for Regional Roads & Transport, the Hon. Paul Toole MP and a meeting was recently held with senior representatives from Transport for NSW and the MNCJO in relation to this project.

- A works program workshop was recently held between all three member Councils, with General Managers, relevant Directors and Managers present to discuss and explore possible synergies and opportunities for collaborative efforts on Water, Sewerage and Road projects.

- The establishment of a network of Environmental staff across the MNCJO membership who are working towards identifying collaborative sustainability initiatives.

- The commissioning of the Centre for Local Government (CLG) at the University of Technology Sydney to design and conduct social research across the Mid-North Coast Region to find out what matters most to our individual communities, and equally, what matters across the region. This project was known as Why Local Government Matters and was reported to the 17 July 2019 Council meeting. The information gathered through this research is now being used by the member Councils to inform community planning and the suite of documents related to the integrated planning and reporting framework.

- The establishment of the Koala Recovery Partnership which seeks to improve koala conservation across the Hastings-Macleay Region by engaging with landholders, the community, research groups and government sectors to achieve better on-ground outcomes and on-going viability for the iconic and important koala species. The Partnership is a joint venture under the MNCJO, with $450,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program, along with funding from the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey Councils. The Partnership conducts a variety of educational, scientific and on-ground projects that will contribute to protecting koalas and their habitat across the Hastings-Macleay Region. Importantly, the Partnership includes the funding of a Koala Recovery Ecologist to deliver the program over the next three years, with the Ecologist being a fixed term employee of the MNCJO.

- Discussions are continuing with the Office of Emergency Management in relation to a Regional Disaster Preparedness program, which will see a Regional Disaster Preparedness Officer place on the north coast for two years, along with a level of project funding for disaster preparedness related projects. This initiative will likely be driven by the MNCJO and include other Councils along the mid and north coasts of NSW. Final plans are currently being put in place in relation to this project, noting that this aligns with a key project in the MNCJO SSRP, around developing programs relating to community resilience.

- An MNCJO web site has now been established, which includes copies of all business papers relating to the MNCJO, all of which are available to the public.

- Following the PMHC General Manager acting as the MNCJO Executive Officer from October 2018 to June 2019, a new part time Executive Officer was appointed in April 2019, with commencement in mid-June 2019.

- Active involvement with a range of State agencies as part of the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) Regional Leadership Executive Meetings.

- Planning is currently underway for a Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Joint Organisation expo to take place in Parliament House, Sydney in early 2020. This is likely to showcase local food and businesses, however plans are still in their infancy.

As demonstrated above, there have been a range of key initiatives undertaken and commenced since the proclamation of the MNCJO, however the issue of ongoing operational funding for all JO’s is a topic of much conversation across NSW. Apart from the initial funding of $300,000 granted to each JO for the initial set up etc, there has been no other ongoing operational funding made available to the JO’s from the NSW government.

Having said the above, the NSW government recently announced project funding of $150,000 per JO for projects that can demonstrate the ongoing capacity and financial sustainability of each JO. Details of which project the MNCJO will put forward under this funding program are still to be finalised and will be presented to the October 2019 MNCJO Board meeting for consideration. Whilst this funding is not ongoing operational funding, it is considered a positive step by the government in relation to assisting the JOs to become more financially viable.

The other issue of interest is that the MNJCO has continued to advocate for there to be no more JO’s proclaimed along the mid north coast. This is on the back of the fact that Coffs Harbour City Council, Nambucca Shire Council and Clarence Valley Council have chosen not to join the MNCJO, but rather have been advocating to form a new northern mid north coast JO. The position of the MNCJO has always been that a JO of 6 x member Councils as opposed to the current 3 x member Councils, would be more financially sustainable and viable into the future.

In a recent letter from the NSW Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, the Minister stated that there will be no more JO’s formed on the mid north coast of NSW and encouraged Councils interested in forming a JO to consider joining the MNCJO. A copy of the Ministers letter is attached for information.

The MNJCO continues to work through a range of issues, projects and initiatives in an effort to bring value to the member Councils. As per the above-mentioned Council resolution from the 21 March 2018 Council meeting (in particular Resolution 9), a review of the MNCJO against the stated goals of the JO will be undertaken within 24 months of the commencement of the MNCJO. As the MNCJO commenced in June 2018, this review will take place in the first half of calendar year 2020.

Options

Council can resolve in line with the recommendation included in this report or resolve in some other manner.

Community Engagement & Internal Consultation

There has been no community engagement or internal consultation in relation to this report.

Planning & Policy Implications

There are no direct planning and / or policy implications in relation to this report.

Financial & Economic Implications

There are no direct financial and / or economic implications in relation to this report.

For interest, from 9 May 2018 to 30 June 2019 (with 9 May being the proclamation of the MNCJO), the net operating result for the MNCJO is $319,057, noting that this is a draft result with audit for the 2018-2019 financial year yet to be finalised. For your interest and information, an extract of the draft financial statements is included in the attachment titled MNCJO - 2018-2019 DRAFT Financials Extract.

Attachments

1 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 October 2018

2 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 December 2018

3 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 1 February 2019

4 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 24 January 2019

5 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 5 April 2019

6 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 12 June 2019

7 View. MNCJO Board Agenda & Minutes - 9 August 2019

8 View. Letter - Minister Hancock to the MNCJO - 19 September 2019

9 View. MNCJO - 2018-2019 DRAFT Financials Extract

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 10.08

Subject: Borrowing for Projects

Presented by: Corporate Performance, Rebecca Olsen

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.5.1 Manage Council’s financial assets and provide accurate, timely and reliable information.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information in the Borrowing for Projects report be noted.

Executive Summary

This report details a proposal, including implications, for Council to forthwith borrow, on commercial terms, or otherwise, and raise the sum of $25,000,000 on the basis that the funds be utilised and allocated for various capital projects for commencement during the first quarter of 2020.

There are a number of advantages to proceeding with the borrowings/projects, including taking advantage of current low interest rates and the potential positive impact on economic stimulation. However, there are also a number of financial implications which need to be carefully considered, including considerations around borrowing capacity and the impact of borrowings of Council’s future cash flows and financial sustainability.

The report will outline the implications of borrowing, and provide analysis around the financial impacts. It is not the intent of this report to examine the benefits of the individual projects identified. The report will demonstrate that it is possible to borrow $25,000,000 for the projects outlined on commercial terms and outline options to mitigate the financial impacts.

Discussion

Background

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 August 2019, Council resolved the following:

10.08 Notice of Motion - Borrowing for Projects

RESOLVED: Levido/Intemann

That the General Manager bring back a Report to Council’s October 2019 meeting detailing an actual proposal, including implications, for Council to forthwith borrow, on commercial terms, or otherwise, raise the sum of $25,000,000.00 on the basis that the loan funds so borrowed be utilised and allocated for the following project purposes on the basis that all will see commencement (being commencement of design and/or other preconstruction requirements) during the first quarter of 2020, namely:

1. Carry out the upgrade of Boundary Street, Port Macquarie from its intersection with Hastings River Drive to the Port Macquarie Airport entry based on current investigations and planning in an amount of $15,000,000.00.

2. Carry out upgrade works to Bril Bril Road, Rollands Plains based on prior discussions and investigations with the local community in an amount of $6,000,000.00.

3. Carry out upgrade works to The Hatch, Blackmans Point based on prior discussions and investigations with the local community in an amount of $1,200,000.00.

4. Carry out further works with respect to the “Schools to Schools” project from Kendall Public School, Kendall to Laurieton Public School, Laurieton, with reference to the existing Strategic Alignment Study and in consultation with the School to School local committee, in an amount of $900,000.00.

5. Carry out further works with respect to the “Beach 2 Beach” project from North Haven to Dunbogan, with reference to the proposed Strategic Alignment Study and in consultation with the Beach 2 Beach local committee, in an amount of $900,000.00.

6. Utilise $1,000,000.00 with respect to undertaking investigative and/or construction works as to tidal improvements to that part of the Lake Innes and Lake Cathie Estuarine System from the Ocean Drive bridge in a westerly direction.

carried: 7/2

For: Alley, Cusato, Dixon, Hawkins, Intemann, Levido and Turner

Against: Griffiths and Pinson

This report addresses the above recommendation.

Advantages of prioritising and funding capital projects

There are a range of advantages in prioritising and funding capital projects with some of these outlined below. It should be noted that these are general comments without focussing on the specific benefits of each of the listed projects.

Economic Stimulation

Delivering the abovementioned projects may provide economic stimulation. For example, during construction phases, materials and labour are required, which increases local employment and has the opportunity to assist local business in the purchase of goods and services. Such investment supports jobs growth, connects people to their jobs, homes and communities, and supports the efficient movement of people and products in and around our region. All of this adds to growing our economy and improving the liveability of our region.

Low interest rates

Borrowing funds in the current interest rate environment would allow Council to take advantage of historically low interest rates to deliver the projects identified. Securing debt funding in a low interest market, as opposed to potentially borrowing in the future, would mean that Council could potentially avoid higher future costs of borrowing. In addition, securing low interest rate funds now may mean that existing cash reserves can be preserved in investments which are attracting a higher rate of return than the interest cost of debt.

Should borrowing be staged, (not drawn up front), in line with project delivery, future interest rates may increase. It is noted that where works are scheduled to be delivered on a staged approach, should borrowings be drawn up front, the funds will remain in reserve until required to fund the works. This means that there will be a period where the funds are not technically required, but where interest is being incurred on the borrowings. This cost will be offset to an extent by the investment revenue earned on the reserves. However unlike existing investments, new investments are likely to be made at a lower rate than the current cost of borrowing. The risk of the net cost to council would therefore need to be considered against the risk of potentially higher interest rates should the borrowings be drawn on a stages approach in the future.

Intergenerational equity principles

Intergenerational equity is the concept of fairness between generations and includes consideration of the financial impacts of decisions on future generations, as well as ensuring that the cost of services / assets provided are funded by those generations receiving the benefits of those services / assets.

Utilising debt to fund infrastructure projects and aligning repayments with the life of these assets supports the concept of intergenerational equity as in effect the generations ‘paying’ for the assets are those utilising and therefore gaining benefit from the assets.

Benefits of the Individual Projects

Each of the projects listed have benefits for stakeholders and the community. It is not within the scope of this report to expand on these benefits, or to comment on whether these are priority projects for Council, as this is a matter for Council to determine.

Implications of funding the projects

Notwithstanding the above-mentioned benefits, no decisions are without implications. The implications for consideration are as follows:

Capacity to borrow

Capacity to borrow refers to the amount of money available for Council to borrow based on its current financial status. Ultimately were Council to proceed with the borrowings, the capacity to borrow would be determined by the lenders, the outcome of which would determine whether Council could borrow the proposed funds.

The debt service cover ratio (which measures the affordability of debt), may however provide an indicator of capacity to borrow. Council’s long term financial planning currently projects debt service cover ratios above the Office of Local Government’s benchmark of 2x on both a consolidated and general fund basis and would still be projected to remain above benchmark on a consolidated and general fund basis with the additional borrowings taken into account.

Commercial Terms

Council has approached TCorp and a local commercial bank to obtain indicative loan interest rates for the proposed borrowings, with a range of durations and at both fixed and variable rates. Council has also consulted with its investment advisors to determine what likely interest rates would be in the current market.

These approaches have indicated that Council could borrow the funds on commercial terms, with likely interest rates in an approximate range of 2% - 3.5%.

Cash flow to repay borrowings (and budget position)

Funding the projects through borrowings will impact future cash flows with additional interest and principal repayments which are currently not included in Council’s long term financial planning. A borrowing of $25,000,000 over a 20-year loan term with bi-annual repayments would incur the following approximate repayments over the next 10 years:

Interest Rate	Annual Principal Repayments	Interest Repayments 2020/21	Interest Repayments 2028/29
2%	$1.25m	$495k	$295k
3.5%	$1.25m	$865k	$515k

The above means that approximate annual repayments and therefore additional cash flow requirements would be:

Interest Rate	2020/21	2028/29
2%	$1.7m	$1.5m
3.5%	$2.1m	$1.8m

Council’s long term financial planning, (excluding the proposed loan repayments), is currently projecting budget deficit positions up to 2022/23, returning to surplus in 2023/24 with a projected surplus of $9.5m in 2028/29. This is due largely to existing loans reaching the end of their term and therefore a reduction in loan repayments.

The impact of the above additional cash flow requirements will result in projected budget deficit positions for the next 5 years, with a return to surplus in 2025/26. The following table outlines the major impacts:

Interest Rate

Cumulative Deficits over Next Five Years

Projected Surplus in

2028/29

$11.1m

$7.9m

3.5%

$12.8m

$8.0m

The above means that additional loan repayments would result in placing additional short term pressure on future cash flows. This would need mitigation over this period.

Financial Sustainability and Impact on Ratios

In addition to the budget position noted above, an important consideration in determining the appropriateness of debt funding is the affordability of the borrowings and the impact on future financial sustainability. This can be measured through a number of key financial indicators as follows:

· Operating Performance Ratio: measures Council’s ability to contain operating expenditure within operating revenue. This is considered to be a key measure of financial sustainability.

· Debt Service Cover Ratio: measures the affordability of debt held by Council.

· Unrestricted Current Ratio: measures Council’s ability to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

Council’s long term financial planning is currently projecting debt service cover and unrestricted current ratios above the Office of Local Government’s benchmarks, (> 2x and >1.5x respectively), on both a consolidated and general fund basis. Whilst additional interest and principal repayments will adversely impact these ratios, they are still projected to remain above benchmark.

The consolidated operating performance ratio is projected to be positive and whilst additional interest repayments will reduce this ratio, it is still projected to remain above benchmark, (>0%). The general fund is however projecting annual negative operating performance ratios moving forward and additional interest repayments will place further pressure on this position.

The following tables summarise the impacts on these financial indicators on both a consolidated and general fund basis:

With an interest rate of 2%

Fund	Ratio	2020/21		2028/29
Fund	Ratio	Current Projection	Projection with Additional Borrowings	Current Projection	Projection with Additional Borrowings
Consolidated	Operating Performance Ratio	3.43%	3.15%	12.02%	11.89%
	Debt Service Cover Ratio	4.97	4.35	468.02	52.4
	Unrestricted Current Ratio	2.30	2.20	3.76	3.58
General Fund	Operating Performance Ratio	-4.78%	-5.22%	-3.29%	-3.48%
	Debt Service Cover Ratio	3.16	2.63	215.49	24.13
	Unrestricted Current Ratio	2.11	2.02	3.50	3.34

With an interest rate of 3.5%

Fund	Ratio	2020/21		2028/29
Fund	Ratio	Current Projection	Projection with Additional Borrowings	Current Projection	Projection with Additional Borrowings
Consolidated	Operating Performance Ratio	3.43%	2.94%	12.02%	11.80%
	Debt Service Cover Ratio	4.97	4.24	468.02	46.51
	Unrestricted Current Ratio	2.30	2.20	3.76	3.58
General Fund	Operating Performance Ratio	-4.78%	-5.55%	-3.29%	-3.62%
	Debt Service Cover Ratio	3.16	2.54	215.49	21.41
	Unrestricted Current Ratio	2.11	2.02	3.50	3.34

Potential future strategic projects

Council’s forward planning has identified a number of significant strategic projects in the coming years, which may require some level of funding from borrowings. These projects include the following:

- Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility

- Hastings Regional Sporting Complex

- Thrumster Sewerage Treatment Plant

- Cowarra Dam Water Treatment / Filtration Plant

It is noted that the above projects have previously been identified as future priorities by resolutions of Council.

The above projects are significant in cost and may require borrowings. Whether borrowings are used to fund these future strategic projects or the projects identified as part of this report, there are similar considerations in relation to the impacts on future cash flows and financial sustainability. However, should these future strategic projects require borrowings on top of the $25m for the projects identified in this report, the cash flow requirements from these borrowings would further adversely impact the financial indicators above. Cash flow requirements could be mitigated through reprioritising expenditure and/or increasing revenue.

In addition, Council’s future capacity to borrow may be limited by funding $25m through borrowings now, although this would depend on the quantum. Should this occur, there could be a greater need to find alternate funding sources for the above future strategic projects such as grants.

Integrated Planning & Reporting

The Integrated Planning and Reporting framework recognises that council plans and policies should not exist in isolation - that they are interconnected. The framework allows NSW councils to draw their various plans together, understand how they interact and get the maximum leverage from their efforts by planning holistically and sustainably for the future.

As noted above, the priorities of Council are for Council to determine. However, should these projects be prioritised out of the Integrated Planning and Reporting annual process, then it is possible that other projects that otherwise would have been priorities for Council, will now have to be deferred. Consideration would need to be given as to whether a re-exhibition of the 2019/20 Operational Plan would be required.

Project Delivery

The projects identified have a range of delivery timeframes as outlined in the table below, noting that a reallocation of priorities could bring forward more of the programs into the current financial year:

Project	Identified Sum	FY 19/20	FY 20/21	Outer Years
Boundary Street	$15 million	$0 Go out to tender for detailed design in Q4.	$500k - Commence Detailed Design	21/22 - 24/25 Complete detailed design, EIS, Acquisitions, construction planning and construction
Bril Bril Road	$6 million	$0	$300k to commence design	21/22 - 24/25 Finalise design and commence construction planning inclusive of any property acquisitions, service realignments, bridges etc
The Hatch	$1.2 million	Underway - Aiming to commence construction pre-30 June with informed design on costings	Complete Construction	N/A
Schools to Schools	$0.9 million	$0, noting that there is $1.1m in the current Operational Plan	$200k to commence detailed design on High priority areas.	21/22 - 23/24 $200k to complete detailed design and $500k to commence construction
Beach 2 Beach	$0.9 million	$200k could be spent on EIS and commencing Detailed Design for Remaining sections	$300k to complete detailed design and commence construction	21/22 - construction using remaining funding/possible grants
Lake Cathie Estuarine System	$1.0 million	Part progress - refer below

In terms of the Lake Cathie Estuarine System, it is envisaged that the following would be undertaken, noting that this is indicative only at this stage:

a. Develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the Lake Innes/Lake Cathie Estuarine System - $50,000. This would commence in 19/20 but not completed.

b. Council’s 50% to commence initial background studies in order to undertake the Lake Innes/Lake Cathie Estuarine System CMP as follows:

· A digestion model of the Acid Sulphate Soil (ASS) recently uncovered as a result of a study commissioned by Council & NPWS in May 2019 - $185,000

· A review of 2013 Lake Innes Reversion Study - $50,000

· An ecological condition assessment of the saltmarsh community within Lake Innes - $10,000.

· Review of possible short term emergency ASS containment works - $50,000.

The above actions are estimated to cost $295,000. Funding can be applied for at any time with 50/50 (i.e. NSW government/other) funding available through the CMP process (i.e. NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants Program). Accordingly, Council’s 50% contribution would be $147,500. This could be completed in 19/20.

c. Employment of an Environmental Projects Officer to undertake the Lake Innes/Lake Cathie Estuarine System CMP for a fixed term of 24 months - $235,000 This would commence in the current financial year but will take 2 years to complete.

d. Undertake identified mitigation works $332,500 This is contingent on Point 1 and Government approval.

As can be seen from this table, most of the $25 million total capital cost would not be required in this financial year, and would be spread across to 2023/2024. Hence, there would be two options for borrowing:

1. Borrow now and place the unspent loans in reserve pending cash flow needs. This would increase reserve balances, but lock in lower interest rates.

2. Phase borrowings in line with cash flow requirements.

Council already has an adopted capital works program of $85.6m (excluding developer provided assets), in addition to carryover projects from the 2018-2019 financial year of $24.8m. The actual spend on the capital works program over the last 5 years is as follows:

Year	*Total Capital Spend ($’m)**
2014/15	42.1
2015/16	70.0
2016/17	65.0
2017/18	51.8
2018/19	58.1

*Noting the above excludes developer provider assets

Hence, based on historical capital delivery levels, the current year is already an ambitious program and adding further projects could result in a deferral of projects in the current year, and in the forward works program.

Options for Funding $25 million in Loan Repayments

Noting the requirement for any borrowings to be repaid, and the current and projected cash flow deficit, there are a range of options for Council to consider to be able to repay the loan:

1. In recent times, service levels have been maintained. An option to fund the loan repayments would be to reduce existing services by an amount to cover the loan repayments. This would entail undertaking detailed engagement with the community to understand priorities around service type and quality of service, in order to be able to determine appropriate service levels moving forward. Resourcing of this exercise would require a re-prioritisation of current OP priorities, as the current OP does not include provisions for this work.

2. As well as maintaining service levels, funding in a number of areas has been increased over the last several years, for example footpath renewals, road maintenance, stormwater renewals, and tree maintenance. An option to fund the loan repayments would be to reduce funding in one or more of these areas, on either a temporary or permanent basis.

3. Reduction of existing budgets across the organisation which will have the effect of constraining delivery across the organisation as opposed to a single targeted service.

4. Increasing revenue, e.g. via a special rate variation.

Alternative Funding Options for the Projects

As an alternative to borrowing (whether in relation to these projects or future strategic projects), Council may consider some alternatives to borrowing to fund the projects which can reduce the cash requirement to fund the loan repayments. These may include:

1. Developer contribution funding*: an initial review has been performed on the potential availability of developer contribution funding for the abovementioned projects. This review indicates that whilst some funding may be available, in particular for the “Schools to Schools” and “Beach 2 Beach” projects, this is not likely to be significant.

2. Reserve funding**: an initial review has been performed of the potential availability of reserve funding for the abovementioned projects. This review has indicated that significant reserve funding is not available unless Council elects to modify the priorities and commitments currently allocated to the reserves.

3. Sale of assets: Council may consider using proceeds from, for example, the sale of the Crematorium, Thrumster subdivision or general asset sales to fund the loan repayments.

*Developer contributions are a funding mechanism that permits the levying of funds from developers to provide certain public amenities or services. Council adopts contribution plans which detail how these funds will be spent. It is noted that there are a range of legislative restrictions on how these funds may be spent.

**Council holds cash and investments in a number of reserves which ensure that funds are set aside for future projects. These reserves may have external legislative restrictions placed on them which mean that they are not available for general use. They may also have internal restrictions placed on them whereby they are held by Council for specific future purposes as determined by Council

Proposal

Approaches to commercial lenders have indicated that Council could borrow the funds on commercial terms, with exact terms not known until finalisation of an application process.

Council would be able to borrow the funds, on commercial terms, on an upfront basis or staged approach, with terms of up to 20 years and current interest rates likely to fall within a range of approximately 2% to 3.5%. The borrowings would have a number of implications which would need to be considered.

Analysis indicates that loan repayments would result in placing short term pressure on cash flows, and longer term increased pressure on Council’s operating results and future financial sustainability. These impacts could be mitigated by other measures, such as a reduction in existing budgeted expenditure, a re-prioritisation of existing services / projects and associated funding and/or an increase in revenue. Whilst the impacts are not significant for the current financial year, measures would need to be considered during the 2020/2021 operational plan development and implemented to address the impact on cash flow and operating performance.

Options

1. To proceed to borrow for the projects in the original Council resolution either:

a. On an upfront basis, placing unspent loan funds in reserve pending cash flow requirements or

b. Borrow over multiple years on a staged approach in line with project timeframes

2. Consider these projects (and associated funding) as part of the 2020/2021 Operational Plan (OP) development where all projects can be considered and prioritised. This would entail delaying a decision now to borrow so that this could be considered in the development of the 2020/2021 OP.

Community Engagement & Internal Consultation

Consultation has taken place with the following:

· General Manager

· Executive Team

· Acting Group Manager Financial Services

· Infrastructure Division

· TCorp and a local commercial bank

Planning & Policy Implications

There are no planning and policy implications in relation to this report.

Financial & Economic Implications

The financial and economic implications in relation to this report have been detailed in the above analysis.

Attachments

Nil

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 10.10

Subject: Monthly Budget Review - September 2019

Presented by: Corporate Performance, Rebecca Olsen

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.5.1 Manage Council’s financial assets and provide accurate, timely and reliable information.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Adopt the adjustments in the “September 2019 Adjustments” section of the Monthly Budget Review – September 2019.

2. Amend the 2019-2020 Operational Plan to include all budget adjustments approved in this report.

Executive Summary

This report details monthly budget adjustments recommended to be made for the month of September 2019.

The Council adopted 2019/20 budget position as at 31 August 2019 was a shortfall of $849,721. The budget adjustments contained in this report will reduce this shortfall to $834,938. This month’s shortfall reduction is the result of a decrease in the expected Financial Assistance Grant compared to budget of $24,217 which is offset by the removal of a project from this year’s program impacting the budget favourably by $39,000.

Discussion

Each month, Council’s budgets are reviewed by Group Managers and Directors with any required adjustments reported. The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an up to date view of the current actual financial position in comparison to the original adopted 2019-2020 budget position along with the proposed movement of funds to accommodate any changes.

Any budget variations which are greater than $50,000 and 2% of the project budget are reviewed and approved by the Executive Group in their function to oversee operational activities and approve operational actions.

Monthly Budget Review Summary

Original Budget as at 1 July 2019	Shortfall	($975,198)
Plus adjustments:
July Review	Balanced	$0
August Review	Surplus	$125,477
September Review	Surplus	$14,783
Forecast Budget Position for 30 June 2020	Shortfall	($834,938)

September 2019 Adjustments

The following adjustments reflect the budget adjustments included in this report that impact Council’s budget position:

Item	Surplus/ Shortfall	Amount	Comment
Local Government Grants Commission, Financial Assistance Grant.	Surplus	($24,217)	Council received notification from the Local Government Grants Commission of the expected Financial Assistance Grant amounts for 2019/20, resulting in an unfavourable budget variance.
Hastings Hockey Fields Project	Surplus	$39,000	Removal of funding already provided for in budget.
Total	Surplus	$14,783

The following adjustments reflect budget movements as a result of grant funding received, contributions, movement between projects and budget variation requests which have no impact on the budget position (for example additional income has an associated expenditure budget):

Description	Notes	Funding Source	Amount
Grant Funding	1	Grants	$745,387
S7.11 Contributions	2	Reserve	$3,191
Movements between Projects	3	Revenue	$75,000
Budget Variance Requests	4	Revenue	$661,264
Total			$1,484,842

1. Grant Funding

Council Project	Grant Provider	Grant Funding	Other Funding*	Comment
Shared Pathway Ocean Drive (Brotherglen Drive - Pacific Hwy)	RMS	$400,000	$400,000	RMS funding for the construction of a shared path on Ocean Drive
Construction of Pedestrian Refuges on Ocean Drive	RMS	$150,000	$150,000	Grant to provide pedestrian refuges as part of Walking Communities Infrastructure
Construction of Pedestrian Refuges on the Intersection of Lake & Seymour St	RMS	$100,000	$100,000	Grant for the construction of pedestrian refuges, kerb extensions and kerb ramps.
Pedestrian Refuges - Gordon & Hollingworth Streets and Hayward St	RMS	$125,000	$125,000	Grant for the construction of pedestrian refuges, kerb extensions and kerb ramps.
Construct 17 Kerb Ramps in Port Macquarie & Wauchope	RMS	$30,000	$30,000	Grant to provide kerb ramps as part of Walking Communities Infrastructure
Pembroke Rd Safety Improvements	RMS	$45,000		Additional funding under the NSW Safer Rds Program
Wauchope CBD Pedestrian Facilities	RMS	$120,000		40km/hr Pedestrian Activity Area works as part of the Australian Govt Black Spot Program
Bago Rd Rehabilitation	RMS	$200,000		Grant for the installation of profile edge and centre line as part of the Australian Govt Black Spot Program
Hastings Hockey Fields	DOI	($186,973)		Removal of funding already provided for in budget
Port Macquarie Regional Stadium	DOI	($237,640)		Removal of funding already provided for in budget
Total Grant Funding		$745,387	$805,000

* Other funding already contained within existing budgets

2. S7.11 Contributions

Council Project	Contributions From	Amount	Other Funding	Comment
Lakeside Woods Environmental Management	S7.11	$3,191	$0	Adjustment to cover costs associated with the maintenance of Lakeside Woods. (funds collected under VPA)
S7.11 Contributions		$3,191	$0

3. Transfer Between Projects

Transfer from	Transfer To	Amount	Comments
Airport Bio-certification strategy	Airport Bio-bank Management Actions	$75,000	Transfer of OP action 4.2.1.06 to a separate project for ease of cost tracking.
Total Transfers Between Projects		$75,000

4. Budget Variation Requests (approved by Executive)

Project Name	Funding Source	Amount	Comments
Kendall Trunk Main	Reserve	$461,026	Following design completion and pricing in September, the emergency works for the Kendall Trunk Main requires a budget adjustment. To be funded from the budget for Live Water Mains Renewals.
Wauchope Depot Clean up	Reserve	$25,000	Additional Scope.
The Hatch Rd Upgrade	Revenue	$50,000	Adjustment required to complete site investigations and design.
Beechwood Water Supply Upgrade	Reserve	$125,238	Additional costs to complete Hastings River underbore and connection changes at Rosewood Reservoir.
Total Approved Budget Variations		$661,264

Options

Council may adopt the recommendation as proposed or amend as required.

Community Engagement & Internal Consultation

Not applicable.

Planning & Policy Implications

There are no planning and policy implications in relation to this report.

Financial & Economic Implications

The Attachment to this report contains information of each individual budget adjustment by Division and Section. The budget movements within this report decrease the budget position to a shortfall of $834,938.

Statement by Responsible Accounting Officer

“The adopted original budget result for 2019-2020 was a shortfall of $975,198. As of 30 September 2019, this shortfall position has decreased to a shortfall of $834,938. This position is considered an unsatisfactory result for the year. As such, all budgets will need to be closely monitored with the view to reduce this shortfall position”.

Attachments

1 View. September 2019 Monthly Budget Review

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 11.01

Subject: Response to Lake Cathie Community Concerns

Presented by: General Manager, Craig Swift-McNair

Alignment with Delivery Program

2.3.4 Plan, investigate, design and construct open spaces, recreational and community facilities.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the information contained in this Response to Lake Cathie Community Concerns report.

Executive Summary

At the 18 September 2019 Council Meeting, Ms Susan East addressed Council regarding reticulated water for Lake Cathie / Bonny Hills as part of the Public Forum - Matters Not on the Agenda. The address by Ms East also included a range of other issues in addition to the reticulated water issue.

At the request of Deputy Mayor Lisa Intemann, this report is tabled to present an update on the issues raised by Ms East at the September public forum address.

Discussion

As noted above, at the 18 September 2019 Council Meeting, Ms Susan East addressed Council regarding reticulated water for Lake Cathie / Bonny Hills as part of the Public Forum - Matters Not on the Agenda. The address also included a range of other issues in addition to the reticulated water issue. The address to Council was provided in writing to Council by Ms East following the Council meeting and it is that document that forms the basis for the responses included in this report. It should be noted that further to the above-mentioned address to Council, emails were received by Councillors from Ms Sue East following the 18 September 2019 Council meeting. Some of the issues raised in those emails are also addressed in this report.

A copy of the address from Ms East is attached to this report for information and context. This report generally lists the individual issues raised by Ms East (shown in italics) and then provides a response.

The Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Area 14 has been in council for in excess of 15 years, and in recent years the green light was given on the Area 14 development, why has the council taken so long in completing their responsibility with reticulated water for Area 14. Q. When was Area 14 first planned and what are the timelines around this?

At its Ordinary Meeting on 5 November 2007 Council resolved to adopt an Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) approach for the Area 14 development that included the following aspects:

o Supply of reclaimed water to dwellings for outdoor use, toilet flushing and laundry cold water (via dual reticulation);

o Irrigation of public open space with reclaimed water;

o Water sensitive urban design for stormwater management.

Following the Council resolution in 2007, the Bonny Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant underwent a $17m augmentation to improve the levels of treatment and provide a fit for purpose recycled water. This plant was commissioned in 2009.

The purple or lilac pipe was laid along the Cathie straight for the grey water to go back into the community for watering lawns, gardens, etc. although PMHC has made it compulsory for all new houses in Area 14 to have the inclusion of grey water drainage and usage, it has still not been delivered to homes in Area 14. Q. Is this compulsory and were people given a choice at the time as to whether they catered for reclaimed water or not?

Following a period of development downturn, a further Council report was tabled at the October 2015 Council Meeting where Council resolved to continue with dual reticulation.

Council obtained approval (NSW Department) for recycled water to be supplied from the Bonny Hills Wastewater treatment plant through a dual reticulation system for new residences to meet their BASIX requirements in lieu of a rainwater tank. Newly built houses therefore had the option of whether to connect to the dual reticulation system or installing a rainwater tank, noting that there are costs associated with both options i.e. if recycled water was not available residents would be required to pay for a rainwater tank, pump and plumbing.

Further to the above, provision is made for reclaimed infrastructure to be provided at the subdivision stage, however the connection to the reclaimed network is optional at the dwelling construction phase. Clause 9 of the BASIX SEPP specifically outlines that a Development Control Plan cannot override the BASIX commitments, therefore a proponent can choose a rainwater tank if they wish and many do.

Are councillors aware that these new homes, at a cost to the owners, who are community members have had to include the plumbing for the grey water collection, at a real cost to the price of their homes by approximately $8,000.00 to $10,000.00, but the council have not completed their responsibility to release this water to the community, however, I believe the council is nearing completion to release the grey water, but only to the Lake Cathie playing fields and the privately owned by members Port Macquarie Golf Course. Q. Have we been charging people for years for something we have not been able to deliver, plus, whay is recalimed water only going to the Lake Cathie playing fields and the PMQ golf course?

As reclaimed water was not available for initial developments, a bridging connection between the newly installed purple pipes and Councils drinking water supply was put in place. Residents have continued to be charged for the use of potable water in line with Councils fees and charges. The future cost of reclaimed water once it is available is yet to be determined.

Council need to have this water licence! The purple/lilac water pipes were laid 15 years ago. How long does it take to get that licence. Which section of council should have applied for this when Area 14 was opened for sale? Q. What is the hold up in getting the S60 licence; when did we first apply for the licence; does it normally take this long and why have we not make representations to the local member about this?

Initial consultation with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) for what is known as a Section 60 approval for dual reticulation commenced in 2015 with Council submitting the documentation for the scheme. Following a number of stakeholder workshops and risk assessments with the Department, an action plan was established which outlined various requirements relating to treatment levels, infrastructure and operating methodology. The following table (from 2017) provides a summary of these actions, with the table also including an update on the status of each item:

Section	Works required	Time frame	Updated Timeframe
Treatment	Log Reduction Verification program	Completed	Completed
	Connection of HEMS line to treatment works and relay of pipe to create separate low pressure pumping system to High pressure pumps	Completed	Completed
	Purchase, installation and commissioning of new low pressure pumps	Completed	Completed
	Enhancement of Chlorine Dosing System	In Progress – December 2017	Completed
	Test and optimisation of high pressure Pumps	May 2019	Completed
Supply	Design of inlet/outlet pipes to the reservoir	Tender closed – Completion May 2018	Completed
	Construction of inlet/outlet pipe to reservoir	May 2019	May 2020 - this project was delayed due to issues with the easement and the discovery of naturally occurring asbestos which required redesign and further environmental assessment
	Reservoir Refurbishment	May 2019	Underway - connections to be made following completion of inlet/outlet mains
	Commissioning- Trial	June 2019	June 2020
Licensing	Log reduction assessment report	Completed	Completed
	3 months monitoring/ verification sampling	May 2018	Completed
	Risk Assessment Workshop	June2018	Completed (revised workshop undertaken August 2019)
	Preparation of RW Management Plan and Submission to DPI Water	September 2018	Ongoing following the revised workshop held in August 2019. Scheduled for December 2019
	First Review of Management Plan	Dependent on DPIE	Dependent on DPIE
	Initial Scheme Audit	Dependent on DPIE	Dependent on DPIE
	Final Scheme Audit	Dependent on DPIE	Following commissioning of infrastructure

The items in the table provided above were completed from 2015 onwards in liaison with NSW DPIE and the identified requirements of the system.

To date Council has not received approval for recycled water use, however this is anticipated to be received for irrigation in October 2019 and for dual reticulation in June 2020. While the approval process has proven to be lengthy and very risk averse, the reality is that the infrastructure (pipelines etc.) has not been available to supply the sites with recycled water.

Reclaimed water will be able to be delivered to the Lake Cathie Sporting Fields and Port Macquarie Golf Course initially (October 2019) via pressure pumps located at the Bonny Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The residential supply for dual reticulation to Area 14 will not be able to be supplied via pressure pumps due to the potential of blackouts and mechanical failure that would lead to direct loss of water supply and as such will require a gravity supply. Recycled water supply to Area 14 requires the construction of water mains and conversion of Grants Head reservoir from a drinking water reservoir to a recycled water reservoir. This is scheduled for commissioning in June 2020. Once the infrastructure has been completed a final audit of the scheme will allow Section 60 approval to be granted for dual reticulation and supply can then commence.

Also, during the elections earlier this year, this council was complacent in pushing for funding from either State or Federal Government, always referring to the fact that NO project is shovel ready…. WHY NOT.

Council is unable to verify that the above statement is factually based. Council prepared lists of projects suitable for election commitments at a State and Federal level back in 2018 and these were provided to the sitting members of Parliament, with several conversations being had prior to the State and Federal elections around such funding opportunities.

One of the issues every Council needs to manage when it comes to election commitment funding or grant funding in general is that the majority of funding that is made available to Councils is for projects that are shovel-ready - which means the projects have to be close to being able to be commenced. This presents enormous financial challenges for Councils as it means that Councils (meaning ratepayers) often need to fund all up front investigations and pre-construction works including concept designs and detailed designs etc, with little or no grant funding available for these critical phases of a project. These costs can be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for one project, let alone a suite of projects such as Council delivers on an annual basis. This also assumes that the priorities for funding from the State & Federal government aligns with Council priorities and those of the local community as determined annually through the development of the annual Operational Plan.

What about the revetment wall. Why hasn’t the revetment wall at Lake Cathie been started and completed. How long ago was it that council made a decision to cut the facilities from the homes on Illaroo Drive, only to find out council were outside of their jurisdiction to do this. Just build the revetment wall for crying out loud

In relation to the homes in Illaroo Drive, Council is not aware of the cutting of any facilities and therefore cannot respond more fully to this claim.

With regard to the revetment wall, the main component of the Lake Cathie Coastal Zone Management Plan (2016) is the construction of a revetment wall with beach nourishment adjacent to Illaroo Road. A detailed design of a rock revetment wall was completed in 2015 with an estimated construction cost of $8.1M. The NSW Minister for the Environment certified the Lake Cathie Coastal Zone Management Plan in January 2017 and requested that a ‘workable Funding Model’ be completed and in 2017, Council commenced work on a Funding Model.

In early 2018 it became apparent the 2015 Cost Benefit Analysis prepared by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) was not suitable and a new Cost Benefit Analysis was commissioned in mid-2018. A draft Cost Benefit Analysis is currently being reviewed by the OEH (their Economics team) with a final Cost Benefit Analysis expected in late 2019. Work on the Funding Model can then proceed with a draft Funding Model expected in the first half of 2020.

It should be noted that there are no construction timelines around the revetment wall at this stage.

Recently 2 of our councillors attended a conference to inform them the best way to have a happy community was to listen to them, so where is it going so wrong in this LGA, who isn’t listening, or who isn’t speaking up for our community.

At the time of writing this report, we are unable to confirm what the above statement is referring to. Most recently, Councillors Hawkins and Turner attended a Smart Cities conference in Melbourne at the end of May 2019. A report on attendance at this conference was tabled at the 17 July 2019 Council meeting.

Do the councillors know that Lake Cathie has some of the highest rates in the PMHC LGA!, possibly in NSW, our footpaths, gutter and drainage leave a lot to be desired, let alone anything to do with our poor lake system. The rate payers that live on the lake pay over $1000.00 per annum more than one street back, which is due to our beautiful lake views, well at the moment we only have sand flats and swamp to look at so why hasn’t the council decreased the rates for resident around the lake until such time as this is rectified?????

Properties fronting Lake Cathie do pay higher rates. The base rate and rate in the dollar component of their total rates are consistent with those of the area. The higher rates are driven specifically by higher land values which are calculated by the NSW Valuer General, noting that Council has no control over this. The Valuer General’s calculation of land value takes into account a number of factors and may include specific views or if the land is on coastal frontage.

As our elected councillors can’t you see why the community are feed up and frustrated when the staff come up with new projects like the skate park in Lake Cathie, the orbital road in Port when they haven’t delivered projects like the revetment wall in Cathie, the reticulated water for Area 14 that commenced well over 12 years ago, and I haven’t even discussed Sovereign Hills/Thrumpster area, let alone a pedestrian crossing in Laurieton going where the staff recommend.

There appears to be some confusion as to how projects are approved to proceed. All projects mentioned above and in fact all key projects of Council are the subject of formal Council resolutions. It is the resolutions of Council that the General Manager and in turn the Council staff must implement. In relation to the Lake Cathie skate park, please see the following comments:

The Skate Park was adopted by Council as part of the Lake Cathie Master Plan at the February 2018 Council Meeting. Prior to the adoption of the Master Plan, extensive community engagement was undertaken on the Master Plan, which included the skate park, noting that there were several steps aimed at maximising the opportunities for the public to participate and engage with the proposals and comment on the plans. Following is a snapshot of the engagement undertaken in relation to the Master Plan:

Stage	Action	Date
Stage 1	Postcard Campaign	21 Aug – 14 Sept 2017
Stage 2	Community Think Tank Team (Community Forum)	18 Sept – 21 Oct 2017
Stage 3	Master Plan Development and whole community engagement	25 Sept – 2 Nov 2017
Stage 4	Refine the Master Plan based on community feedback	Nov 2017 - Feb 2018
Stage 5	Final Draft – Public Exhibition	Feb - Mar 2018

A total of 1082 submissions were received through Stages 1 to 4 as follows:

Stage	Submissions
1	392
2	19 community representatives
3	295 dot-ocracy participants 1000 visits on the day of the engagement
4	376 submissions including 64 submissions and 312 across various petitions

The proposed Orbital Road has been the subject of several Council reports and Council resolutions previously and is not discussed further in this report, other than to say that the proposed Orbital Road forms part of Council’s future transport network planning and as a project, it is not undertaken in competition with other current projects, but in addition to them.

For information relating to the revetment wall and reticulated water, please refer to the earlier discussions in this report. The Bold St Laurieton pedestrian crossing was recently the subject of several reports to Council, with Council resolving on a location for the crossing at the 18 September 2019 Council meeting.

Further to the above, it is important to explain what the role of a Councillor is in NSW local government. Section 232 of the NSW Local Government Act (the Act) states the following:

232 The role of a councillor

(1) The role of a councillor is as follows:

(a) to be an active and contributing member of the governing body,

(b) to make considered and well informed decisions as a member of the governing body,

(d) to represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community,

(e) to facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body,

(f) to uphold and represent accurately the policies and decisions of the governing body,

(g) to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor.

(2) A councillor is accountable to the local community for the performance of the council.

In line with the above, Councillors make decisions via formal resolutions of Council, based on a range of information before them. As stated in the Act. Councillors need to balance the collective interests of residents when undertaking their role and for a growing regional centre such as the Port Macquarie-Hastings (with some 87 townships across the local government area), balancing the interests and priorities of the entire community is a constant challenge. There is always pressure on Council resources e.g. financial and human, to be able to achieve everything the Councillors and the community want to achieve. However, we continue to encourage residents to participate in the development of the annual Operational Plan, which is the key plan that Councillors consider and adopt each year that includes projects, actions and priorities that Council is wishing to achieve in any given financial year.

It is also important to note that one of the key legislative roles of the General Manager is to implement lawful resolutions of Council. This means that if Council has resolved to undertake a particular project or action, then it is the General Managers role to implement that in as timely a manner as possible, noting that some projects take several years to come to fruition.

Options

As this report is for noting only, Council can resolve in line with the recommendation included in this report, or resolve in some other manner.

Community Engagement & Internal Consultation

There has been no community engagement in relation to the drafting of this report. Internal consultation took place with the General Manager and Directors.

Planning & Policy Implications

There are no planning and policy implications in relation to this report.

Financial & Economic Implications

There are no financial and economic implications in relation to this report.

Attachments

1 View. Address by Ms Sue East - PMHC Meeting re Reticulated Water etc 18.09.2019

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 11.03

Subject: Bonny Hills Community Plan

Presented by: Strategy and Growth, Jeffery Sharp

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.1.2 Support community involvement in decision making through education around Council matters and services.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorse the Bonny Hills Community Plan.

2. Note the information contained within the Developing a Community Plan for Bonny Hills Engagement Report.

3. Note the goals and actions identified for the Bonny Hills community as outlined in the Action Plan, for consideration in future Operational Plans.

Executive Summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) initiated the Community Planning process in mid-2018 with a clear mandate to work collaboratively with our communities to develop and deliver community plans with a focus on improving the liveability, service provision and economic development for towns and villages across the LGA.

Council’s Community Plans, along with the Urban Growth Management Strategy (UGMS) and Local Strategic Planning Statement (under development) will be critical to Council’s ability to plan for growth in new and existing communities whilst recognising and enhancing local character ensuring that the places we plan today become the much–loved places of the future.

The Community Plans are designed to identify each community’s vision, priorities and actions to achieve positive change, whilst recognising the unique qualities of each community and the challenges posed by significant forecast growth. The Plans will enable Council to better assess these priorities across the entire LGA and assist communities to deliver projects that they have identified as priorities for their community.

Bonny Hills was initially identified as a ‘pilot project’ owing to its manageable size, the number of community-based projects under discussion and the good working relationship between Council and the Bonny Hills Progress Association.

The Bonny Hills Community Plan is the first Community Plan (in the revised format) to be put before Council for endorsement. Community Plans for an additional three communities are currently available for input from the community and will be presented to Council in November.

Discussion

Background

Community Plans are a concept of community-based strategic visioning and capacity building that have been around in various forms for decades. Local governments across NSW and Australia are increasingly embarking on a community planning process to:

· capture the priorities a community has identified as important to their strong and sustainable future;

· promote sustainable communities and neighbourhoods;

· better align community projects and vision with government processes and vice-versa.

Additionally, community planning fosters community resilience and capacity building; and enhances a community’s capacity to coordinate service delivery, maintain their spaces, and invest in revitalisation initiatives that are of importance to them.

The community planning process also reflects recent changes in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act that fosters greater community participation in the planning process, particularly around how communities and urban environments might change over time.

By leveraging place-based and design-led approaches, these changes seek to build on the valued characteristics of existing neighbourhoods and places. They also recognise and champion the important role communities play in defining existing character and shaping a desired future character for their local area. Community planning also helps communities to better familiarise themselves with and understand Council and government processes and helps to align community projects and expectations with broader government initiatives.

Four Tranches have been identified for the Community Planning Process as follows:

Tranche 1	Tranche 2	Tranche 3	Tranche 4 *
Bonny Hills	Lake Cathie	Wauchope	PMQ CBD Town Beach Eastport
North Shore	Rollands Plains Telegraph Pt	Huntingdon Long Flat	New Canals Settlement Pt
Laurieton Dunbogan	Pappinbarra Hollisdale	Beechwood Pembroke	Old Canals Hastings River Dr Westport Clifton
Kew Kendall Lorne			Central Spine incl. Hastings Hill St Granite St Kennedy Drive Lake Road
Comboyne Byabarra			Lighthouse Transit Hill Emerald Downs
			Innes Lake Thrumster
			Flynn’s Beach Shelley Beach

* The table shows current community allocations for Tranche 4. These may change and be conducted in parallel with the Community Strategic Plan engagement.

Community Planning consists of 4 stages for each tranche:

· Planning

· Community Engagement (Community Think Tanks)

· Plan Development (Implementation of CCATs)

· Delivery of Actions (Ongoing)

The Bonny Hills Community Plan has been developed as a result of former community engagements over the period November 2017 (as part of ECWOC Workshops) - September 2019 (Community Planning implementation).

Over the past 12 months, the Bonny Hills Community-Council Action Team (CCAT) further refined and redeveloped the original Draft Community Plan which was presented in August 2018 endorsed by Council in September 2018 with the Council resolution being as follows:

Ordinary Council Meeting 15 August 2018:

10.02 BONNY HILLS COMMUNITY PLAN

RESOLVED: Intemann/Griffiths

That Council:

1. Defer consideration of this item.

2. In view of the involvement of the Bonny Hills Progress Association to date, request the General Manager undertake further engagement with the Association on the draft plan and improvements to the community plan process.

3. Receive a further report to consider the draft plan at the September 2018 Council Meeting.

CARRIED: 8/0

FOR: Alley, Cusato, Griffiths, Hawkins, Intemann, Levido, Pinson and Turner

AGAINST: Nil

Ordinary Council Meeting 19 September 2018:

09.22 BONNY HILLS COMMUNITY PLAN

Mr John Drinan, Bonny Hills Progress Association, addressed Council in support of

the recommendation.

RESOLVED: Dixon/Alley

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within the Bonny Hills Community Plan –

Results of Community Engagement Report.

2. Endorse the Draft Bonny Hills Community Plan and establish a Community-

Council Action Team to drive the development of the plan.

3. Note the future approach to Community Plans.

Outcomes

The Bonny Hills Community Plan identifies the key assets in the community including open spaces, community groups and events, and natural landscapes. It also identifies the current character and aesthetic of the village.

At the initial engagement workshops, the Bonny Hills community members were asked to develop a series of themes and actions that they saw as important to their community. Throughout the engagement process and together with the CCAT these actions have been refined and prioritised as detailed below and in the Community Plan (attached):

Goal 1: Maintain and enhance village character

OBJECTIVE 1.1: TO REVIEW AND UPDATE 2012 RESERVES MASTER PLAN, INCLUDING ALL RESERVES AND LINKAGES BETWEEN THEM
Action 1	Identify methods, resources and deliver an updated Master Plan with final recommendations following community consultation (Target May 2020)
Action 2	Execute recommendations from the Master Plan according to the timetable, including annual review of progress over an agreed timetable
OBJECTIVE 1.2: TO IDENTIFY AND UNDERTAKE ADDITIONAL WORKS TO ENHANCE THE VILLAGE CHARACTER OF BONNY HILLS
Action 1	Specify the deficiencies in the Gateway entrances to Bonny Hills including gravel stockpiles, and explore possible solutions for discussion with Council and inclusion of remedial actions in 2020/21 and subsequent Operational Plans (Target February 2020)
Action 2	Upgrade the viewing area around Grants Head Reservoir off Skyline Place
Action 3	Install a mural on the Rainbow Beach Reserve amenities block as part of an initiative to promote better artwork and minimise graffiti tagging by October 2019
Action 4	Identify initiatives that will maintain and enhance the integrity of the beaches in Bonny Hills in the face of the increasing pressures from nature and man (Target June 2020)

Goal 2: Maintain the natural environment

TO UNDERTAKE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE AREA WEST OF OCEAN DRIVE, AND THE NATURE RESERVES AROUND BONNY HILLS, AND SALTWATER CREEK AND DUCHESS CREEK RIPERIAN ZONES TO DETERMINE OWNERSHIP, BIODIVERSITY STATUS, NEEDS FOR CONSERVATION AND REMEDIATION AND THE INTEGRITY OF WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Action 1	Utilise existing biodiversity maps [basis of Council’s Biodiversity Strategy] and local expertise and knowledge as a ‘first pass’ assessment of the status of Bonny Hills’ native flora and fauna resources (Target March 2020)
Action 2	Make recommendations about areas warranting conservation or remediation and the likely resources required to execute proposed actions (Target March 2020)
Action 3	Examine the current hazard reduction burning regime for bushland around Bonny Hills with the aims of determining its adequacy for safety purposes and its appropriateness for maintaining flora and fauna (Target June 2020)

Goal 3: Ensure safe access and movement of people around and through the community

OBJECTIVE 3.1: TO ENSURE SAFE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE LINKS THROUGHOUT BONNY HILLS AND TO NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES
Action 1	Conduct a preliminary audit of pathways within Bonny Hills and identify priorities for consideration in Council’s 2020/21 Operational Plan
Action 2	Revisit and refine the preliminary audit of internal pathways (both walking and cycling), including adequacy of lighting and signage accessibility, and identify the order of priorities for consideration in subsequent Operational Plans (Target November 2019)
Action 3	Repair pathway and install signage on the Bonny Hills to North Haven walking track (Target June 2020)
Action 4	Investigate the opportunity to construct a new walkway and cycleway connecting the communities Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and North Haven
OBJECTIVE 3.2: TO ENSURE SAFE ROADWAYS THROUGHOUT BONNY HILLS FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE (NOTE THAT OCEAN DRIVE ELEMENTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THE OCEAN DRIVE CORRIDOR PLAN MR600/MR538)
Action 1	Continue to develop the Ocean Drive Corridor Plan (Project MR 600/MR 538: Providing an Ocean Drive Upgrade Design)
Action 2	Sequence the priorities identified in Action 1 for inclusion in subsequent Operational Plans
Action 3	Identify solutions to traffic and parking issues in Jungarra Cr relating to patronage of the medical centre (Target November 2019)
Action 4	Identify and prioritise secondary road issues in Bonny Hills for presentation to Council (Target June 2020)
Action 5	Settle the issue raised by community members of a Bonny Hills bypass by requesting information on the assessed need/feasibility/cost and from this the likelihood and estimated time frame for implementation (Target June 2021)

Goal 4: Manage future growth to ensure that the inclusive nature of the community is not lost

OBJECTIVE 4.1: TO ENSURE FUTURE GROWTH IS ALIGNED WITH THE NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENTS
Action 1	Examine Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy and other relevant documents to identify possible issues regarding Council’s plans for future growth in and around Bonny Hills (Target December 2020)
Action 2	Light industry location and management - request immediate participation by CCAT in Council’s current planning for this facility
Action 3	Options for future use of the quarry site beyond its current life to be explored [following confirmation of expected lifespan] (Target March 2021)
Action 4	Assess the adequacy of meeting and performance room facilities in and around Bonny Hills and the options to remedy deficiencies with recommendations identified (Target May 2020)
Action 5	Council to investigate modes of communication that better inform the community about issues of importance to them including existing practice, rules, regulations, progress of actions and what lies outside of Council control (Target June 2020)
Action 6	Determine the extent of NBN and mobile blackspots around Bonny Hills and if necessary, advocate for remedial action (Target November 2019)
Action 7	Identify opportunities to reduce Bonny Hills carbon footprint by leveraging Council, State and Community initiatives, initially by 31 March 2020 and ongoing thereafter

Options

Council can resolve in line with the recommendation included in this report or resolve in some other manner.

Community Engagement & Internal Consultation

The Bonny Hills Community Plan has been developed following extensive community consultation including:

- Three Council-coordinated workshops, attended by a total of over 100 community members, to identify and prioritise values, issues and opportunities;

- Interim meetings between Bonny Hills Progress Association executive members and Council officers to advance the process;

- A Family Day at Rainbow Beach Reserve to seek wider views, sponsored by Council;

- An online survey on Council’s Have Your Say website;

- Production of a DRAFT Community Plan for endorsement by Councillors in September 2018;

- Formation of a Bonny Hills Community-Council Action Team (CCAT) in December 2018;

- Bonny Hills CCAT monthly meetings to further develop the Community Plan.

- Feedback sought from the wider Bonny Hills Community during a 28-day public exhibition period from 26 August 2019 until 15 September 2019.

Below is a summary of the submissions and a response/comment following consideration by the CCAT. Further details of the submissions are contained in the Engagement Report (attached).

Submission			Issue
1.	Sue Beiboer		Encouraged by the Plan particularly the protection of native flora and fauna. Asked for consideration of community gardens in the area to help address social isolation and mental health issues.
1.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. The establishment of community garden/(s) has been added to the list of identified actions for consideration in the Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan review.
2.	Anonymous		Better management of cats to protect flora and fauna. Bike path/lane between Lake Cathie and North Haven. Planting of endemic trees.
2.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. Investigation of better connections between neighbouring villages has been included as an additional action (Action 4 under Objective 3.1). Native planting to be considered in the Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan review.
3.	John & Elizabeth O'Rafferty		Support of the Plan particularly with respect to maintaining the character of the area. Request for consideration of an aquatic facility in Bonny Hills.
3.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is committed to providing a new aquatic facility to meet the needs of the whole community for the next 50 years. At the 18 September Council Meeting, Macquarie Park was confirmed as the preferred site for the new aquatic facility. A Strategic Concept will be developed over the coming months, followed by Detailed Design, with further community engagement to take place at each stage of the project.
4.	Bill Shelley		Submission providing feedback concerning signage, playground and footpath safety, seating.
4.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. Comments submitted have been added to the list of identified actions for consideration in the Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan review.
5.	Nicole Marchment		Submission provided suggestion of bike track connection to Laurieton, playground upgrade and amenities upgrades.
5.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. Investigation of better connections between neighbouring villages has been included as an additional action (Action 4 under Objective 3.1). Suggested improvement to amenities have been added to the list of identified actions for consideration in of the Bonny Hills Master Plan review.
6.	Greg & Tammy Hickey	Important to preserve Bonny Hills as a village in its own right. Importance of addressing cycleways and footpaths. Development of industrial area not to be intrusive. Links to Lake Cathie important. Pedestrian access crossing Panorama Drive. Improvement in maintenance schedule of parks and gardens. Plan to create a central village hub. Improvements to amenities in reserves.
6.	*Response/* *Comment*:	Noted. Investigation of better connections between neighbouring villages has been included as an additional action (Action 4 under Objective 3.1). Suggested improvement to amenities have been added to the list of identified actions for consideration in of the Bonny Hills Master Plan review. Pedestrian movements and safe across Ocean Drive to be considered under Action 1, Objectives 3.2 (Ocean Drive Corridor Review).

Planning & Policy Implications

Community Planning has actions in the 19/20 Operational Plan:

· 1.1.2.2 – Work with the community to write and implement place-based community plans

· 1.1.2.3 – Deliver the Community Planning Program.

Outcomes from the Bonny Hills Community Plan will need to be considered for inclusion in future Delivery & Operational Plans through the inclusion in draft plans exhibited or via submissions and support tot Community Plan projects from the Bonny Hills CCAT or community members.

Financial & Economic Implications

The following actions outlined in the Bonny Hills Community Plan have been included in the 2019/20 Operational Plan:

· Review of the Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan

· North Haven Beach Reserve – Upgrade of North Haven to Bonny Hills walkway - allocated budget $104,000

· Stormwater Remediation Panorama Drive Bonny Hills – Detailed Designs of remedial options - allocated budget $95,000

· Investigate the capacity of land at the intersection of Ocean Drive with Houston Mitchell Drive for light industrial use and at the intersection of Ocean Drive with Bonny View Drive for light industrial development or for use as a school

No further funding to-date has been allocated to deliver the actions identified in the Community Plan.

With the development of this and future Community Plans, it is important to highlight

the shared responsibility and opportunity to develop projects within the plans either via Council’s future Operational Plans or via community groups seeking funding or community groups completing projects on a volunteered basis.

Attachments

1 View. Bonny Hills Community Plan

2 View. Community Views - Appendix to Bonny Hills Community Plan

3 View. Engagement Report - Developing a Community Plan for Bonny Hills

AGENDA Ordinary Council

16/10/2019

Item: 11.04

Subject: Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025 Update

Presented by: Development and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Alignment with Delivery Program

2.3.4 Plan, investigate, design and construct open spaces, recreational and community facilities.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Note progress achieved to date in implementing the Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025.

2. Endorse the updated Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025 for implementation.

3. Request the General Manager to publically notify the community of the updated Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025.

Executive Summary

The original Recreation Action Plan was developed using information from the Recreation Needs Study (produced by ROSS Planning in 2014), as well as consultation with the community, land managers, government agencies and other organisations with an interest in sport and recreation.

The purpose of the Plan was to outline sport and recreation project priorities for future implementation. These were determined over a ten year annual program to ensure the current and future needs of sport and recreation in the Port Macquarie - Hastings were met. Projects that remain outstanding have been integrated into an updated Plan.

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of key actions within the Recreation Action Plan that have commenced or been completed since July 2017, and to present an updated Recreation Action Plan to Council for consideration.

Discussion

A significant number of Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025 (Attachment 1) Priority Actions have commenced or been completed, as outlined in the table below:

Facility	Project Detail	Project Status	Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025 Priority
Camden Haven River Recreational Boating Improvements	Dunbogan Reserve Boat Ramp upgrade – Construction Bruce Porter Reserve Boat Ramp Upgrade – Detailed design and construction	Complete Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Foreshore Reserve, Lake Cathie	Develop Master Plan	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Flynn’s Beach, Port Macquarie	Develop Master Plan	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Lank Bain Sports Complex, Wauchope	Provide new sports field flood lighting	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Oxley Oval, Port Macquarie	Provide new sports field flood lighting	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk	Complete Master Plan Commence upgrade of prioritised sections of the walk	Complete Commenced	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope	River bank revetment wall – Construction	Complete - Stage 1 works included the extension of the rock revetment wall upstream to address significant erosion issues. Commenced - Stage 2 works, being topping up of the existing rock revetment wall, will be completed this financial year.	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope	Install floating recreational boating pontoon	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Wauchope Pool Upgrade	Stage 2 Construction	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Westport Park, Port Macquarie	Riverwall and Promenade upgrade – design and construct	Complete	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Port Macquarie Pool upgrade	Develop a strategic concept plan for Port Macquarie Pool including the site selection process	Site selection process complete. Commenced - Detailed design process, including development of strategic concept plan, is underway.	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Hastings Regional Sports Fields, Wauchope	Detailed design and commence construction	Commenced - Detailed design nearing 80% completion.	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Thrumster Sports Fields	Detailed design and approvals	Commenced - Detailed design process underway.	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Hastings River, Port Macquarie - new recreational boating facility	Detailed design and approvals	Commenced - Detailed design process underway.	Immediate Priority (2017/18)
Hastings Regional Sports Fields, Wauchope	Continue construction	Service relocation is scheduled to commence during 2020.	Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)
Stuart Park, Port Macquarie	Install sub-soil drainage to sports fields	Commenced - This project forms part of a $4 million upgrade of the Stuart Park precinct.	Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)
Woods Street Sports Fields, Port Macquarie	Provide new sports field flood lighting	Commenced - This project forms part of a $4 million upgrade of the Stuart Park precinct. Lighting works will be complete December 2019.	Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)
Port Macquarie Leash Free Dog Exercise Park	Design and construction	Complete - This project forms part of a $4 million upgrade of the Stuart Park precinct.	Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)
Stuart Park, Port Macquarie	Facility upgrade (amenities renewal; provision of additional shade and seating)	Commenced - This project forms part of a $4 million upgrade of the Stuart Park precinct.	Short and Medium Term (2020/21 – 2024/25)

The Revised Plan - Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025

The Plan has been revised to reflect:

· Finalisation and adoption of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Open Space Contribution Plan

· Changing community, Council and state government priorities

· Opportunities to reduce overall project cost and minimise impact on user groups by aligning project stages where appropriate

· Condition based asset information, providing clarity as to when assets need to be replaced

· Likely availability of funding sources

· A desire to optimise the use of existing open spaces.

The updated Plan, identifies three timelines for delivery of priority projects:

Immediate 2019-2020

Short term 2020-2021 to 2021-2022

Medium term 2022-2023 to 2024-2025

The following priority actions have not been carried forward in the revised Plan for the reasons outlined below:

Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025 Priority	Facility	Project Detail	Project Status
Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)	Macquarie Park, Port Macquarie	Provide new sports field flood lighting	Not progressing due to this site being identified as the preferred location for a new aquatic facility.
Medium Term (2020/21 – 2024/25)	Macquarie Park, Port Macquarie	Upgrade amenities	Not progressing due to this site being identified as the preferred location for a new aquatic facility.
Short Term (2018/19 – 2019/20)	Settlement Point Reserve - provide water craft storage facility	Design and construction	Project not proceeding. This project was initiated by Port Macquarie Dragon Boat Club. However, the club have subsequently advised Council that they do not wish to progress with relocation from existing premises at Port Marina.

Grant funded sport and recreation outcomes

In recent years, the state government has rolled out a number of grant programs that have allowed Council to significantly improve the quality of sport and recreational facilities across the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. Examples include:

Grant Program	Facility	Project Scope	Grant Amount	Project Status
Stronger Country Communities Fund Rd 1	Port Macquarie Hastings Hockey Facility	Install lighting to Field 2	$237,640	Complete
Stronger Country Communities Fund Rd 1	Port Macquarie Regional Stadium	Construct new training field and provide field lighting	$186,973	Commenced
Stronger Country Communities Fund Rd 2	Foreshore Reserve, Lake Cathie	Implement master plan - Stage 1 works	$222,696	Complete
	Andrews Park, Wauchope	Provision of training lighting	$200,543	Commenced
	Charlie Watt Sports Complex, Telegraph Point	Provision of field lighting; drainage upgrades	$242,941	Commenced
	Oxley Oval, Port Macquarie	Upgrade field lighting to 300 lux	$152,854	Commenced
	Lake Cathie Sports Field	Install irrigation and improve playing surface	$207,550	Commenced
	Laurieton Sports Complex	Upgrade lighting to netball courts; refurbish amenities	$239,200	Commenced
	Kew Community Park	Construct new children’s play space	$151,662	Commenced
Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund	Port Macquarie Coastal Walk Upgrade	Upgrades to Westport Park, Town Beach to Flagstaff Hill, Doctor’s Walk and Kenny Walk segments	$1,762,000	Commenced
Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund	Stuart Park Regional Sporting Precinct	Children’s playground; dog off-leash park; sports field lighting to additional fields; improved spectator facilities; upgrading Wood Street including formalisation of parking; upgrading of existing amenities; provision of new amenities; walking/running track.	$4,000,000	Commenced

The injection of these grant funds provides a range of benefits for the community including:

· Provision of new community infrastructure to support increased use of existing open spaces

· Improving useability and capacity of existing facilities to support increased use of existing open spaces

· Provision of opportunities to accommodate increased demand associated with forecast population growth.

· Improved mental and physical health within our community through increased participation in physical activity

· Providing a more diverse range of sport and recreation opportunities for our community to choose from

· Economic benefits associated with provision of quality sport and recreation facilities which creates tourism visitation to our region

· Improved social cohesion by providing sport and recreation facilities that bring communities together.

The revised Plan (Attachment 2) has been amended to reflect these grant funded projects as Immediate Priority Projects.

Options

Council may choose to:

· Adopt the updated Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025 as recommended.

· Adopt the updated Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025 with additional changes.

Community Engagement and Internal Consultation

Consultation occurred with the community, land managers, government agencies, Council staff, and other organisations with an interest in sport and recreation at the time of the implementation of the original Recreation Action Plan 2015-2015.

The updated Plan reflects a range of community engagement process outcomes undertaken to date. Examples include:

· Progression of design and approvals for Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility following confirmation of Macquarie Park as the community preferred site

· Further implementation of the Coastal Walk Master Plan, which was adopted following an extensive community engagement process.

· Engagement with sporting user groups associated with provision of new or upgraded sporting facilities such as Wauchope Regional Sports Fields, Rainbow Beach Sports Fields, Laurieton Sports Complex, Stuart Park in Port Macquarie, Andrews Park in Wauchope, and Kendall Railway Street Grounds.

No further engagement was considered necessary given the nature of the updates to the plan reflect the current Operational Plan and Port Macquarie-Hastings Open Space Contribution Plan, both of which were adopted following an extensive community engagement process.

Planning and Policy Implications

The priority projects identified in the Plan are aligned with other Council and State Government Strategic Planning documents including but not limited to:

- Hastings Regional Crown Reserve - Precinct A Plan of Management 2014 (Department of Primary Industries – Lands & Forestry)

- Hastings River Recreational Boating Needs Investigation 2017 (Roads and Maritime Services)

- Her Sport Her Way 2019-2023 (NSW Office of Sport)

- Flynns Beach Master Plan 2019 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Laurieton Sports Complex Master Plan 2019 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Mid North Coast Regional Boating Plan 2015 (Transport for NSW)

- Port Macquarie Coastal Walk Master Plan 2018 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Port Macquarie-Hastings Bike Plan 2015 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Port Macquarie-Hastings Recreation Needs Study 2015 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Wauchope Regional Sports Fields Landscape Plan 2019 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Wayne Richards Park Master Plan 2014 (Port Macquarie – Hastings Council)

- Westport Park Plan of Management 2013 (Department of Primary Industries – Lands & Forestry)

Financial and Economic Implications

Projects identified within the revised Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025 for delivery in 2019-2020 are included with the adopted 2019-2020 Operational Plan.

Projects identified for delivery from 2020-2021 onward are subject to budget endorsement through subsequent Operational Plan development.

The planning and delivery of high-quality recreational and sporting assets is expected to provide a positive economic impact for the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA by contributing to the area being a great place to live.

Attachments

1 View. Attachment 1 - Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025

2 View. Attachment 2 - Recreation Action Plan 2019-2025 - Update

Adjustment to Donation of Glasshouse Voucher to Rollands Plains Upper Public School Photography Exhibition Fundraiser	$50.00
Floral Wreath for September 11 Memorial Service	$65.00
Donation of Glasshouse Vouchers to Wauchope Hockey Club fundraising raffle	$200.00
	$315.00

General Fund	121,801,280
Waste Fund	17,702,570
Water Fund	102,700,437
Sewer Fund	53,178,959
Sanctuary Springs Fund	38,594
Broadwater	1,451,712
	296,873,552