Councillors met at 5.30pm on 8 June for the Dubbo Regional Council Standing Committees meetings. Outcomes from the standing committees will be taken to the Ordinary Council meeting on 22 June for adoption.
INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
PRESENTATION ON DUBBO MUDGEE SYDNEY PASSENGER RAIL PROPOSAL
Mike Sweeney from Mudgee Region Rail gave a presentation to Councillors on the matter of the Dubbo Mudgee Sydney Passenger Rail proposal.
The community group are advocating that the missing rail link Gulgong – Rylstone be reactivated to carry people, freight and tourism with a proposal for a second service daily both ways from Dubbo to Sydney via Mudgee. At present there is only one train service from Dubbo to Sydney with an afternoon departure.
BUILDING SUMMARY – MAY 2023
Councillors noted the report from the Director Development and Environment.
The total number of dwellings approved in the year to date stands at 394 and the total value of DAs determined in the year to date continues to exceed the values of the corresponding period in 2022, however the volume of DAs has dropped below the comparative figure from 2022 for the first time this year. It also include approval of a $4.92M Educational establishment with a sports hall, associated classrooms and amenities.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – MEETING 13 DECEMBER 2022
It was noted the meeting did not have a quorum formed therefore the meeting did not proceed.
REPORT OF THE YOUTH COUNCIL – MEETING 7 SEPTEMBER 2022, 7 MARCH 2023 AND 4 APRIL 2023
It was noted the meeting of 7 March and 4 April had no quorum formed so could not be held. The report of the meeting on 7 September 2022 was noted.
REPORT OF THE WIRADJURI TOURISM PROJECT COMMITTEE – MEETING 12 DECEMBER 2022 AND 17 APRIL 2023
It was noted the meetings of the Wiradjuri Tourism Project Committee meetings held on 12 December and 17 April did not start because of a lack of agenda items. Councillors acknowledged where the project was up too and the discussions that were being undertaken with funding agencies.
REPORT OF THE MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – MEETING 8 MAY 2023
The report of the Multicultural Advisory Committee was noted. Councillors acknowledged the attendance at the meeting and the guest speakers who were attending the meetings.
REPORT OF THE CULTURAL AND TOURISM FACILITY COMMITTEE – MEETING 10 MAY 2023
The report of the Cultural and Tourism Facility Committee was noted.
REPORT OF THE SPARC COMMITTEE – MEETING 15 MAY 2023
The report of the SPARC Committee meeting was noted. Councillors acknowledged the additional contribution of cultural groups in the New Residents Guide.
REPORT OF THE AQUATICS WORKING PARTY – MEETING 15 MAY 2023
The report of the Aquatics Working Party was noted. Councillors acknowledged the party were looking at other areas for ideas on a 50m indoor pool that could be used all year around.
REPORT OF THE WELLINGTON TOWN COMMITTEE – MEETING 15 DECEMBER 2022 AND 15 MAY 2023
The report of the Wellington Town Committee meetings were noted. Councillors acknowledged the upcoming budget and that during their May meeting members from the Wellington Town Committee had been provided with detailed information to then form their own submissions during the exhibition period, which closed at the end of June.
REPORT OF THE VILLAGES COMMITTEE – MEETING 17 MAY 2023
The report of the Villages Committee meeting was noted. The committee welcomed a new member to the committee representing North Yeoval.
REPORT OF THE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN WORKING GROUP – MEETING 13 SEPTEMBER 2022 AND 28 MARCH 2023 AND 23 MAY 2023
The report of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group held on 13 September was noted. While the meetings on 28 March and 23 May did not start as no quorum was formed. The working group was waiting to hear from Reconciliation Australia with feedback for the DRC Reconciliation Action Plan. The feedback has now been received, and will be presented to Council at an upcoming meeting.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST – DCFM
Before council consider the request councillors have asked that Orana Broadcasters (DCFM) provide council with background information including a current balance sheet for the organisation, copies of profit and loss for the operation of the business over the past three financial years, information of alternative finance the organisation may have sought and the constitution of the organisation
WELCOMING CITIES MEMBERSHIP FOR DUBBO REGIONAL COUNCIL
Councillors called for Council to join the Welcoming Cities Network as a non-fee network member.
CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – MEETING 20 OCTOBER 2022
Councillors noted the report of the Audit and Risk Management Committee
REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE – MEETING 19 JULY 2022, 15 FEBRUARY 2023, 21 MARCH 2023 AND 16 MAY 2023,
Councillors noted the reports of the Financial Performance Committee meetings
MONTHLY REPORTING SNAPSHOT FOR COUNCILLORS – MAY 2023
Councillors noted the report from the CEO. The month report provides a snapshot for Councillors and the community regarding Council’s Financial Performance, Facility Performance and Major Capital Projects. The reporting on a monthly basis provides high level visibility and oversight on performance trends.
INVESTMENT UNDER SECTION 625 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT – MAY 2023
Councillors noted the information contained within the Investment under Section 625 of the Local Government Act.
REQUEST FOR COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION – DISTRICT LIAISON COMMITTEE
Councillors determined Mayor Mathew Dickerson or a delegate, and Clr Matt Wright would become members of the new District Liaison Committee.
Clr Dickerson or a delegate, Clr Wright and the CEO or his delegate will attend the District Liaison committee meetings as per the service agreement with the Rural Fire Service.
CONFIDENTIAL: DUBBO REGIONAL AIRPORT HANGAR LEASE RENEWALS AND RENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Councillors noted the Dubbo Regional Airport hangar site rental assessment valuations report and resolved to give the CEO delegated authority to execute the new lease agreements detailed in the report.
It was noted the lease amount for year one is below market value and therefore can be considered as a financial assistance grant.