Dubbo Regional Councillors met for an additional meeting on Thursday 28 October 2021, 5:30pm.
MAYORAL MINUTE: NET ZERO EMISSIONS FUTURE AND DECARBONISATION
Council noted a mayoral minute regarding net zero emissions future and decarbonisations and resolved to write the NSW Treasurer/Minister for Energy and offer congratulations on the announcement of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy with its focus on green hydrogen and, noting Council’s opposition to coal seam gas, express Council’s support for a rapid reduction in the use of natural and coal seam gas in the NSW economy; and request that the NSW Government urgently develop a gas decarbonisation roadmap so that NSW can be a leader by setting business, industry and households up to be resilient and sustainable in a decarbonising world, while safeguarding jobs in important manufacturing industries Council also resolved to lodge a motion calling on the NSW LGA Special Conference for 2022 to request that the NSW Government urgently develop a gas decarbonisation roadmap.
MAYORAL MINUTE: MACQUARIE CONSERVATORIUM
Council noted the valuable educational, cultural and economic benefits of the Dubbo region having a Conservatorium and endorsed the central business district or Victoria Park precinct to be an appropriate long term location to maximise the benefits for the Conservatorium, the community and other cultural institutions. Council has requested the Chief Executive Officer work with the Macquarie Conservatorium to create a long term strategic plan to support the establishment of a permanent facility, including a funding strategy and identified partnership opportunities with NSW Government and Australian Government. Council also refers the question of Council’s role in supporting the Conservatorium to the strategic planning processes that will occur during the next term of Council.
MAYORAL MINUTE: PINNACLE INTEGRITY REPORT
Council noted the previous decision to release a redacted copy of the Pinnacle Integrity independent investigators report. Council authorised the CEO at their discretion, at any time, to release additional information from the report should it become lawful.
ANNUAL REPORT ON COMPLAINT STATISTICS UNDER COUNCIL’S CODE OF CONDUCT
Council endorsed the report that covers complaints received during the period 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021 as per requirements under Part 11.1 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct, issued by the NSW Office of Local Government. Summary below:
- 55 code of conduct complaints were made about Councillors under the code of conduct throughout the reporting period.
- 30 code of conduct complaints were referred to external conduct reviewers.
- 21 code of conduct complaints were finalised by a conduct reviewer at the preliminary assessment stage.
- Three code of conduct complaints were investigated by an external conduct reviewer. Two of the code of conduct investigations are currently ongoing.
- 24 matters were referred to the Office of Local Government during the reporting period.
- The total cost of dealing with code of conduct complaints made is approximately $236,000.
PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL’S 2020/2021 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS*
Council endorsed the General Purpose Financial Statements and the Special Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021.
DUBBO REGION AQUATIC LEISURE CENTRES – COSTINGS 2016/2017 TO 2020/2021
Council noted the report by Manager Aquatic Leisure Centres, dated 15 October 2021, outlining the operational expenditure and income over a 5 years period for the Aquatic Leisure Centres.
RENEWAL OF VICTORIA PARK PLAYGROUND – RESULTS OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Following community consultation Council resolved to install suitable fencing around the new Victoria Park Playground. Council requested that consideration be given to retain swings at the fitness node, with the fitness cycles and cross trainer being repositioned to the eastern side of the area, at an estimated cost of $15,000 ex GST. Based on community feedback the Wee Hopper See Saw is to be swapped out in preference to the wheelchair accessible carousel at an estimated cost of $8,000 ex gst.
Council determined that any shortfall in the delivery of the Victoria Park Play-space will be funded through the from the allocated funds for a proposed Southlakes Playspace and that consideration Southlakes Playspace be postponed to 2022/2023 operational plan budget.
Council also determined to reallocate $72,500 to allow for a suitable fence in Cameron Park Wellington subject to community consultation.
*Separate media release to be distributed on the financial statements.
ENDS
