Minutes of Community Services and Planning

Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

MINUTES COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2015

COMMENCING AT 9.00AM

BINGARA OFFICE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ______Present: Councillors: Cr. John Coulton (Mayor), Cr. Catherine Egan (Deputy Mayor), Cr. Angela Doering, Cr. Stuart Dick, Cr Marilyn Dixon, Cr. Kerry McDonald, Cr. Jim Moore, Cr. Peter Pankhurst and Cr. Geoff Smith. Staff: Leeah Daley (Deputy General Manager), Richard Jane (Director Technical Services), Ron Wood (Chief Financial Officer) and Glen Pereira (Director Development and Environmental Services)

Public: Nil Visitor: Nil

This is page number 1 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

DISCLAIMER

No responsibility whatsoever is implied or accepted by the Gwydir Shire Council for any act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during and Council or Committee meetings.

The Council disclaims any liability for any loss whatsoever and howsoever caused arising out of reliance by any person or legal entity on any such act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during Council or Committee meetings.

Any person or legal entity who acts or fails to act in reliance upon any statement, act or omission made in a Council or Committee meeting does so at that person’s or legal entity’s own risk.

In particular and without derogating in any way from the broad disclaimer above, in any discussion regarding any planning application or application for a licence, any statement or intimation of approval made by any member or officer of the Council during the course of any meeting is not intended to be and is not taken as notice of approval from the Council.

Gwydir Shire Council wishes to advise that any plans or documents contained within this agenda may be subject to copyright law provisions and that the express permission of the copyright owner(s) should be sought prior to their reproduction.

Members of the public should note that no action should be taken on any item discussed at a Council or Committee meeting prior to written advice on the resolution of council being received.

Agendas and minutes are available on the Council’s website http://www.gwydirshire.com/

This is page number 2 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council OFFICIAL OPENING AND WELCOME – MAYOR

APOLOGIES Max Eastcott (General Manager) Leeah Daley (Deputy General Manager)

THAT the apologies of Max Eastcott and Leeah Daley are accepted.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

THAT the Minutes of the previous Community Services and Planning Committee Meeting held on Thursday 8 October 2015 as circulated be taken as read and CONFIRMED.

(Moved Minutes are confirmed Cr Doering, seconded Cr McDonald)

PRESENTATION

CALL FOR THE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

ADDITIONAL/LATE ITEMS

THAT the following items, namely:

1. North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for nominations

are accepted as late items onto this Agenda for discussion.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

THAT the Council resolve into Confidential Session, Committee of the Whole and that in the public interest and in accordance with Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the public and press be excluded from the meeting to consider the items listed on the agenda.

This is page number 3 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONFIDENTIAL SESSION

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

THAT the recommendations of the Confidential Session, namely:

Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report (Confidential Meeting)

THAT the Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report (Confidential Meeting) be received

Complaint – Illegal Building Work

THAT Council proceeds with the issue of a letter requiring the owner to seek a Building Certificate for the illegal development.

FURTHER that the letter requires the owner to undertake work as required to prevent stormwater from Structures 1 & 2 from discharging to the property owned by the complainant.

FURTHER that Council does not proceed with the issue of a penalty notice given that the person carrying out the development is now deceased.

FURTHER that the complainant be advised of the action determined by the Council.

THAT Councillors Report – Naroo Personnel issue is noted.

are adopted for recommendation to Council.

(Moved Cr Doering, seconded Cr Dixon)

This is page number 4 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 1 IPart Response

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 1. A healthy and cohesive community

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.1.1 Encourage an informed community - GM - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 10/26/2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

The NSW Government has extended one last opportunity for Councils to comment on the recent Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Assessment of NSW Councils. Gwydir Shire’s assessment is attached.

The Council’s draft submission is outlined in the ‘Comment’ section below.

The recommendation is that the submission as outlined be made.

It has been assumed that the Council’s position regarding any amalgamation remains unaltered in that the Council wants to remain as an independent entity.

As part of the current incentive package announced by the Premier councils in regional NSW who decide to merge will also have access to the Stronger Communities Fund. These Councils can receive from $5- $10 million, depending on the number of merger partners. This funding is being offered to provide ‘help to give the new councils a head start in providing important community infrastructure’.

In the case of a Moree Plains/Gwydir merger the amount would be $5 million, which is superficially attractive but does not solve the issue of the ongoing viability of the smaller rural towns. It could also have longer term funding implications for a Council’s ability to meet the self-funding requirement under the Road to Recover Program, for example. Also there is no guarantee where the additional money would be spent.

Councils in regional NSW are also eligible for a merger implementation grant of $5 million towards the up-front costs of merging. This may not be sufficient when you consider that the merger costs for the former Yallaroi and Bingara

This is page number 5 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council merger in 2004 amounted to over $3.5 million in the first 3 years after the merger with some merger costs being a continuing cost, such as the equalization of pay rates.

Unfortunately it displays a lack of understanding on the part of the Government and a belief that a one-off injection of money fixes everything.

Through this entire ‘independent’ process one thing has become crystal clear, the on-going sustainability of local government, according to the IPART Assessment process, is a problem far greater than perhaps was surely considered possible by the State Government but this has been directly the result of unreasonable benchmarks.

Through the Government’s mishandling of this review process it now has the ridiculous situation where the results have highlighted the complete lack of academic rigor in the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s final report. The concept of scale and capacity linked to population has been discredited completely by the IPART Assessment process.

The following table displaying the results for just a selection of Councils highlights the fundamental inaccuracy and distorted outcomes that have occurred because the process is flawed. The benchmarks were arbitrary and in lots of ways unreasonable because they were based on the ILGRP’s report.

Council Population Scale and Financial Overall Capacity Criteria Rating Armidale 25,150 Not Fit Not Fit Not Fit Dumaresq Blacktown 312,350 Fit Not Fit Not Fit Cabonne 13,200 Not Fit Fit Not Fit Campbelltown 151,150 Fit Not Fit Not Fit Griffith 25,400 Not Fit Fit Not Fit Tweed 88,450 Fit Not Fit Not Fit Uralla 6,250 Not Fit Fit Not Fit Sydney City 183,300 Not Fit Fit Not Fit Junee 6,150 Not Fit Fit Not Fit Glen Innes 8,900 Fit Fit Fit Newcastle 155,550 Not Fit Fit Not Fit

It is interesting to note that Cabonne, Griffith, Uralla and Junee have a merger suggestion in the ILGRP report while Glen Innes had no merger proposal. The only inference that can reasonably be concluded is that IPART’s ‘independent’ review was heavily weighted towards using the suggestions (only) of the ILGRP to reach its determination. In every example above, irrespective of the area’s population and financial rating, the councils considered Not Fit were suggested for a merger in the ILGRP’s final report.

This is page number 6 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

One inconsistent example of interest, not listed above, is Leeton which had a suggestion from the ILGRP that the Council either join the Murrumbidgee JO or merge with Narrandera. IPART’s assessment was that Leeton (population 11,400) was Fit with regard to Scale and Capacity and Fit as far as the Financial Criteria was concerned. This assessment was inconsistent with other similar councils but Leeton submitted an externally prepared business case which was apparently given some weight by IPART. This has created an issue as the potential merge partner, Narrandera (Population 6,100), has been assessed as Not Fit overall but Fit with regard to the Financial Criteria.

One thing that has been lost in this whole process is the fact that successive State and Federal Governments have allowed this deterioration of local government finances to happen through the strangling of local government with rate pegging, reduced untied grants and other cost shifting measures.

Another disappointing outcome has been the reluctance of both IPART and the ILGRP to acknowledge any of the positive, future focused work been undertaken by Gwydir and, no doubt, many other councils. This point was also highlighted by the Walcha Shire Council representative at the last Namoi JO Board meeting.

Finally it needs to be recorded that the elected Council is firmly of the view, based on the level of support being received from the community that the overwhelming sentiment within the Gwydir Community is to standalone. The Council is heartened by the strong support being received from both Bingara and District Vision 2020 and the Warialda Chamber of Commerce to remain as an independent Gwydir Shire. The Councillors and senior staff are working very hard with these groups and the Shire’s local member, Adam Marshall, to achieve this outcome and are reasonably confident of a successful outcome.

TABLED ITEMS Nil

COMMENT

Gwydir Shire Council has considered the recent assessment issued by IPART in which Gwydir Shire has been deemed to be unfit when measured against the criteria established by the NSW Government for the review.

The Council considered the findings of IPART at its meeting on 12th November 2015 and resolved:

THAT the Council make a submission to the latest IPART Report and advise the Premier that in accordance with the strong position of the Shire’s residents against any forced merger with any other surrounding council area, that the Council does not agree to any merger.

This is page number 7 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The strong community support for Gwydir Shire to stand alone was acknowledged in the IPART assessment but given little weight. The IPART assessment did not acknowledge any of the positive areas of the Council’s submission.

The Council was extremely disappointed that IPART, in the assessment process, failed to give any weight or consideration to the many positive initiatives (past, future and present) put forward as part of Gwydir’s submission.

When making this above resolution, the elected Councillors considered the following matters to be of significant importance. Further, these matters do not appear to have been given due consideration by IPART during its evaluation of the Council’s current position: Original Evaluation

The original information that was used by Tcorp and the then DLG to establish Gwydir’s rating of (Tcorp) very weak FSR with a neutral outlook, and (DLG) a distressed infrastructure audit rating, was based upon historical data that does not represent the current situation. The current situation is a result of much improved asset management planning. Further, Council has identified and implemented significant efficiencies that are not considered in the various reports. Instead, the Council’s viability has been based on inaccurate and superseded data;

Financial Sustainability

Council has recently undertaken a significant review of its Asset Management and depreciable assets valuations. This has resulted in a huge reduction in verifiable depreciation. This reduction in depreciation will significantly improve the Council’s operating results. Also, Gwydir Shire challenges the intellectual basis of removing capital grants’ income from the calculation with regard to the operating results of the Council. The November 2006 report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, National Financial Sustainability Study of Local Government, addressed this issue and stated on page 6:

In collating the results of the MAV study and the three separate Access studies it appears that around 35% of councils across these states are not financially sustainable. Access found that the proportion of unsustainable councils varies between 25% in NSW and 58% in WA. However, in observing these results it is important to note that the Access approach excluded capital grants from the operating results, which paints a more urgent picture of the sustainability of local government. In this PwC study, capital grants are viewed as an ongoing and important revenue source, the exclusion of which can overstate the extent of sustainability difficulties of local government.

This is page number 8 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The Access report mentioned in the previous quotation referred to the Access Economics 2006, Local Government Finances in New South Wales: An Assessment report prepared for the Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP).

The Income Statement template in the Office of Local Government’s own long standing Code of Accounting Practice & Financial Reporting does not exclude capital grants and contributions from the calculation of the ‘Operating result from continued operations’.

It is, therefore, difficult to understand why IPART would define the numerator in its Operating Performance Ratio as being the net operating result. i.e. after exclusion of capital grants and contributions. See Table B.1 Fit for the Future Financial Criteria in the IPART report.

Even the merest understanding of rural councils would discount their ability to increase revenue from user charges and other areas to a point that it would substantially decrease operating deficits.

At the least, IPART should have taken into consideration two benchmarks to indicate the Operating Performance Ratio. That is, before and after the exclusion of capital grants and contributions.

It seems to defy common sense and logic to withdraw legitimate income from a calculation without also withdrawing the expenditure component unless some other motive is in play.

The significant improvement in the depreciation calculation and the rightful and legitimate inclusion of capital grants’ income would alter, positively, the financial sustainability of Gwydir Shire, substantially.

The IPART assessment also made comment regarding the Council’s resolved intention to seek a Special Rate Variation (SRV). This needs to be understood from an historical perspective, which is overlooked in the IPART assessment.

The current year is the first SRV application by either Gwydir Shire or its predecessor Councils, Bingara and Yallaroi, since the inception of rate pegging in 1977.

Over this period, there were years when the rate pegging limit was not used and, indeed, years when the rates were reduced to accommodate droughts and other periods of unfavourable economic circumstance.

Any unused allowable increases were permanently lost, which is a significant shortcoming of the rate pegging system.

Due to the onerous nature of applying for an SRV, many councils simply wait until the need is essential and then apply for a significant increase. This is page number 9 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Rate pegging is a failed policy and has contributed significantly to the current issues facing local government generally.

At various public meetings, the over 500 Gwydir Shire residents who attended one of these 8 meetings unanimously indicated that they will accept the proposed rate increase to retain their Council. The Council will be further testing this position through a period of consultation being conducted by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG). The proposed rate increase is just catching up on past foregone revenue and it is highly likely, in spite of comments made to the contrary by politicians, this catch up rate increase will occur if a merger is forced upon the residents of Gwydir Shire.

IPART also made mention of Gwydir Shire’s current service level review, which once again is being undertaken with the assistance of ACELG. The review of the Council’s asset management plans has highlighted areas where over-servicing has occurred in the past and, subject to the support of the community, the Council expects that better targeting of its service delivery will result in operational savings. This aspect of the ‘Fit for the Future’ process has been beneficial to Council and local government generally because it has forced a review of how all operations of Councils and what efficiencies exist to provide the services required and wanted by the community;

Population Projections

The IPART report has accepted the Department of Environment and Planning’s population projections without reservation. This Council certainly has more confidence in the Shire’s future than is exhibited in the projected figures.

Much of the Council’s activities are designed around and motivated by the intention to make Gwydir a cohesive and liveable community for people investigating relocation. However, at the same time the projected population decline across inland NSW, outside major regional centres, is a policy issue that has not been addressed by the State Government. Amalgamation is not the answer as, in fact, it is more likely to simply make the situation worse in the longer term with the reduction in staff, and subsequently, their families.

Another issue that has not been accounted for in the population projections is the significant number of transient travellers who visit and camp for extended periods within the Shire. The numbers are significant on any given day. For example camping along the Gwydir River has been voted as the number 1 location in Australia by members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA).

Further, there is large numbers of rural farm workers especially on larger farm aggregations which are currently living in existing surplus farm cottages. This is page number 10 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

These examples are currently not captured in demographic data collection but will be gathered at the next National Census.

Joint Organisation of Councils

The ILGRP made two suggestions regarding Gwydir Shire Council in that Panel’s final report. To either join the proposed Namoi Joint Organisation or merge with Moree Plains Shire Council. The IPART assessment has focussed on the merger option only and has not assessed, in any way, Gwydir’s positive involvement in the Namoi Joint Organisation of Councils’ pilot program.

Gwydir Council requested an assessment of Gwydir’s involvement in the Namoi JO from its current Chair and received the following response:

Thank you for asking me to comment on your Council’s involvement with the Namoi Joint Organisation of Councils’ Pilot which, among other things, involves designing and building a Joint Organisation Model for submission to the Minister for Local Government, as a key reform of the NSW “Fit for the Future” Local Government Reform Program.

I understand that this letter will form a component of your Council’s final submission to the “Fit for the Future” process.

As you are aware, Gwydir Shire Council was not initially part of the original submission to the Minister for Local Government for selection as a “Pilot Joint Organisation”.

However, your Council came on-board after Namoi Councils was selected as one of five Pilot Joints Organisations, as it was one of the options put forward by the Independent Local Government Review Panel for Gwydir Shire rather than the amalgamation option with Moree Plains Shire Council.

It has become obvious over the time of your Council’s involvement with the Namoi Pilot Joint Organisation that Gwydir is committed to being a proactive member and to making the JO work as effectively as possible.

This has been in evidence through your Council’s membership of the Namoi Water Alliance and the positive contributions that you as Mayor and your General Manager make at both the Namoi Board and the General Managers’ Advisory Committee meetings.

I look forward to continuing this strong relationship that has grown over the last year and I support your Council’s adopted position of remaining as a standalone Council but with close ties to the Namoi Joint Organisation.

Gwydir Shire is committed to its active and positive involvement with the Namoi JO and believes that the ‘Scale and Capacity’ aspect of being ‘Fit for the Future’, in a regional context, is being addressed through this involvement.

This is page number 11 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Water and Sewerage

It was mentioned in the IPART Assessment that the council is not currently compliant with the NSW Government’s Best Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Framework.

However the Council had previously been considered exempt from the Developer Servicing Plan requirement, which is the only component not satisfied, due to growth in the Shire being less than 5lots/annum in the catchment area.

The existing Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan is due to be revised in the 2016-17 period, the developer servicing plan will be documented during this process and the NSW Office of Water are aware of this process.

In the Armstrong and Gellatly 2008 Report of the Independent Inquiry into Secure and Sustainable Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services for Non- Metropolitan NSW page 145 it was noted:

However, both Moree Plains Shire Council and the smaller Gwydir Shire have demonstrated a level of sophistication and planning which has led to significant progress in the delivery of water supply and sewerage services.

Also the manner in which the Council calculated its infrastructure backlog was incorrect. The Council is implementing a cost-effective 30 year total asset management plan (TAMP) for water supply and sewerage and, therefore, the backlog figure should have been zero rather than $1.8 million.

Scale and Capacity

Overall the assessment process followed by IPART is disappointing. IPART isn’t definite in its assessment. It says “that our analysis suggests …” Also a lack of conviction is also noted with “A merged council is likely …” If you merge a ‘Fit’ council with a notionally ‘Non Fit’ council it is far from likely that a merged rural council would have “greater scope to undertake new functions and projects …”.

Put simply, if a rural council has less than a population of 10,000 it does not satisfy the criteria. This arbitrary level has no basis, relevance to larger rural areas or had any level of justification from the Panel or the Government.

Extensive farming has resulted in farmers buying adjoining properties to increase economies of scale but has also reduced the number of farming families and the number of property assessments. The rates’ income of local government is property based not population based.

This is page number 12 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The ILGRP referred to the requirement that each local government authority required a certain level of ‘strategic capacity’ in order to confront the challenges facing local government in NSW. This has become known as ‘Scale and Capacity’ for the purposes of addressing the issues outlined in the ‘Fit for the Future’ process.

The meaning of the term ‘Scale and Capacity’ is quite nebulous in many regards and suffers from the inclination of the State Government bureaucracy to see local government as being able to be managed with a ‘one size, fits all’ approach. This is not possible across NSW due to diminishing population density the further west in NSW the council and the location of larger population centres.

The geography of many rural types of Council reduces the ability to have any genuine or meaningful agreement with regard to any economies of scale that may be generated through mergers. In fact, it is quite possible that diseconomies of scale may be the more likely outcome from mergers especially in terms of the social dislocation and other detrimental costs inflicted upon smaller local government authorities.

From an academic point of view a sustainable organisation is at harmony with its corporate governance, financial, social and environmental responsibilities. The actual size of the organisation is a relatively minor factor, provided that its key responsibilities are achieved to a level that is supported by its stakeholders. In the case of Gwydir Shire, it is the residents and anyone who has more than a passing interest in the Council’s activities.

Gwydir Shire has the support of its community to stand alone and will meet its regional responsibilities through its active, enthusiastic and positive involvement with the Namoi JO.

Conclusion

Gwydir Shire has the overwhelming support of its community to stand alone.

Any future action should be assessed against the success of the Namoi JO into the future and the implementation of the improvements already underway within Gwydir Shire’s organisation rather than a rushed decision based upon out of date and largely irrelevant historical data.

The Council is in the process of undertaking an improvement program that will significantly enhance the Council’s ability to be viable into the future when tested against the financial criteria.

With regard to the issue of scale and capacity it seems clear from the IPART assessment report that there is no clear relationship apparently between population numbers and on-going viability.

This is page number 13 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Council make a submission to the latest IPART Assessment Report and advise the Premier that in accordance with the strong position of the Shire’s residents against any forced merger with any other surrounding council area, that the Council does not agree to any merger.

FURTHER that Inverell Shire Council is thanked for its offer to discuss the Fit for the Future process but that Gwydir Shire intends to put forward a submission in support of remaining as a stand-alone Council.

FURTHER that both Moree Plains and Inverell Shire Councils are thanked for what appears to be the non-predatory position each Council has adopted.

FURTHER that Mr Adam Marshall is thanked for his resolute and unwavering support for Gwydir Shire during this process, which he fully expects will successfully overcome any threat to the immediate future of the Council.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Gwydir Shire's IPart Assessment AT- Namoi JO Letter AT- Letter from Premier and Cabinet Department AT- Memo from Cr Dick AT- Memo from GM dated 6th November 2015

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Council make a submission to the latest IPART Assessment Report and advise the Premier that in accordance with the strong position of the Shire’s residents against any forced merger with any other surrounding council area, that the Council does not agree to any merger.

FURTHER that both Moree Plains and Inverell Shire Councils are thanked for what appears to be the non-predatory position each This is page number 14 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Council has adopted.

FURTHER that the General Manager and relevant staff be congratulated on their involvement in the preparation of the report.

(Moved Cr Egan, seconded Cr Doering)

This is page number 15 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Gwydir Shire's IPart IPart Response.DOC Assessment

This is page number 16 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

This is page number 17 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 2 November 2015 Namoi JO Letter IPart Response.DOC

This is page number 18 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

This is page number 19 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 3 November 2015 Letter from Premier and IPart Response.DOC Cabinet Department

This is page number 20 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 4 November 2015 Memo from Cr Dick IPart Response.DOC

MEMO TO: General Manager

MEMO FROM: Cr Dick

SUBJECT: Possible merger

DATE: 2nd November 2015

Max

Over the last weekend I set myself up outside the IGA Shops at Warialda (Saturday) and Bingara (Sunday) to simply receive a snapshot of the opinions of shoppers about the proposed merger options for Gwydir Shire Council.

Basically I undertook a straw poll and the results are detailed in the table below:

Residents Merged with Merge with Location Stand Alone interviewed Moree Inverell Warialda 39 38 1 0 Bingara 30 26 1 3

This supports the other information available to the Council that the Gwydir Community are strongly of the view that the Shire should stand alone.

Cr Stuart Dick

This is page number 21 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 5 November 2015 Memo from GM dated 6th IPart Response.DOC November 2015

MEMO TO ALL COUNCILLORS

MEMO FROM GENERAL MANAGER

SUBJECT Fit for the Future Discussions

DATE 6TH November 2015

The Mayor and I met with our counterparts at Moree Plains Shire this morning to discuss what each of our respective Councils were putting forward as the final consultation opportunity due by 18th November 2015, regarding the Fit for the Future process.

Moree Plains were advised that it appears strongly the position that Gwydir Shire’s preference to remain as a stand-alone council will be confirmed at the Council’s Committee Meeting to be held on 12th November 2015.

Although pointing out that no firm position had, as yet, been resolved by Moree Plains Shire it was most likely that no amalgamation preferences will be put forward by Moree Plains Shire in its submission response. This will be determined at the Moree Plains Council Meeting to be held on 12 November 2015.

Inverell Shire Council’s General Manager has also contacted the Council with the following email (30th October 2015), which was also sent to Tenterfield and Glen Innes Councils:

I refer to the 21 October, 2015 correspondence from the Department of Premier and Cabinet inviting all Councils to participate in a ‘final consultation phase’ for the Fit for the Future Program.

Council considered this invitation, together with the IPART assessment report on individual Council ‘roadmaps’ at its meeting held on 28 October, 2015.

Council chose not to express a view on the IPART assessment of adjoining Councils, however did resolve as follows:

‘That Councils who share a boundary with Inverell Shire Council be advised that this Council is prepared to meet and discuss any FFF matter that adjoining Councils may wish to discuss’.

In reaching this position, Council indicated that any matter canvassed in the Final Independent Review Panel’s Report or subsequent documentation released by the Office of Local Government could form an agenda item for discussion between our Councils.

This is page number 22 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Should you wish to discuss the FFF program with a view to formulating a response to the IPART assessment of your Council’s Roadmap, I would be pleased to receive your advice.

I responded to this email and advised Inverell in the following terms:

Thank you for your advice. Gwydir Shire is resolving its position regarding the IPART Assessment at its meeting next week on the 12th

I’ll certainly advise you of the outcome once the Council’s final position has been determined.

The positions from both Moree Plains and Inverell Shire Councils do not appear to be predatory and the most likely outcome appears to be that Gwydir Shire will not be nominated on either submission as a preference for amalgamation.

I am unsure of what position Tamworth Regional Council may take but that Council is not expected to nominate Gwydir Shire as a potential or preferred merger partner.

Gwydir Shire has undertaken everything reasonably possible to put forward a strong and cogent case to support its position and preference to stand-alone.

The matter now rests on the ability of our local member, Adam Marshall, to represent the interests Gwydir Shire and the overwhelming view of its residents to remain as a stand-alone Council.

When the Council considers the IPART Response report at its Committee Meeting on 12th November 2015 I now put forward the following suggested motion:

FURTHER that both Moree Plains and Inverell Shire Councils are thanked for what appears to be the non-predatory position each Council has adopted.

Max Eastcott General Manager

This is page number 23 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 2 Rating Equity Review

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.1.1 Encourage an informed community - GM - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 26 October 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION The report recommends placing the attached Rating Equity Assessment on public exhibition for submissions or comments by the community. TABLED ITEMS Nil BACKGROUND The Council introduced changes to the breakup of the rates’ income gathered across the various rating categories. Ipart advised that a review of the equity of the new break up between rating categories should be undertaken.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the review of the equity of the Council’s current rating structure be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days for public comment and submissions. ATTACHMENTS AT- Equity Assessment

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the review of the equity of the Council’s current rating structure be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days for public comment and submissions.

(Moved Cr Egan, seconded Cr Doering)

This is page number 24 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 25 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 26 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 27 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 28 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 29 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 3 Animal Boarding or training establishment being a Dog Breeding Facility

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 3. An Environmentally Responsible Shire

OUTCOME: 2.1 OUR ECONOMY IS GROWING AND SUPPORTED

STRATEGY: 3.1.1 Encourage respectful planning, balanced growth and good design - ED - external

AUTHOR Director Development and Environmental Services

DATE 5 November 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:

1.1 Reason for consideration

The development application bas been referred to Council pursuant to Council’s current notification policy as there has been letters of objection received by Council during the public advising period.

1.2 Brief Description of the Proposed Development

The application seeks consent to • continue the operation of an animal boarding or training establishment for the purpose of dog breeding; • 2 Lot Rural Subdivision • continued use of transportable cabins as a dwelling

1.3 Development History of the site

The animal (dogs) breeding establishment has been in operation since 2010. Currently there is no Development Consent for the current operations which include the construction and use of a large number of enclosures. Two transportable cabins have been moved onto the property during this time and are being used as a dwelling.

1.4 Compliance with Planning Controls

This is page number 30 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

The property is zoned RU1 Primary Production under the Gwydir Local Environment Plan, 2013 (GLEP).

A 2 lot subdivision including residential use of the new proposed allotment and animal boarding or training establishment are permissible within the zone with development consent.

1.5 Integrated Development

The proposed development is not integrated development pursuant to Section 91(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

1.6 Designated Development

The proposed development is not designated development pursuant to Section 77A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, and Clause 19, Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations, 2000.

1.7 Consultation

The development application was exhibited and notified in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 2000 for local development applications. Two objecting submissions were received by Council. A copy of the submissions is contained within Annexure 1 and is discussed in greater detail in the report.

1.8 Recommendation

It is recommended that the Development Application (DA 11/2015) be approved subject to the imposition of the draft conditions of consent attached (Annexure 2)

TABLED ITEMS:

2. Background & History

The following matters are listed so that Council can fully appreciate the background and history associated with the subject property, its past, current and future uses/s.

Council was notified of the operation of the dog breeding establishment in early January 2015. Staff carried out a number of inspections, several of the inspections was in conjunction with RSPCA staff. The current dog breeding facility, its operation and associated residence This is page number 31 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council has not had the prior approval of Council. Further detail can be found in Annexure 1

3. Location & Site Description

3.1 Site Location The site of the proposed development is located approximately 30 kilometres to the South West of the township of Inverell which is located in the Inverell Shire Council. The site is approximately 1.2 km from the eastern Gwydir Shire boundary and is located on Onus Road. (See Figure 1).

This is page number 32 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Figure 1: Site Location

3.2 Site Description & Current Use

The property is a rectangular in shape located on the western side of Onus Road.

The property is made up of 1 allotment with an area of 801.5Ha.

This is page number 33 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The land is generally undeveloped, except for the existing dwelling, rural sheds and rural fencing. The land is generally heavily timbered with previously cleared grazing land.

Sandy Creek runs in an easterly direction through the bottom half of the property which is also the Gwydir and Inverell Shire boundary.

3.3 Surrounding land uses

The land use surrounding the site is detailed in the following table and aerial view of the site is shown in Figure 2.

Direction Land Use North Agriculture North East Agriculture East Agriculture South East Agriculture South Agriculture South West Agriculture West Agriculture North West Agriculture

This is page number 34 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Figure 2: Site - Aerial 3.4 Consultation

3.4.1 Public consultation and Referrals

The application was notified, in accordance with Council’s Notification Policy - Number: A.01.01 as detailed in the following table.

The application was also advertised as local development in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and Regulation, 2000.

Council’s consultation with stakeholders has been in keeping with the scale and implications of the proposed development. The views expressed by each individual have been carefully considered.

The public consultation included:

This is page number 35 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council • Notification of nearby and potentially affected landholders and residents during the exhibition period; • Consultation with the adjoining Council through correspondence and meetings.

Notification Type: Development, use or works involve additions or alteration that are visible or Level C – LOCALITY have an apparent impact on the owner or occupier of land immediately adjacent to the side of the property affected. Notifications: Landowners/Occupiers Adjacent land owners were notified. Newspaper No advertisements Exhibition dates 0 days Exhibition venues N/A Integrated Approval body N/A Referred to State N/A Government Departments Internal consultations Council’s Engineering Department General Manager Other Inverell Shire Council Submissions received: Public Submissions Nil received Integrated Submission Nil received Referral Submissions 2 submissions were received. A summary received of submissions is at Attachment 1. Issues are considered in section 4 of this report. Other Submissions 1 submission was received

This is page number 36 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Figure 3 – “Stockhaven” - Neighbours

4 The Development Proposal

On the 3 April 2015, the applicant, Michael G Flanagan, owner, lodged a Development Application with Council under the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP& A Act).

4.1 Onsite

This is page number 37 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

The development proposal is for:

1. The subdivision of the property into 2 allotments.

The two lot rural subdivision consists of proposed Lot 1 including the continued use of transportable cabinss for residential use and proposed Lot 2 which includes the existing property residence and other buildings.

2. Continued use of transportable cabin buildings and the erection/placement of a 3rd transportable cabin, on the property for a dwelling house. 3. Continued operation of an animal boarding or training establishment (dog breeding) 4. Erection of associated structures and pens.

Figure 4 – Aerial Photograph of “Stockhaven”

This is page number 38 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 4.2 Offsite

Transport of dogs is via the internal access road to the property boundary onto the Onus Road then north east along Onus Road till it meets the Copeton Dam Road.

5. Statutory Planning Consideration

The proposal falls under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and is classified as local development.

5.1 Integrated Development

The proposal is not classified as integrated development, under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

5.2 Designated Development

The proposal is not classified as designated development, under Section 77A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

5.3 S.79C (1) (a)(i) Provision of any Environmental Planning Instrument (a) Environmental Planning Instrument – Gwydir Local Environmental Plan, 2013 (GLEP).

The subject development site is currently zoned RU1 Primary Production pursuant to GLEP.

(b) 5.3.1 Aims of Plan – Clause 1.2

The particular aims of this Plan are as follows:

a. to encourage the proper management , development and conservation of environmental, economic and social resources in Gwydir,

b. to facilitate economic growth and development consistent with the aim specified in paragraph a. and that:

i. minimises the cost to the community of fragmented and isolated development, and ii. facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of amenities and services, and iii. facilitates stimulation of demand for a range of residential, enterprise and employment This is page number 39 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council opportunities and promotes agricultural diversity, and iv. utilises, where feasible, existing infrastructure and roads when considering new development and future potential development,

c. to facilitate development in accordance with flood management planning,

d. to facilitate development that is compatible with adjoining and nearby uses,

e. to facilitate development that is appropriate in scale and type to the characteristics of the zone, f. to identify, protect and conserve places of European heritage significance and Aboriginal heritage and cultural significance,

g. to identify, protect, conserve and enhance natural assets.

Proponents Submission

No Submission was received.

Issues Raised in Submission

No Submissions were received.

Staff Comment

Each allotment in the proposed 2 lot subdivision meets the minimum size shown on the GLEP Lot Size Map.

There are known places of archaeological heritage significance near the property. However, an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessment of the site identified no Aboriginal objects, sites or places of significance. This will be discussed later in the report.

The proposed and continuing operations of the development will not impact on timber, mineral, soil, water nor areas of archaeological or heritage significance or high scenic or recreational value.

It is considered that the development of the 2 lot subdivision, the operation of a dog breeding establishment and residence satisfactorily meets the aims of the GLEP.

(c) 5.3.2 Definitions – Clause 1.4 This is page number 40 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

The proposed use of the land as an “the boarding and breeding establishment” is a defined definition in Dictionary under clause 1.4 of the GLEP.

“animal boarding or training establishment means a building or place used for the breeding, boarding, training, keeping or caring of animals for commercial purposes (other than for the agistment of horses), and includes any associated riding school or ancillary veterinary hospital”

The definition is identified as permissible use, with development consent in the land use table for Zone RU1 Primary Production.

(d) 5.3.3 Land Zoning Map – Clause 2.2

The subject land is located in Zone RU1 Primary Production under the provisions of the Gwydir Local Environmental Plan 2013 (GLEP).

(e) 5.3.4 The Zone RU1 Primary Production– Clause 2.3 Land Use Table

Objectives of the zone

• To encourage sustainable primary industry production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base. • The encourage diversity in primary industry enterprise and systems appropriate for the area. • To minimise the fragmentation and alienation of resource lands. • To minimise conflict between land uses within this zone and land uses within adjoining zones.

Proponents Submission

The proposal meets all objectives as prescribed by the Gwydir Local Environment Plan 2013 for zone RU1 which are:

• To encourage sustainable primary industry production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base

Comment: This development application allows for the continued operation of a proven financially and environmentally sustainable operation

• To encourage diversity in primary industry enterprises and systems appropriate for the area

This is page number 41 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Comment: The development application allows for the operation of an industry which is not significant, thus generating diversity, but which is proven to be appropriate for the area.

• To minimise the fragmentation and alienation of resource lands.

Comment: The continued utilisation of the land will minimise fragmentation and alienation.

• To minimise conflict between land uses within this zone and land uses with adjoining zones

Comment: The proposal is not considered to conflict with the surrounding grazing enterprises.

Issues Raised in Submission

No submission was received

Staff Comment

It is considered that the proposed subdivision, Dog breeding facility is compatible and consistent with the surrounding land uses and satisfactorily meets the objective of the RU1 Primary Production Zone.

5.3.5 Part 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions

In addition to the objectives of the zone Council needs to consider the miscellaneous provisions within Part 5 of the GLEP. They have each been set out in the table below detailing their relevance to the proposed development.

Part 5 Miscellaneous Provision Relevance Comment 5.1 Relevant acquisition authority Not Applicable 5.2 Classification and reclassification of Not public land Applicable 5.3 Development near zone boundaries Not Applicable 5.4 Controls relating to miscellaneous Not permissible uses Applicable 5.5 Development within the Coastal Not zone Applicable 5.6 Architectural roof features Not Applicable 5.7 Development below mean high Not This is page number 42 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council water mark Applicable 5.8 Conversion of Fire Arms Not Applicable 5.9 Preservation of Trees or Vegetation Not Applicable 5.9AA Tree or vegetation not prescribed by Applicable No effect on development control plan proposed development 5.10 Heritage Conservation Not Applicable 5.11 Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Applicable No effect on proposed development 5.12 Infrastructure development and use Not of existing buildings of the Crown Applicable 5.13 Eco-tourist facilities Not Applicable

5.3.6 State Environmental Planning Policies

The proposal before Council is subject to the following State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP):

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 15 – Rural Landsharing Communities; • State Environmental Planning Policy No. 30 – Intensive Agriculture; • State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - Koala Habitat; • State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 - Remediation of Land; and • State Environmental Planning Policy (Rural Lands) 2008.

The proposed development has been assessed in relation to the objectives and provisions of these SEPPs.

5.3.6.1 SEPP No. 15 – Rural Landsharing Communities

Proponents Submission

The Council is captured by the SEPP as the former Yallaroi Shire is included schedule 1 of SEPP 15 and therefore a Rural Landsharing assessment is required.

However, the proposed use of the 3 cabins as a single dwelling house is not covered by principles set out under State Environmental Planning Policy No 15 – Rural Landsharing Communities and therefore is not applicable to this application.

Issues Raised in Submission This is page number 43 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Staff Comment

The Council is captured by the SEPP included in schedule 1 of the SEPP, as the former Yallaroi Shire Council, and therefore an assessment Rural Landsharing is required.

However, the proposed use of the 3 transportable cabins as a single residence does not meet the principles of SEPP 15 and is not applicable to this application.

5.3.6.2 SEPP 30 – Intensive Agriculture

Proponent’s Submission

As this development does not fall under the category of cattle feedlot, nor piggery, SEPP No. 30 is not applicable to this application.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No Submissions were received.

Staff Comment

The aims of this Policy (SEPP No.30) are:

a. To require development consent for cattle feedlots having a capacity to accommodate 50 or more head of cattle, and piggeries having a capacity to accommodate 200 or more pigs or 20 or more breeding sows, and

b. To provide for public participation in the consideration of development applications for cattle feedlots or piggeries of this size, and

c. To require that, in determining a development application for cattle feedlots or piggeries of this size, the consent authority is to take into considerations so as to achieve greater consistency in environmental planning and assessment for cattle feedlots and piggeries

As this development does not meet the definition of Intensive Agriculture, SEPP No. 30 is not applicable to this application.

5.3.6.3 SEPP No. 55 - Land Contamination

Proponent’s Submission This is page number 44 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Inspection of the property did not identify any visible contamination and it was accordingly determined that no further investigation is required.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No Submissions were received.

Staff Comment

This State Policy is required to be considered in the processing and determination of development applications.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a state-wide planning approach to the remediation of land. In particular, this policy aims to promote the remediation of contaminated land for the purposes of reducing the risk of harm to human health or other aspects of the environment.

The current and proposed development site is currently being used for agriculture and animal breeding. It is unlikely historical grazing and cropping operations of the site would not have resulted in contamination of the site. During an inspection of the property no evidence of visible contamination or current or post practices likely to result in contamination.

In accordance with clause 7 of SEPP 55, following a search of Council records, the subject land is not identified as being potentially contaminated and is considered to be suitable for the intended use. It is considered that assessment and the requirements under the SEPP have been satisfied.

5.3.6.4 SEPP No. 44 - Koala Habitat

Proponent’s Submission

The Gwydir Shire is included in schedule 1 of SEPP 44, as Yallaroi Shire, and therefore an assessment of Koala Habitat is required.

In accordance with SEPP 44, “Potential Koala Habitat is defined as areas of native vegetation where the trees species listed in Schedule 2 of SEPP 44 constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component in the remnants. The site contains several large areas of remnant vegetation as such the site could be considered “Potential Koala Habitat”, although no confirmed sightings have ever been recorded for the area. This is page number 45 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Assessment of the site indicated that there is potential for Koalas to pass through the area. The site however, is not considered core Koala Habitat as there are no known populations residing in the area.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No submissions were received

Staff Comment

The aim of SEPP 44 is:

“…to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas, to ensure permanent free living populations over the present range and to reverse the current trend of population decline.

(a) by requiring the preparation of plans of management before development consent can be granted in relation to areas of core koala habitat, and

(b) by encouraging the identification of areas of core koala habitat, and

SEPP 44 applies to all local government areas listed in Schedule 1 – Local Government Areas; while Koala feed trees are listed in Schedule 2 – Koala Food Tree Species. Circular B35 (Department of Planning 1995b) accompanies SEPP 44 and guides its implementation. The former Yallaroi Shire Council were listed in the Schedule.

SEPP 44 requires that development applications must consider the presence of ‘potential’ and ‘core’ koala habitat where the land area in question is greater than one hectare. Potential koala habitat is defined as ‘areas of native vegetation where the trees of the types listed in Schedule 2 constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component’ (Department of Planning 1995a).

Where potential habitat is identified, the area must be investigated for core koala habitat, defined as ‘an area of land with a resident breeding population of koalas, evidenced by attributes such as

This is page number 46 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council breeding females and recent sightings and historical records of a population’ (Department of Planning 1995a).

Under the EP&A Act, it is the responsibility of the consent or determining authority to form a view as to whether a proposed development or activity is likely to significantly affect koalas or their habitat. This is achieved by undertaking an Assessment of Significance under Section 5A of the EP&A Act. If the impact is deemed likely to be significant, a species impact statement must be prepared.

In NSW, the koala is listed as a vulnerable species on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act. A vulnerable species is one which is ‘likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate’. A survey of koalas in 1986–87 found that the koala had disappeared from 50– 75% of its historic range in NSW (Reed et al. 1990).

The conservation status of koalas on the western slopes and plains is variable. Clearing and degradation of koala habitat is continuing and/or threats associated with urban and semi-urban development are increasing. Habitat fragmentation is extreme in many parts of this area.

Primary food tree species:

River red gum E. camaldulensis Coolabah E. coolabah

Secondary food tree species:

Dirty gum E. chloroclada Blakely’s red gum E. blakelyi Bimble box E. populnea Apple-topped box E. bridgesiana Pilliga box E. pilligaensis Black box E. largiflorens Fuzzy box E. conica Mallee red gum E. nandewarica Western grey box E. macrocarpa E. vicina Yellow box E. melliodora E. volcanica White box E. albens Red box E. polyanthemos Dwyer’s red gum E. dwyeri Orange gum E. prava Tumbledown gum E. dealbata

Stringybarks/supplementary species:

E. macrorhyncha Narrow-leaved stringybark E. sparsifolia

Listed secondary koala food trees under SEPP 44 were identified in the surrounding area. This is page number 47 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

In viewing the site it is substantially cleared and little mature and advanced vegetation clearance is proposed for this development. As such it is the author’s view that the proposed development will not affect koalas or their habitat.

It is considered that assessment under the SEPP has been complied with.

5.3.6.5 State Environmental Planning Policy (Rural Lands) 2008

Proponent’s Submission

The proposal is consistent with the principles set out under the Rural Lands SEPP for rural subdivision and dwellings.

Under this SEPP the consent Authority must take into account the following:

a. The existing uses and approved uses of land in the vicinity of the development,

Comment: existing uses of the proposed land and adjoining lands are grazing, cultivation and rural residential

b. Whether or not the development is likely to have a significant impact on land uses that, in the opinion of the consent authority, are likely to be preferred and the predominant land uses in the vicinity of the development,

Comment: the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on existing or future land use.

c. Whether or not the development is likely to be incompatible with a use referred to in paragraph a. or b.,

Comment: the proposed development would not result in a significant change of use of the land and therefore would not be incompatible with the existing use of the land or those adjoining.

d. If the land is not situated within a rural residential zone, whether or not the development is likely to be incompatible with a use on land within an adjoining rural residential zone,

Comment: Not applicable

e. Any measures proposed by the applicant to avoid or minimise any incompatibility referred to in paragraph c. or d. This is page number 48 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Comment: No measures are required

Issues Received in Submission

No submissions were received

Staff Comment

The proposed development is consistent with the aims of the SEPP. Council must consider this for rural subdivision or rural dwellings under Clause 10 of the SEPP.

It is considered that assessment under the SEPP has been complied with.

5.3.7 Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1997

Proponents Submission

No submission was received.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No submissions were received.

Staff Comment

The EPBC Act commenced on 16th July 2000. The EPBC Act includes the assessment and approvals system for actions that have a significant impact on:

• matters of National Environmental Significance (NES); and • the environment on Commonwealth land.

Should an action be determined to likely have a significant impact, an approval from the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage is required.

The EPBC identifies seven matters of national environmental significance being:

1. World Heritage properties; 2. National Heritage places 3. RAMSAR wetlands of international significance; 4. National listed threatened species and ecological communities; This is page number 49 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 5. listed migratory species; 6. Commonwealth marine areas; and 7. Nuclear actions

The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment has issued a Notice of Referral Decision dated the 23 September 2010 advising that the proposed action is not a controlled action and does not need further assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

It is considered that assessment under the Act has been complied with.

5.4 S.79C (1) (a) (ii) Any draft environmental planning instrument that is or has been placed on public exhibition and details of which have been notified to the consent authority

There are no draft environmental planning instrument is applicable to the development application.

5.5 S.79C (1) (a) (iii) Any Development Control Plan (DCP)

Gwydir Development Contributions Plan No. 1 – Traffic Generating Development (GDCP)

Proponents Submission

No submissions were received.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No submissions were received.

Staff Comment

The SEE does not refer to Council’s Development Control Plan for Traffic Generating Development.

This plan was developed to ensure the operation of Traffic Generating Development does not adversely impact on local roads and allow Council to assess the demand for road maintenance, repair and reconstruction arising from traffic generating development.

The purpose of the plan, traffic generating developments is those developments that:-

This is page number 50 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council • Require the use of road haulage vehicles to support the operation of the enterprise; • Generate additional traffic movements above levels of traditional agricultural activities;

Traffic Generating Development includes the following enterprises:-

• Wool Scouring Plants • Abattoirs • Rendering Plants • Saleyards • Wood or timber milling or processing works including wood preservation works • Wineries or associated works • Warehouses • Light industry • Intensive Agricultural Enterprises • feedlots • poultry farms • piggeries • dairies • Composting Works • Transport Terminals • Grain Storage Complex • Feed mills • Extractive Industries • Mine • Rural Industry

Staff is of the opinion that the continued operation of the dog breeding establishment is not affected by the Development Control Plan – Traffic Generating Development due to the low frequency and type of traffic movements.

5.6 S.79C (1) (b) The likely impacts of the development, including environmental impacts on both the natural and built environments, and social and economic impacts on the locality

So as to comment on the likely impacts of the proposal, the following matters have been considered:

5.6.1 Access, Transport and Traffic

Proponents Submission

The dog breeding facility is located approximately 700m off Onus Road. Onus Road is unsealed, dead end road that carries local This is page number 51 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council traffic related to residential and agricultural purposes. The number of scheduled dog movements and operational trips for the facility operating at full capacity are detailed in the following table:

Issues Raised in Submission

One submission was received.

Transportation of Dogs – I primarily purchased the Onus Road block for its beautiful aspect and the peace and quiet. The intention is to build on this property at some stage. Increased traffic will greatly reduce the enjoyment I and my family enjoy through noise and dust drifting across. Onus Road is not in great condition now and increased traffic will only lead to greater deterioration.

Proponents Response

There are questions relating to the ability of the writer to do as claimed, and thus the validity of this complaint. The size of the block owned by the writer is smaller than the minimum required to build a house. Accordingly, any reference to the proponent affecting her living arrangements is questionable.

Staff Comment

Council has no Policy or Development Control Plan for off-street car parking. The SEE does not address on site parking, however due to the size of the property adequate sufficient parking space exists on site. This was confirmed during the site inspection.

Onus Road is a classed as a minor road. This road is an all weather unsealed road which can support the additional traffic volumes.

This is page number 52 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Councils Director of Technical Services has advised that the existing formation and state of the Onus Road is suitable for the current vehicle usage and the proposed future traffic movements.

5.6.2 Utilities/Services

Proponents Submission

The existing infrastructure on the property has both electricity and telecommunications connected. The proposal will not require additional services to be connected.

No services are required as part of this development.

Issues Raised in Submission

One submission was received

Staff Comment

The proposed animal breeding facility will not impact on or require adjustment to the existing utility services for the property.

The proposed subdivision and associated residence will be either provided with electricity from a PV solar system or electricity infrastructure extended to the site of the development.

5.6.3 Heritage and Archaeological

Proponents Submission

European Heritage

No heritage sites are present within the boundaries of the development.

Indigenous Heritage

Assessment of the site concluded that an Aboriginal heritage impact assessment was not required as the land contains no sensitive landforms. The probability of Aboriginal Archaeological artefacts being present on the site is minimal.

A search of the AHIMS register revealed 0 results on the properties or closely located around the properties. A copy of this report is attached as Appendix 6.

Issues Raised in Submission This is page number 53 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

No submissions were received.

Staff Comment

The proposal is not in the vicinity of any European heritage items in accordance with Council’s Local Environmental Plan or under State or Federal Legislation. Further, there are no recorded aboriginal objects, sites or places of significance in the vicinity.

5.6.4 Air and Microclimate

Proponents Submission

No submissions were received.

Issues Raised in Submissions

One submission was received.

Proponents Response

Staff Comment

Historically there have been no complaints about the operation of the illegal dog breeding facility reported to Council.

There is the potential for the generation of dust along Onus Road as it is an unsealed road. However, due to the low number of existing and proposed vehicle movements it is considered that there will be minimal impact resulting form additional traffic movements from the development.

5.6.5 Flora and Fauna

This is page number 54 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Proponents Submission

The site has been only minimally cleared. The proposed development includes minimal physical works and therefore would only have minimal impact on any threatened species, communities or populations that may occur in the area. No further assessment of Flora and Fauna is required.

Issues Raised in Submission

No submission was received.

Staff Comment

The continued use of the dog breeding operation and residence is being carried out on existing cleared land.

The proposed boundary for the 2 lot subdivision is generally on the edge of semi cleared country and predominately following an existing fence line.

It is considered that the development will not impact existing flora and fauna on the property.

5.6.6 Ground & Water Supply

Proponents Submission

The proposal will not require any changes to any water source, natural or supplied, within the vicinity.

Issues Raised in Submission

Water supply is state to be ‘obtained by rainwater as potable water as well on farm dam water for general use’. ‘A back system is available through purchase and delivery of water to the sit form local water delivery contractors’. No information has been provide on amount of water required for the home and facility considering the average family of five will use about 803kl of water a year and for 300 average size dogs the average is about 200kl per year not including facility and other uses. There is a reminder that water cannot be pumped out of the creek for the use of business needs. If cartage is required then this will again greatly increase traffic and damage to the road (Pg. 6 & 13).

Proponents Response

This is page number 55 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council All required information regarding water supply has been provided. The water supply levels have been assessed as sufficient for the needs of the proponent.

Staff Comment

It is proposed rain water and dam water will be used as the water source for the dog breeding operation and the residence with the use of water contractors during drought periods.

Staff agree with the proponent’s submission. Conditions controlling the use of water across the property will be included in the draft consent conditions.

5.6.7 Waste

Proponents Submission

The SEE provides extensive detail about the type and quantity of waste generated from each of the various activities onsite, including:

• OSSM System for residence • Liquid and solid waste disposal for the Dog Breeding Establishment

This is page number 56 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Issues Raised in Submission

The application states that the amount of faeces is less than 10kg/day. For 365 dogs this adds up to 3650kg (quite a lot of faeces) if the faces is being spread over the 250Ha of the proponents property what is to prevent runoff? I would also point out that the last 18 months have been extremely dry and there has been little native pasture. With the sudden and intense storms we have experienced it seems ambitious to claim there would not be any runoff. This has serious implications for the health of surrounding waterways.

Proponents Response

In accordance with the “NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice No. 5 – Dogs and Cats in Animal Boarding Establishments” section 4.3, droppings, bedding, food wastes and animal bodies will be disposed of promptly and hygienically. Waste will not be incinerated on site but will be composted in accordance with the Department of Environment and Conversation (NSW) “Environmental Guidelines on Composting and Related Organics Processing Facilities.”

Manures are classified by the Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW) as a “Category 2” organic but as the volume of waste expected will be below the threshold outlined in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POEO) 1997 No 156: Schedule 1, no licence will be required.

Specifically, pet waste, either composted or uncomposted, will not be used in or near crops intended for human consumption due to the variety of pathogenic organisms that can transmit illness to humans nor will it be used in areas where children are likely to play, but will be used for on ornamental crops, turf and forestry areas with low likelihood of human contact.

The commercial breeding facility will have dropping picked up on a daily basis and be incorporated into the composting disposal method. Outdoor runs and pens will be sited on flat areas and avoid areas subject to surface water runoff. If runoff occurs, gutters an d downspouts will be installed on buildings to minimise runoff through pens, runs and exercise areas. Where possible, outdoor pens and runs will be roofed, significantly decreasing the likelihood of waste runoff.

Staff Comment

This is page number 57 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Unrelated waste will be reused, recycled, taken to the nearest waste facility or removed by licensed contractor.

The waste composting site and disposal area is proposed to be located in remote location from adjoining properties.

Waste from the Onsite Sewerage Management System is disposed of onsite.

Greenhouse gas emissions do not meet the current Nation Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act) thresholds.

Staff agrees with the proponent’s submission. Draft conditions have been included in the draft consent to manage and monitor the management of waste.

5.6.8 Noise

Proponents Submission

No significant visual or noise impacts are foreseen regarding the development. The dog breeding facility is considered to be sufficiently isolated from other residences in order to limit the impact of dog barking relating notice on the local ambience.

Issues Raised in Submissions

Noise – although the application states that no significant visual or noise impacts are foreseen regarding the development I would strongly disagree. Even now there is a constant yammer of barking dogs which is very annoying and quite load particularly when there is a southerly wind.

In summary I would like to express my strong objection to the section of the Development Application that relates to the building and running of a breeding kennels. It would totally change the enjoyment I have on my properties with the knowing that the facility was there and worrying about the condition of the animals. The increased noise and dust would further lessen my enjoyment of my property and could reduce its value should I wish to sell it in future.

Proponents Response

The RSPCA is the agent responsible for monitoring. If the writer will be concerned regarding their ability to act effectively, this is a mater which should be bought up with the RSPCA.

This is page number 58 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Issues Raised in Submissions

‘Noise from barking dogs will be managed to comply with noise regulations and occupational health and safety requirements’, as the owner has already been running a breeding facility for the past five years and been investigated and fined for the same, I would have hoped that he would already have things in place to control noise, but this not the case. As the owner has already moved dogs to the newly built as yet illegal structure the noise from the dogs has not only not decreased to an acceptable level, but has actually increased. We are now able to hear barking dogs at all times of the day and night form two areas. The amount of noise if often highly unbearable and does not allow us to sit quietly and comfortably on our verandah. The noise has often been measured at over 40db, and often goes to 70-90db when the dogs are worked up. The new areas for the dogs and the new structures have only helped to intensify the problem with the steel structures echoing the noise, and the area on the hill acting as a bowl which allows the noise to bounce and travel. (Pg. 12) see accompanying photos)

Proponents Response

Considering the distance to the writer residence, noise 70db seems emanating from the dog breeding facility appears improbable. If the writer wishes however, the proponent is willing to conduct a full noise survey to assess the noise levels and take appropriate action, if necessary. Some noise above 40db as the writer also claims, however infrequent, is more likely. This however, is below the noise level of ‘normal conversation’ and is considered acceptable.

Staff Comment

The proposed development has the potential to generate increased noise levels on the subject site, subsequently impacting on surrounding properties.

Activities likely to generate noise include: This is page number 59 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

• Barking & Yelping of Dogs • Vehicles entering/leaving the property

However, distances in excess of 600 metres between the development proposal and surrounding residences, combined with the topography and vegetation between the residential premises on adjoining properties will assist in mitigating potential increased noise levels.

It is considered that noise from the proposal should be adequately managed through the recommended conditions.

5.6.9 Energy

Not applicable to this development.

5.6.10 Natural Hazards

Proponents Submission

The land is not subject to geological hazard such as volcanism, earthquake, or soil instability such as subsidence slip or mass movement. Part of the land is classified as bushfire prone land according to mapping provided by the Gwydir Shire Council / Rural Fire Service. This issue is address below. The existing residential dwelling and proposed development is considered to be flood free.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No submissions were received

Staff Comment

The subject site is not subject to local flooding, subsidence or slip. The property is heavily timbered and has been identified as Bushfire Prone land. The land utilized by the dog breeding operation is generally cleared with isolated trees and grassland.

Conditions will be placed on the consent minimise the potential bushfire risk.

5.6.11 Technological Hazards

Not applicable to this development

5.6.12 Social and Economic Impact in the Locality

This is page number 60 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

The Gwydir Shire suffers from some population and economic decline and population ageing. The Shire’s major employer is agriculture although even this sector has shown decline. This project is expected to provide social and economic benefits at both the local and regional level in terms of job creation and the provision of high quality aggregates for use in civil construction, road and rail sectors in the northwest NSW region. A larger portion of the new employment and potential contract roles offered at the quarry will be retained within the Gwydir Shire, mainly Warialda

Issues Raised in Submissions

No submissions were received.

Staff Comment

Economic

The proposed development has the potential to generate a positive economic impact on the surrounding locality by providing additional employment opportunities part and full time positions if the dog breeding establishment. In addition, the proposal has the potential to increase economic activity in the related supply sector, transport sector, fuel supplies and associated maintenance and service industries.

Social

However, in the event that the facility is managed in a manner which does not control potential nuisances such as noise, the proposal may have a social impact on residential dwelling-houses in the immediate and surrounding locality.

The mitigation and control measures outlined in the SEE and proposed in the consent conditions will result in a development that will operate with minimal impact on the local and surrounding communities and the environment.

5.6.13 Cumulative Impacts

The dog breeding establishment proposal’s cumulative impact will be negligible as the main issues have been identified by the applicant and assessed and mitigation and control measures proposed. These have been included as conditions of consent.

This is page number 61 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council That being said if the operation of the dog breeding establishment is in accordance with “good management practices” there still may be at times some minor loss of amenity for surrounding rural residential users in respect of noise.

5.6.14 S.79C (1) (c) The suitability of the site for the development

An existing dog breeding establishment is currently located in the development site and has illegally operated since 2010. The proposed continued operation of the dog breeding establishment will be operated on land previously used for farming activity. Potential impacts have been identified along with proposed mitigation measures will ensure that there will be little environmental impact.

It is predicted that proposed distances from the subject site to potentially impacted residents provide for an effective buffer for noise, dust and visibility impact.

According to Council's knowledge the property is not subject to local flooding, subsidence, slip.

The development proposal before the Council will not have an effect on conserving and using prime / productive agricultural land.

The site is considered suitable for the proposed development ongoing operation.

5.6.15 S.79C (1) (d) Any submission made in accordance with this Act or the Regulations.

The proposed development was advertised and notified in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. Adjoining landowners were directly notified along with the Inverell Shire Council.

There are 3 submissions received by Council in relation to this proposal.

2 public submission have been received by Council with regard to the development application. Details regarding issues raised have been addressed in 5.6 of the report.

1 other submission has been received by Council with regard to the development application. Details regarding issues raised have been addressed in 5.6 of the report.

5.6.16 S.79C (1) (e) The public interest

This is page number 62 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Federal, State and Local Government Interests and Community Interests.

Proponents Submission

No Submissions were received.

Issues Raised in Submissions

No Submissions were received.

Staff Comment

Submissions made by the public and other groups/organisations have been assessed and addressed within this report. The approval of the proposed development will not be contrary to the public interest, subject to implementation of the recommended conditions of consent.

CONCLUSION

4. The application has been assessed along with the various submissions on the proposed development approval; it is considered that the application submitted to Council by Michael Flanagan for the 2 lot Subdivision, continued use of transportable structures as a residence and the continued operation of a dog breeding establishment for up to 300 dogs satisfactorily addresses:

• S.79(C) matters for consideration of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, and • the Gwydir Environmental Plan, 2013, • potential impacts of the continued operation of a dog breeding establishment can either be mitigated or managed, • the proposal is generally in the public interest, and • the proposal would also provide socio-economic benefits to the locality and the region.

Based on this assessment, it is considered that the merits of the proposal warrant approval subject to conditions.

The conditions take into consideration issues raised by individuals and land owners. Conditions of consent establish compliance controls and performance and environmental audits to mitigate the environmental impacts of the proposal to an acceptable level.

NOTE: As this is a planning determination the vote of each Councillor must be recorded.

This is page number 63 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Council receive; consider the findings and recommendations of this report in relation to the proposal for the two lot Subdivision, continued use of transportable structures as a residence and the continued operation of a dog breeding establishment for up to dogs (280 female & 20 male) and progeny of 1120.

FURTHER that the application be approved subject to the Conditions of Consent attached.

FURTHER that the applicant is advised of the Council’s decision and of their right to appeal to the Land and Environment Court within 12 months after the date of determination.

FURTHER that the objectors are notified of the Council’s decision.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Draft Conditions

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT consideration of this proposal be deferred in order to allow a site inspection of the site to be carried out on Tuesday 17 November.

FURTHER that the CEO and Chief Inspector of the RSPCA and the applicant’s consultant be invited to attend the site inspection to provide additional commentary.

(Moved Cr Dick, seconded Cr Dixon)

This is page number 64 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - Attachment 1 12 November 2015 Draft Conditions Animal Boarding or training establishment being a Dog Breeding Facility.DOC

SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS

PART A - GENERAL

1.1 Obligation to Minimize Harm to the Environment

The Applicant/Owner shall implement all practicable measures to prevent and/or minimize any harm to the environment that may result from the construction, operation, and/or rehabilitation of the development.

1.2 In order that the development of the land is undertaken in an orderly and coordinated manner, the development consent shall lapse five years after the determination date unless the development has been physically commenced as set out in s95 (4) and (5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

1.3 Scope of Approval

The Applicant/Owner shall carry out the development generally in accordance with: a) DA No 11/2015; b) Conditions of this consent; and c) The following documents

Item Council's Stamp Drawing/Job Drawn by Dated No/Date No

Statement of 42/2012 07/12/2012 Sheets 11/11 Gwydir Shire - Environmental Council Effects

1.4 The development must be carried out in accordance with the Development Application and accompanying plans, drawings and other documents as amended by conditions of this consent.

Note: Any amendment to the development or to these conditions will require the consent of the Council.

1.5 The Applicant/Owner shall comply with any reasonable requirement/s of the Environmental Services Manager or authorised Officer of Council arising from the Council’s assessment of: a) Any reports, plans or correspondence that are submitted by the Applicant/Owner in accordance with this consent; and b) The implementation of any actions or measures contained in these reports, plans or correspondence.

This is page number 65 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

1.6 Heritage and Archaeology

Impact of Works – Aboriginal Relics

If any Aboriginal archaeological relics are found or uncovered during the course of the work, then all works shall cease immediately in that area and the applicant shall contact the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water and Council. Depending on the possible significance of the relics, an archaeological assessment and an excavation permit under the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 may be required before further works can be considered in that area. The applicant shall comply with any request made by the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water and/or Council to cease work for the purposes of archaeological recording.

2 RURAL SUBDIVISION

2.1 In the event of any inconsistency between conditions of this consent and the drawings/documents referred to above, the conditions of this consent prevail.

2.2 The Applicant shall comply with the prescribed conditions of development consent under clause 98 of the Regulation.

2.3 Application for Construction Certificate

A Construction Certificate is required prior to the commencement of any clearing, construction, subdivision or associated activity. Application must be made to the Council or an Accredited Certifier.

2.4 Application for Subdivision Certificate

Prior to the lodgement of the plan of subdivision for registration under Division 3 of Part 23 of the Conveyancing Act 1919, a Subdivision Certificate is to be obtained in accordance with Section 109D(1)(d) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The applicant/subdivider shall appoint a Principal Certifying Authority for this development, who will have the responsibility to issue a Subdivision Certificate in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and related Regulations.

This is page number 66 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

2.5 Protection of Public Infrastructure

The Applicant/Owner shall:

Repair, or pay the full costs associated with repairing any public infrastructure that is damaged by the development; and

Relocate, or pay the full costs associated with relocating any public infrastructure that needs to be relocated as a result of the development.

2.6 Vegetation Removal

This development consent does not imply any approval or permit the removal of trees or native vegetation from the site (other than that required for removal as a bushfire hazard reduction measures or to allow the erection of a structure).

2.7 Erection of Structures

Prior to any further development (e.g. erection of buildings) on the proposed lots, it will be necessary to obtain the prior approval of Council.

2.8 Survey Monuments

Where the proposed development involves the disturbance of any existing survey monuments, those monuments affected will need to be relocated by a Surveyor registered under the Surveyors Act. A plan showing the relocated marks will then be required to be lodged as a matter of public record at the

2.9 One (1) original linen plan and five (5) copies of the rural allotment subdivision, as prepared and submitted with DA 11/2015 along with the Subdivision Certificate Fee of $175, shall be prepared by a Registered Surveyor and submitted to Gwydir Shire Council for endorsement by the General Manager, prior to the issue of the Subdivision Certificate.

2.10 Any necessary alterations to public utility installations will be at the Applicant’s expense and to the requirements of both Council and the appropriate Authorities.

2.11 Separate entry/exit vehicle crossings and driveways are to be provided, to proposed lots in accordance with Council’s Guidelines.

2.12 Rural Addressing Numbers

This is page number 67 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

The applicant/owner shall make application for a Rural Addressing number accompanied by the requisite fee currently $55.00 per number to Council’s Engineering Department.

2.13 The Applicant shall comply with the requirements of any public authorities (e.g. Country Energy, Water Supply Authority, Telstra Australia, AGL, etc) in regard to the connection to, relocation and/or adjustment of the services affected by the construction of the proposed structure. Any costs in the relocation, adjustment or support of services shall be the responsibility of the Applicant. Details of compliance with the requirements of any relevant public authorities are to be submitted to the satisfaction of the PCA prior to the issue of the Construction Certificate.

3 DOG BREEDING FACILITY

3.1 Limits on Operation

To confirm and clarify the terms of this approval, consent is given for the following;

a. The Applicant/Owner shall not house more than 280 breeding dogs on the development site in any year.

b. The Applicant/Owner shall not store more than 20,000m3 of material at any one time on the site as detailed in the SEE.

c. The Applicant shall not import material onto the site or store offsite material on the site.

d. The Applicant shall notify the Council, within three (3) months of the calendar year, the total quantity of material mined and provide details of final output in terms of product. The quarrying operations shall not be varied without the Council or Department of Mineral Resources being notified.

3.2 Limits on Area

The Applicant/Owner shall not develop outside the areas currently detailed in the Statement of Environmental Effects.

3.3 Environmental Management Strategy

1 The Applicant/Owner shall prepare and implement an Environmental Management Strategy for the development. This strategy must: a) Provide the overall strategic context for environmental This is page number 68 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

management of the development, including for the environmental monitoring program and the various management plans required by this development consent; b) Identify the statutory requirements that apply to the development; c) Describe in general how the environmental performance of the development would be monitored and managed d) Describe the detailed procedures that would be implemented to: • Keep the local community and relevant agencies informed about the operation and environmental performances of the development; • Receive, handle, respond to, and record complaints; • Resolve any disputes that may arise during the course of the development; • Respond to any non-compliance; • Manage cumulative impacts; and • Respond to emergencies; and e) Describe the roles, responsibility, authority, and accountability of all the key personnel involved in environmental management of the development.

2 The Applicant/Owner shall not carry out any development at the development site before Council has approved the strategy referred to in Condition 3.1.

3 Within 14 days of receiving Council approval for the environmental management strategy, the Applicant/Owner shall; a) Send copies of the approved environmental management strategy to the relevant agencies, and b) Ensure the approved environmental management strategy is publicly available.

4 TRANSPORTABLE CABINS

4.1 The verandah/decks/awnings/carports/patios/alfresco areas are not to be further enclosed without prior Council approval.

4.2 Change of Building Use

(a) A building in respect of which there is a change of building use must comply with the Category 1 fire safety provisions (same meaning as it has in Part 7B of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 1994)

Note: The obligation under this subclause to comply with the Category 1 fire safety provisions may require building work to be carried This is page number 69 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

out even though none is proposed or required in the relevant Development Consent.

(b) Any change of use/classification in relation to the use of the building or site shall not be made until approval in writing by this Council is first obtained.

4.3 Water saving and reuse measures

The applicant shall, as far as practicable, implement water saving and reuse measures onsite to reduce water consumption and promote energy efficiency. 4.4 The transportable cabins shall be used as a single dwelling. It will be necessary to remove any fixtures and appliances which render them capable of being occupied separately. A detailed floor plan shall be provided to Council prior to the issue of the construction certificate.

PART B - PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF BUILDING WORK

1.1 Notification of Commencement of Work

At least two (2) days prior to work commencing on site, Council must be informed, by the submission of Form 7 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, 1998, of the name and details of the Principal Certifying Authority and the date construction work is proposed to commence

1.2 Advisory Note 1

Toilet Facilities:

1. Toilet facilities are to be provided, at or in the vicinity of the work site on which work involved in the erection or demolition of a building is being carried out, at the rate of one toilet for every 20 persons or part of 20 persons employed at the site.

2. Each toilet provided:-

a. must be a standard flushing toilet, and b. must be connected:

i. to a public sewer, or

ii. if connection to a public sewer is not practicable, to an accredited sewage management facility approved by the Council, or This is page number 70 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

iii. if connection to a public sewer or an accredited sewage management facility is not practicable, to some other sewage management facility approved by the Council.

3. The provision of toilet facilities in accordance with this clause must be completed before any other work is commenced.

4. In this clause:

accredited sewage management facility means a sewage management facility to which Division 4A of Part 3 of the Local Government Act (Approvals) Regulation 1993 applies, being a sewage management facility that is installed or constructed to a design or plan the subject of a certificate of accreditation referred to in clause 95B of the Regulation.

approved by the Council means the subject of an approval in force under Division 1 of Part 3 of the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993.

public sewer has the same meaning as it has in the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993.

sewage management facility has the same meaning as it has in the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993.

1.3 Advisory Note 2

Dial before you Dig

Underground assets may exist in the area that is subject to this application. In the interests of health and safety and in order to protect damage to third party assets please contact Dial before you Dig at www.1100.com.au or telephone on 1100 before excavating or erecting structures (This is the law in NSW).

If alterations are required to the configuration, size, form or design of the development upon contacting the Dial before you Dig service, an amendment to the development consent (or a new development application) may be necessary. Individuals owe asset owners a duty of care that must be observed when working in the vicinity of plant or assets.

It is the individual’s responsibility to anticipate and request the nominal This is page number 71 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

location of plant or assets on the relevant property via contacting the Dial before you Dig service in advance of any construction or planning activities.

1.4 Advisory Note 3

Telecommunications Act 1997 (Commonwealth)

Telstra (and its authorised contractors) are the only companies that are permitted to conduct works on Telstra’s network and assets. Any person interfering with a facility or installation owned by Telstra is committing an offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and is liable for prosecution. Furthermore, damage to Telstra’s infrastructure may result in interruption to the provision of essential services and significant costs.

If you are aware of any works or proposed works which may affect or impact on Telstra’s assets in any way, you are required to contact: Telstra’s Network Integrity Team on Phone Number 1800810443.

1.5 Advisory Note 4

Disturbance or Impact on Telecommunications Infrastructure

1. If the development is likely to disturb or impact upon telecommunications infrastructure, written confirmation from the service provider that they have agreed to the proposed works must be submitted to the Principal Certifying Authority prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate or any works commencing.

2. The arrangements and costs associated with any adjustment to telecommunications infrastructure shall be borne in full by the applicant/developer.

1.6 Bush Fire Protection

1.6.1 Asset Protection Zones

At the commencement of building works and in perpetuity the property around the building to a distance of 20 metres, shall be maintained as an inner protection area (IPA) and 20 metres, shall be maintained as on outer protection area (OPA) as outlined below;

a. The inner protection area shall comprise of the following; This is page number 72 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

i. minimal fine fuel at ground level. ii. vegetation that does not provide a continuous path to building/s for the transfer of fire. iii. shrubs and trees that do not form a continuous canopy and vegetation is planted/cleared into clump rather than continuous rows. iv. species that retain dead material or deposit excessive quantities of ground fuel are avoided. v. shrubs and trees are pruned or removed sot they do not touch or overhang the building/s. vi. vegetation is located for enough away from the building/s so that plants will not ignite the building/s by direct flame contact or radiant heat emission.

b. the outer protection area shall comprise of the following;

i. vegetation that does not provide a continuous path for the transfer of fire. ii. fuel loadings are maintained below 8 tonnes per hectare by mowing, slashing or other approved hazard reduction methods.

1.6.2 Water and Utilities

a. A hardened ground surface for truck access is to be supplied up to and within 4 metres of the water source.

b. A 65mm metal Storz outlet with a gate and ball valve shall be provided.

c. In recognition that no reticulated water supply exists, a 10,000 litre wast supply shall be provided for fire fighting purposes.

d. Polycarbonate/plastic tanks shall be shielded form the impact of radiant heat and direct flame contact.

e. All associated fittings to the tank shall be non-combustible.

f. Gas cylinders kept close to the building shall have release valves directed away form the building. Connections to and from gas cylinders are to be metal. Polymer sheathed flexible gas supply lines to gas meters adjacent to building are not be used.

1.6.3 Design and Construction This is page number 73 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

All new Class 10 structures as defined per the ’Building Code of Australia’ attached to or within 10 metres of the habitable building shall comply with section 7 (BAL 29) Australian Standard AS3959-2009 ‘Construction of buildings in bush fire-prone areas’ and section A3.7 Addendum Appendix 3 of ‘Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006’.

PART C - DURING BUILDING WORK

1 SUBDIVISION

There were no relevant conditions for this section.

2 DOG BREEDING FACILITY

2.1 Operation of Plant and Equipment

The Applicant/Owner shall ensure that all plant and equipment at the site, haulage vehicles, or used in connection with the development are:

a) Maintained in a state of sound mechanical repair; and b) Operated in a proper and efficient manner

2.2 Bunding and Spill Management

The Applicant/Owner shall store and handle all hazardous chemicals, dangerous goods, fuels and oils, strictly in accordance with;

a) All relevant Australian Standards; and b) The EPA’s Environment Protection Manual Technical Bulletin Bunding and Spill Management.

In the event of an inconsistency between the requirements listed in a) and b) above, the most stringent requirement shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

2.3 Onsite Waste Management

Disposal of Composted Solids

a) i) solid waste shall not be spread within 100 metres of a bore site; ii) solid waste shall not be spread within 50 metres of the high bank of a watercourse iii) solid waste shall not be spread within 10 metres of any property boundary This is page number 74 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

iv) solid waste shall not be spread within 25 metres of a public road

b) Timing

Spreading of solid waste shall be restricted during months of December to February due to increased likelihood of receiving intense summer storms.

a) Slopes

Slopes in excess of 8% avoided unless composted solid waste is incorporated into soils as soon as possible after spreading and the area is protected by structural soil erosion control measures (eg graded bank).

d) Manure and Other Pen Material

Waste material removed should be stockpiled on an area with an impermeable floor. The material should be maintained in long low moulds, turned regularly to prevent anaerobic conditions.

2.4 External Waste Management

Except as expressly permitted by Council, the Applicant/Owner shall not cause, permit or allow any waste generated outside the development site to be received at the development site for storage, treatment, processing, reprocessing or disposal, or any waste generated at the development site to be disposed of at the development site.

2.5 Visual Impact

Visual Amenity

1 The Applicant/Owner shall carry out the development in a way that prevents and/or minimises the visual impacts of the development.

2 The Applicant/Owner shall install bunds/trees at strategic locations around the development site, and plant additional trees along the boundary of the development site to the satisfaction of the Environmental Services Manager in order to screen the development, as far as is practicable, from external viewers.

2.6 Lighting Emissions

This is page number 75 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

1 The Applicant/Owner shall take all practicable measures to prevent and/or minimise any off-site lighting impacts including light spill and prevent contribution to sky glow from the development. 2 All external lighting associated with the development shall comply with Australian Standard AS4282(INR) 1995 – Control of Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting.

2.7 Bushfire Management

The Applicant/Owner shall:

a) Ensure that the development is suitably equipped to respond to any fires on-site. b) Assist the Rural Fire Service and emergency services as much as possible if there is a fire on-site.

3 TRANSPORTABLE STRUCTURES

3.1 Compliance with the Building Code of Australia

All building work must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code of Australia.

3.2 Advisory Note 5

(a) Except as specified in (b) below, the critical stage inspections may be carried out by the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) or, if the PCA agrees, by another Certifying Authority. (b) The last critical stage inspection required to be carried out must be carried out by the Principal Certifying Authority.

The applicant is advised that the critical stage inspections as listed are mandatory. Council, if chosen as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) will require the listed inspections.

A Compliance Certificate or other form of documentary evidence shall be issued/provided for the following applicable stages of the building construction in order that the work may immediately progress:

Mandatory Inspections

Stage Work

a. Prior to Construction Prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate Certificate

After excavation for, and prior to the This is page number 76 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

b. Footing System placement of any footings.

c. Frame work Prior to covering of the framework for any floor, wall, roof or other building element

d. Wet area flashing Prior to covering waterproofing in any wet areas.

e. Stormwater Drainage Prior to covering any stormwater drainage connections.

f. Completion After the building work has been completed and prior to any Occupation Certificate being issued in relation to the building.

Note: Any Compliance Certificate issued for the above stages of construction shall certify that all relevant ancillary or dependent work has been undertaken in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and any other condition of this consent. 3.3 Noise Impact Control

a. Any noise generated during the implementation/construction of the development shall not exceed the limits specified in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

b. The hours of work for any noise generating activities associated with the construction of the proposed development are limited to between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm, Mondays to Friday inclusive, and between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays. No works may be carried out on Sundays or on Public Holidays, or otherwise outside the stated hours except where:

(a) noise from the construction activity is inaudible at the nearest affected residential receiver; or

(b) it is necessary for the delivery of materials as requested by Police or other authorities for safety reasons; or

3.4 Surface Drainage

Guttering and downpipes shall be provided to discharge surplus roof water a minimum of 3 m clear of any structure and incorporate protection against scouring of the ground surface at the point of discharge and be disposed of without nuisance.

NOTE: This still allows the use of a water storage tank with the system.

This is page number 77 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

3.5 a. That a minimum of 45 cubic metres (45000L) of stored rainwater shall be provided for domestic purposes unless the site is serviced by a Council water main and hydrant. The draw off point for water use for domestic purposes shall be located to allow a further minimum of 20,000 litres of stored water on site for use in fire fighting, to remain in the tank/s at all times.

Water storage tanks shall have fitted an outlet capable of being coupled to Fire Brigade fire fighting equipment. Fittings shall include the provision of a 65 mm stop valve, 65 mm "Storz" fitting with blanking cap (Storz fittings may be obtained from fire protection equipment suppliers). The Storz fitting draw off point shall be located at the base of the storage tanks (or connecting line). Reasonable vehicular access for fire tenders shall be available to the water supply.

b. That the use of bore water shall be restricted to the following purposes unless otherwise approved by Council:

i. Flushing of toilets;

ii. Watering of gardens;

iii. Stock purposes.

3.6 Hot Water Delivery Systems

a. Tempering valves shall be fitted on all hot water plumbing systems to restrict the delivery temperature of hot water to sanitary appliances to not more than 50º Celsius. The device shall be located to permit access for servicing and repairs.

b. Cold water expansion devices with overflow discharges piped one metre clear of the hot water heating device shall be installed on the cold water inlet of all hot water heating devices.

3.7 External Finish of Building

Design and colour of the building is to aesthetically blend into the surrounding environment and shall have a low reflectivity.

This is page number 78 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART D - PRIOR TO ISSUE OF OCCUPATION CERTIFICATE

1.1 Compliance with Conditions

The use or occupation of the approved development shall not commence until such time as all conditions of this development consent have been complied with. The use or occupation of the development prior to the compliance with all conditions of development consent may make the applicant/developer liable to legal proceedings.

1.2 Road Damage

The cost of repairing any damage caused to Council’s assets in the vicinity of the subject site as a result of construction works associated with the approved development is to be met in full by the applicant/developer prior to the issue of an Occupation Certificate.

2 SUBDIVISION

There were no relevant conditions for this section.

3 DOG BREEDING FACILITY

There were no relevant conditions for this section.

4 TRANSPORTABLE STRUCTURES

4.1 The following documentation shall be provided to Council prior to the issue of an Occupation Certificate

a. A soil compaction test from a registered NATA Laboratory for the compacted foundation fill.

b. A certificate from the manufacturer certifying that the glazing (including doors, windows, shower screens etc) have been designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.6 of the BCA 2010 and AS2047 and AS1288 (where applicable).

c. A certificate from the installer that the smoke alarms have been installed in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.7.2 of BCA 2010 and AS3786.

d. A certificate from the installer that the wet area waterproofing has been installed in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.8.1 of BCA 2010 and AS3740. This is page number 79 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

e. A certificate (including all plans and specifications) from the manufacturer of the timber frames and trusses designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.4.3 and AS1684.2

f. A certificate from the installer that the termite risk management has been designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.1.3 of BCA 2010 and AS3660.1

In addition, a durable notice must be installed in accordance with 3.1.3.2(b) of the BCA 2010.

g. A completed drainage diagram for all installed sanitary drainage. The drainage diagram must be completed in a form that is suitable to Council.

h. Proof of application and payment for a Rural Addressing Number

Note: Failure to supply any of the above certifications or documents may result in the refusal of Council to issue an Occupation Certificate.

PART E – POST OCCUPATION

1 SUBDIVISION

There were no relevant conditions for this section.

2 DOG BREEDING FACILITY

2.1 Environmental Management, Monitoring, Auditing and Report.

i Annual Reporting

The Applicant/Owner shall submit an Annual Environmental Management Report to the Council and the relevant agencies. This report must:

a) Identify the standards and performance measures that apply to the development; b) Include a detailed summary of the complaints received during the past year, and over time compare this to the complaints received in previous years since the development commenced; This is page number 80 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

c) Include a detailed summary of the monitoring results on the development during the past year; d) Include a detailed analysis of these monitoring results against the relevant: • Impact assessment criteria; • Monitoring results from previous years; and • Predictions in the SEE e) Identify any trends in the performance of the development shown by monitoring over the life of the development; e) Identify any non-compliance during the previous year; and f) Describe what actions were, or are being taken to ensure compliance.

ii Complaints Procedure

Throughout the life of the development, the Applicant/Owner shall ensure that the following contacts are available for community complaints; a) A telephone number on which complaints about the development may be registered; b) A postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and c) An email address to which electronic complaints may be transmitted.

The telephone number, the postal address and the email address shall be advertised in at least one appropriate local newspaper prior to the commencement of work at the development site. These details shall also be provided on the Applicant/Owner’s internet site.

iii Complaints Register

The Applicant/Owner shall record details of all complaints received in a Complaints Register. The Register shall record, but not necessarily be limited to: a) The date and time, where relevant of the complaint; b) The means by which the complaint was made (telephone, mail or email); c) Any personal details of the complainant that were provided, or if no details were provided, a note to that effect; d) The nature of the complaint e) Any action(s) taken by the Applicant/Owner in relation to the complaint, including any follow-up contact with the complainant; and f) If no action was taken by the Applicant/Owner in relation This is page number 81 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

to the complaint, the reason(s) for no action being taken; and g) A sign shall be erected at the site boundary giving contact details.

The Complains Register shall be made available for inspection by the Council or the Environmental Services Manager upon request. The Applicant/Owner shall also make summaries of the Register, without details of the complainants, available for public inspection.

3 TRANSPORTABLE STRUCTURES

There were no relevant conditions for this section.

PART F - OTHER APPROVALS

1 List of other approval given with this consent

• Install a manufactured home, dwelling or associated structure on the land • Carry out sewerage work

2 Installation of Onsite Sewerage Management System

2.1 This consent relates to drawings submitted to Council with Section 68 Application Number 9/2015, being proposed installation of a septic tank with an absorption trench and the placement of a manufactured dwelling on Lot: 8 DP: 1069060, 4059 Elcombe Road BINGARA.

2.2 It is a condition of the approval that the activity, and any building or work associated or carried out in connection with the activity, complies with any applicable standards established by the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993, the Local Government Water Services Regulation, 1999, or by The Local Government Act, 1993.

2.3 a) All sanitary plumbing and drainage work is done in accordance with the requirements of the local sewerage authority or the Local Government Water Services Regulation,1999 and the NSW Code of Practice Plumbing & Drainage and AS 3500 - National Plumbing and Drainage Code. No alterations or additions are permitted without the express approval of Council.

b) Inspection and certification of water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage work

This is page number 82 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

i) a person must not put into use a soil, waste or house drain pipe, or cover up or conceal from view an underground or enclosed water supply, sewerage or stormwater drainage work or put into use such a work, until the work has been inspected and certified by the Council or a suitably qualified person determined by the Council, as having been constructed in accordance with the Act and this Regulation, ii) any such inspection and certification must be carried out in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Code of Practice and the requirements of the Council, iii) a person undertaking the construction of a water supply, sewerage or stormwater drainage work must provide every reasonable facility and all necessary information to enable inspection of the work for the purposes of paragraph (i), iv) in particular, such a person must, if required to do so by a person carrying out an inspection for the purposes of paragraph (i), produce the plan (if any) of the work for that person to look at, v) a person carrying out water, sewerage or stormwater drainage work must immediately rectify to the satisfaction of the Council any defect revealed by an inspection under paragraph (i).

c) Defective water supply, sewerage or stormwater drainage work to be rectified

i) That a licensed contractor who carries out the activity approved must, if ordered to do so by the council, rectify any defect in the work that is due to faulty workmanship or defective material, but only if the Council notifies the contractor of the defect after the date of issue by the contractor or a certificate to the effect that the work has been carried out as required by the Act and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. ii) A licensed contractor so notified must bear the cost of rectifying the defect.

d) Diagrams of sewerage or stormwater drainage work

The person who carries out the activity must provide to the Council a diagram of any drains installed in accordance with the approval.

Such a diagram must show:

This is page number 83 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

i) the level of the drains in relation to the sewer main junction and the finished ground level, and ii) the distances from the drains to the nearest boundaries of, and buildings on the premises.

2.4 The septic tank is located not less than 1.5 m from any building and access for desludging is adequate.

2.5 The minimum capacity of the septic tank shall be 3000 litres.

2.6 The soil absorption system is constructed parallel with the contour of the land.

2.7 The septic tank and the land application area must be protected from possible vehicle damage. This work must be done to the satisfaction of Council.

2.8 All stormwater and seepage from higher levels is diverted from the land application area by a contour bank/diversion drain.

2.9 The site has been inspected and Council considers that effluent and sullage can be satisfactorily managed on the site without nuisance or likely danger to health. The minimum waste disposal area shall be sized from the table.

Type of Disposal and Size*

Absorption Trench

Option (width x depth ) mm Length (metres)**

Option 1 - 600 x 600 38

Option 2 - 900 x 600 29

Option 3 - 1200 x 600 24

Option 4 - 1500 x 600 20 * Subject to a sandy loam soil being present to a minimum depth of 1 metre. ** Note AAA rated devices must also be used.

Note: It is important that water efficient devices be installed to all fixtures/fittings to help minimise water usage.

2.10 The prepared land application area must be graded to a minimum of 1% cross fall on completion, and provided with turf or grass before the premises are occupied.

This is page number 84 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

2.11 No water supply or any source of water supply used for drinking or domestic purposes or for stock is likely to be polluted or rendered unwholesome by the land application of effluent from the proposed septic tank.

2.12 The land application area is sited so as not to contaminate the natural watercourse that traverses the property.

2.13 Buffer Distances for On-site Sewerage Management Systems

System Buffer Distances

All land • 100 metres to permanent surface water (eg. River, application streams, lakes etc) systems • 250 metres to domestic groundwater well • 40 metres to other waters (eg. Farm dams, intermittent water ways and drainage channels, etc Surface spray • 6 metres in area up-gradient and 3 metres if area irrigation down-gradient of driveways and property boundaries • 15 metres to dwellings • 3 metres to paths and walkways • 6 metres to swimming pools Surface drip • 6 metres if area up-gradient and 3 metres if area down- and trickle gradient of swimming pools, property boundaries, irrigation driveways and buildings Sub-surface • 6 metres if area up-gradient and 3 metres if area down- irrigation gradient of swimming pools, property boundaries, driveways and buildings Absorption • 12 metres if area up-gradient and 6 metres if area system down-gradient of property boundary • 6 metres if area up-gradient and 3 metres if are down- gradient of swimming pools, driveways and buildings

2.14 Inspections:

Inspections shall be carried out at the following stages of installation of the plumbing, drainage and on-site sewage management system:-

Stage Work

a. Underfloor drainage. Before covering

b. Plumbing ruffin (under Before covering. pressure test)

c. Gas ruffin. Before covering.

d. External drainage Before covering and backfilling

This is page number 85 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

e. Installation of septic tank. Before backfilling

f. Waste Disposal area Before covering

g. Completion Before commissioning of the storage hot water heater

h. Completion Before commissioning of the gas system and storage cylinder/s.

i. Completion In the case of new dwelling; before occupation of the dwelling.

3. Operation of Onsite Sewerage Management System

3.1 The system of sewage management must be operated to achieve the following performance standards in accordance with Clause 47 of the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999:

a) the prevention of the spread of disease by micro-organisms, b) the prevention of the spread of foul odours, c) the prevention of contamination of water, d) the prevention of degradation of soil and vegetation, e) the discouragement of insects and vermin, f) ensuring that persons do not come into contact with untreated sewage or effluent (whether treated or not) in their ordinary activities on the premises concerned, g) the minimisation of any adverse impacts on the amenity of the premises and surrounding lands, h) if appropriate, provision for the re-use of resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water).

3.2 The system of sewage management must be properly maintained (clause 48(2) Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999.

3.3 The system of sewage management must be operated in accordance with the relevant operating specifications and procedures for the component facilities, and so as to allow removal of treated sewage in a safe and sanitary manner (clause 47(3) Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999).

3.4 The system of sewage management must not cause sewage or treated effluent to be discharged into any watercourse or onto any land other than its related effluent application area (clause 48(4) Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999).

3.5 If the system of sewage management includes any components that are the subject of a certificate of accreditation issued by NSW Health

This is page number 86 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

then any relevant conditions of accreditation must be complied with (clause 48(4) Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999).

3.6 The person responsible for the operation of the system of sewage management must provide details of operation and evidence of compliance with conditions of the approval whenever Council reasonably requires the person to do so (clause 48(5) Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999).

3.7 Compliance Inspections

It is a condition of approval that Council may carry out inspections of any premises, facilities or records related to the operation of a system of sewage management which is the subject of this approval in order to assess compliance with this approval. Council may carry out up to two compliance inspections per year for each separate system of sewage management which is operated in relation to this approval. Council may carry out follow up inspections in relation to any matter requiring rectification about which the person responsible has been notified. The fee for each such inspection is the approved fee determined in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. The approved fee is the amount specified in Council’s Management Plan for the period in which the compliance inspection is carried out unless another amount is specified in regulations or determined by the Director General, Department of Local Government.

Note: In addition to compliance inspections in relation to the approval Council may carry out general inspections of any premises in accordance with s191-201 of the Act. If as a result of a general inspection Council requires that rectification work must be carried out, Council may recover the costs of entry and inspection from the owner or occupier of the premises. If no remedial action is required no fee is charged for general inspections of non- commercial premises. 4 Reasons for conditions – septic only

The above conditions have been imposed:-

(a) to ensure that there is no impact on the surrounding environment; (b) to ensure compliance with the terms of the Local Government Act, 1993, Local Government (Approvals) Regulations 2005 and the Environmental Planning Instrument and/or Development Control Plan;.and This is page number 87 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART G – GENERAL REASONS FOR CONDITIONS

The above conditions have been imposed:-

(a) to ensure compliance with the terms of the Environmental Planning Instrument and/or Development Control Plan;

(b) having regard to Council's duties of consideration under Section 79C(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended) as well as Section 80A of the Act which authorises the imposing of consent conditions.

(d) prevent, minimise, and/or offset adverse environmental impacts;

(e) set standards and performance measures for acceptable environmental performance;

(f) require regular monitoring and reporting;

(g) to protect the structure from bushfire and comply with Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006.

(h) provide for the on-going environmental management of the development;

(i) having regard to the circumstances of the case and the public interest; and

(j) to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia and referenced standards.

This is page number 88 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 4 Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 1. A healthy and cohesive community

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.1.3 Build on our sense of community - OCD - external

AUTHOR Organisation Development Director

DATE 11/3/2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: The monthly Organisation and Community Development report details the activities carried out by the Department during the month of October 2015.

BACKGROUND: The monthly Organisation and Community Development report forms part of a regular reporting regime. The purpose of the report is to inform Council of the activities carried out monthly within the Department.

ISSUES AND COMMENT:

1 Incident Reporting 1.1 Incidents reported to the end of October 2015 There have been 37 incidents to date this financial year: • 7 incidents occurred in October • 3 in Warialda, 2 in Bingara, 1 in North Star and 1 in Inverell • 5 incidents were internal and two external

This is page number 89 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Council’s Incident/Accident report form defines the injury/accident into five categories:

The nature of incidents reported has been broken down into 11 categories:

This is page number 90 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

2 GLR Automotive Trade Training Centre 2.1 Heavy Vehicle Training Recent changes to the Standard Operational Procedures associated with Heavy Vehicle Training and Assessment have forced additional requirements onto all trainers, business owners and Registered Training Organisations. One challenge is being able to supply a second assessor to comply with these changes. An additional Council employee has commenced training for this purpose. GLR RTO has received a “high risk variation” from the Roads and Maritime Services enabling assessments to continue “as is” in the short term. One condition to that provision requires a separate qualified trainer to view and critique the video recording of each driver assessment. A short term arrangement has been established with the Inverell heavy vehicle driver/ trainer operator to view GLR Final Competency Assessment (FCA) videos. He has viewed two FCA videos and deemed each as competent. The owner operator is not presently available having temporarily closed his business during harvest. Two other independent assessors have agreed to assist with the viewing of video footage of the Final Competency Assessment. Three (3) clients have undertaken training in October and gained their HR licence. One was a staff member, two were private clients. With the review of pricing structure, GLR RTO is now competitive. 2.2 Driver training - car Car driver training is proving to be a valuable service to the Gwydir community who would otherwise need to travel to larger centres for this service. Two regular students have successfully passed their driving tests in October. 2.3 Welding Welding classes are currently on hold due to the harvest season.

This is page number 91 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 2.4 GLR Automotive Trade Training Centre The GLR Automotive Trade Training Centre in Warialda will now be the base for controlling all of Gwydir Shire Council’s “Test and Tag” safety testing equipment. Test and Tag is the common term used to describe the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Any outsourced testing will be completed internally by competent trained staff.

3 Events, Tourism and Marketing 3.1 Warialda Honey Festival The Warialda Special Events Committee is happy to report a very successful Honey Festival on 10 October. This was the first year this committee has organised the festival taking over from Debbie and Natasha Ford who have been the organisers of the festival since its inception. There were a few changes to the format this year with the introduction of ‘Honey I Got Talent’ talent search, a photographic exhibition and a rose show. This year the festival was brought forward to early October to avoid the heat in November. The feedback received was positive and while there will be some small modifications next year, overall it was a great festival. 3.2 Visitor Information Centres August September October

Opening hrs Opening hrs Opening hrs

W = B = W = B = W = B = 198 174.8 195 175 205 175 Volunteer hrs Volunteer hrs Volunteer hrs

W = B = W = B = W = B = 43.5 38.3 30 32 40 32

Visitation to VICs August September October Warialda (V=Visitors, C = C = V= 501 C= 392 V= 78 V= 21 C =366 Café) 390 Bingara 628 590 687

3.3 Cranky Rock Cranky Rock Sites Aug Sept Oct Powered sites 21 21 26 Unpowered sites 25 25 20 Camping sites 1 1 0 Total 47 47 46

This is page number 92 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 3.4 Websites

This is page number 93 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

4 Commonwealth Home Support Program

GSC CHSP Report 2015/3 (July - Sept) BINGARA DELUNGRA WARIALDA MDS Submitted figures CHSP CHSP CHSP DAY CENTRE Clients 23 21 42 Meals 609 (combined figure, Day Centre 134 522 and Food Services) Hours 393 475 1174 SOCIAL SUPPORT Clients 71 17 40 Hours 522 120 604 FOOD SERVICES

(Meals on Wheels) Clients 31 (11 MoW) 7 7 Meals 609 (combined figure, Day Centre 19 90 and Food Services ) TRANSPORT Number of Clients 65 18 36 Number of Trips 472 127 491 NSW Transport TRANSPORT (Youth) Funded Number of Clients 0 N/A N/A Number of Trips 0 N/A N/A VOLUNTEERS No. of Volunteers 31 57 (Wlda & Del) Hours 718 489 (Wlda & Del) ACCOMMODATION UNITS

for AGED Occupancy 6/6 N/A 12/13

The figures in the above table represent the reporting quarter of the Minimum Data Set for July - September, 2015. 2014-2015 Community Transport reports, due by 30 October 2015, have been submitted for Bingara Community Transport. GSC Audited Financial statements will need to follow this report as soon as they become available.

This is page number 94 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 2014-2015 Acquittal and Compliance documents have been completed and submitted to the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. This will be the final report to this department, as it is the last of State funding prior to the changes to the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the split of funding for separate services for Aged Care and Disability services (1 November 2015). Gwydir Council will not be registering as a provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. A new Commonwealth Home Support Grant Agreement has been received from the Department of Social Services for 1 November 2015 to 30 November 2018. With recent government changes, responsibility for ageing and aged care will be moved from Department of Social Services to the Department of Health. Council has received $15,000 from the Department of Social Services as Transition Funding for Service System Development. This funding will allow for our current service management system (Alchemy) to have all the necessary adjustments made within the program to achieve the reporting that will be required from November 2015. Reporting through Data Exchange (DEX) will commence from 1 January 2016.

5 Social Services 5.1 Bingara Neighbourhood Centre Funding body – Family and Community Services There have been 63 points of contact for the Neighbourhood Centre during October. Counselling and advocacy are still the main areas covered by the Centre with six referrals from the ‘Salvos Connect’ line. Broadband for Seniors continues to operate from the Library with good usage for the month.

5.2 Bingara Toy Library Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Bingara Toy Library Aug Sep Oct Toy Library Members (children utilising the 63 53 96 service) Parents 49 36 64 Total membership at Bingara Toy Library 43 44 42 Toys returned 25 17 39 Toys borrowed 24 20 35 Children/Group using toys (members) 14+FDC x 3 10+FDC x 4 21+FDC x 4 Free play 34 children 33 children 59 children 28 adults 20 adults 30 adults

Bingara Toy Library had a typically busy month during October with the following events:

This is page number 95 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council • free First Aid course for seven attendees. Children were supervised for the four hour period of First Aid training. • Baby Wearing group information session with qualified Doula practitioner Meghan Stamer, and using the carriers, a walk down to the river for lunch. Meaghan showed families how to use the carriers and talked about the different types of carriers. Eight children and six parents attended. • Bubz Biz – Alison Johnson and Jennifer Bird from Bingara Central School were guest speakers and informed parents about getting their children ready to attend school. • Debbie Armstrong, Child and Family Health nurse attended to weigh and measure babies. Seven parents and 10 children attended. • Dental Care DVD presentation provided by Hunter New England Local Health coordinator from Tamworth. Families learnt correct tooth care. This kit will remain in the Shire and be used in both the Warialda and Bingara Toy Libraries to help keep parents informed. Four children and four adults were in attendance. • Toy Library and Preschool Children’s’ Week Celebration at the Preschool with the Rural Fire Service presenting a display on fire safety. Nine adults and 17 children attended. 5.3 Supported Playgroup Development Worker Funding body – Families NSW Warialda Toy Library Warialda Toy Library Aug Sep Oct

Total daily attendance count, (no# of children having utilised the service, each day over the 209 196 235 month) Full borrowing members (new) 2 0 0 Non borrowing members (new) 3 6 1 Casual borrowing members (new) 5 0 0 Toys returned 10 14 15 Toys borrowed 17 17 9 Groups using the service (FDC carers) 3 3 3 Tuesday group activity morning 52 72 66 Thursday group activity morning 37 27 57 Friday group activity morning 58 35 70

Warialda Toy Library was a busy and exciting service during October, continuing to provide amazing play based and informative opportunities to the families in the community. In total this month Warialda Toy Library welcomed 235 children into the

This is page number 96 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council service and 127 parents/carers. This figure excludes the families’ day celebration that brought a further 76 children and 34 parents/carers together for this special event. • Toddler Tales – the importance of collaboration in joining the Shire’s services to provide an inclusive facility for all attending is an important aspect of the Warialda Toy Library and on 8 October, town library staff joined Toy Library to present a toddler tale story time. This session proved to be greatly valued by the families attending on the day and positive engagement with parents and children was observed. After the formal story time, parents were encouraged to take time reading together with their children. Children spent much time engaged in various stories, enhancing not only their ability to focus, but also being provided with a great opportunity to enrich their vocabulary and speech skills. A pleasing and valuable session for all involved. • Honey Festival – On Saturday 10 October Warialda Toy Library celebrated this annual festival by offering bee face painting, and a cool spot for families to stop for a rest, feed and change nappies. Visitors to the centre were happy to have the service available on the day; it was the perfect ‘pit-stop’ for those with children attending the event. The Toy Library took part in the parade, with 22 children participating as well as many parents, grandparents and carers. • local Speech Pathologist Sandy Scotton offered a great insight into how speech develops and important ways to enhance children's speech. Sandy also talked about the signs to look for when considering whether a child would benefit from early intervention speech therapy. These sessions highlighted that speech pathology in our Shire is a free service and should be utilised as early as possible if parents have concerns about their children’s speech. The day was attended by 28 people. • ‘Your Inspiration at Home’ consultant Angie Pritchard provided a tasting session for the 33 people in attendance. This was a huge success and the Warialda Toy Library has identified the large amount of hobby/interest based services now being provided by stay at home mums within the community, and the importance of networking and valuing what local parents/carers are able to provide to local families. • Supported Playgroup Development worker attended a learning and development conference held in Inverell at the Linking Together Centre. • Roads and Maritime Services representative provided an informative session on car/child restraint safety. This is often a topic of debate and it was valuable to have an informed and educated view made available to the parents within the Shire. • Music and Movement session. Dance is a powerful ally for developing many of the attributes of a growing child. Dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. • Children’s’ Week - 76 children and 34 parents/carers gathered at the Warialda Toy Library to celebrate Children’s week promoting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Participants enjoyed a BBQ lunch and face painting and were provided with a story time and an open Ambulance presentation where This is page number 97 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council children eagerly took turns in browsing through the Ambulance van.

5.4 Gwydir Playgroups Attendance:

Particulars New Families Attendance Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Warialda 4 6 2 62 62 42

Gravesend 0 1 2 20 21 19

Bingara 5 0 1 51 27 33

5.5 Bingara Preschool Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities Parents of Bingara Preschool conducted a working bee the day before Term 4 commenced. The parents transformed a cold hard concrete area into a sensory haven with warmth and tranquility and also made time to give other areas of the yard a facelift. The Bingara Preschool and Toy Library members were very excited to welcome the dynamic Costa Georgiadis, presenter of ABC’s ‘Gardening Australia’, who recently spent time with them in the garden, passing on his love of horticulture and healthy eating. Later in the month the children were visited by Matthew Middleton of BeeZotted, who extracted the honey from the Preschool’s native beehive and spoke about keeping native bees and their importance in the production of food.

This is page number 98 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

During October Bingara Preschool and families from Bingara Toy Library were treated to Snow White and The Seven Cool Dudes at The Roxy. The week of 13 October was Nude Food Week and children were encourage to bring along food with less packaging, less preservatives and less colouring. Healthy alternatives were made and eaten by the children. Also during October the sunflowers that the Preschool children planted and potted were entered into the Bingara Flower Show. Katie Coss won a prize for the ‘wackiest’ sunflower.

5.6 Tharawonga October has been a busy, interesting and entertaining month for the children and educators of Tharawonga. The term began with an excursion to Bingara. While there the children enjoyed a short play and early lunch at Bingara Preschool and afterwards attended the Snow White and Seven Cool Dudes performance at the Roxy theatre. As always this company produced an energetic and captivating performance. The second week of October was very exciting for the children of Yetman (and educators) as they were invited to explore the teepee that stands tall on a house block adjacent to the Yetman venue. There was a fire pit in the centre of the teepee and mats spread around for guests to sit on. The group sang songs, shared stories and listened as they were told the story about the teepee. During Children’s Week Tharawonga children travelled to Warialda and joined the Warialda Playgroup/Toy Library, Warialda Preschool and Gravesend Playgroup for Children’s Week celebrations.

6 Naroo Aged Care Facility 6.1 October 2015 The current occupancy for Naroo is 35 residents (out of a possible 36).

Warialda Sunday Quilters group recently donated a painting by local artist Melissa Simmonds. This painting has pride of place in the Dining Room.

This is page number 99 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

6.2 Naroo Bond Report

October, 2015

Collected Bond/RADs (Lump Sum Holdings) as at $1,064,889.49 30/10/15

Bonds to be refunded $0

Current number of bond/RAD paying residents 10

7 Governance 7.1 Customer Service Requests

Number of Current Requests Outstanding Notations/ Open (received by Council Requests Comments Requests as between 01.10.2015 at 31 October and 31.10.2015) Technical 10 8 2 Services Water & 0 0 0 Sewerage Executive 0 0 0

Organisation & 1 1 0 Nil Community Dev Corporate 0 0 0 Services Development & 32 22 10 Env Services

Total 43 31 12

7.2 Requests for Council information by Statutory Authorities Nil

This is page number 100 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 7.3 Application/s made to Council under the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act, 2009 Nil 7.4 Policy Reviews Nil 7.5 Declarations of Interest by Councillors at the September Council Meeting Nil 7.6 Declarations of Gifts by Councillors/Staff and Council Volunteers Nil

8 Financial Attachment 1 - Organisation and Community Development September 2015 financial summary.

CONCLUSION: The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Management Plan and otherwise as directed.

CONSULTATION: Consultation has occurred within the Organisation and Community Development Directorate.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Policy implications are those relating to the 2015/2016 Operational Plan and the Policies of Gwydir Shire Council.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Including Asset Management): The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Operational Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environment): The activities undertaken by the Organisation and Community Development Department regarding social and environmental factors are targeted in line with the 2015/2016 Operational Plan.

This is page number 101 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report be received

ATTACHMENTS AT- Finance Report

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report be received

(Moved Cr Pankhurst, seconded Cr Smith)

This is page number 102 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Finance Report Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report.DOC

This is page number 103 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

This is page number 104 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 5 Monthly Development and Environmental Services Report including Development Approvals

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR Director Development and Environmental Services

DATE 5 November 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION/PURPOSE:

A Report by the Director Development and Environmental Services on the activities of the Department including Development Applications, Construction and Complying Development Certificates issued by Council for the month of October 2015.

TABLED ITEMS:

1. DEVELOPMENT

The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of planning and building matters including

• Subdivision • Dwelling entitlements • Minor structure construction e.g. sheds • Commercial opportunities & construction • Basix (Building Sustainability Index) • Bushfire requirements • Building construction standards and requirements • Stormwater • Licensing and Owner Builder requirements • Fees and charges • Planning Certificates

This is page number 105 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications have been approved for the month.

No. Property Development/ $ D/A C/C CDC Description Work 27/2015 Lot 2 DP 1140027 & Lot 2 2 Lot Rural Subdivision $1,000  - - DP 874008 1842 Oregon Road Warialda 28/2015 Lot 591DP 1011686 2 Lot Rural Subdivision $1,000  - - 68 Upper Bingara Road Cobbadah 6/2015 Lot 9 Section 4 DP 758471 Garage with attached $9,500 - -  18 Warialda Street Carport Gravesend 7/2015 Lot 1 DP 213496 Carport $3,000 - -  51 Geddes Street Warialda

There were no Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) or Construction Certificate (C/C) applications were approved, but not previously reported to Council for the month.

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications remain outstanding for the month.

D/A, C/C Property Reason D/A C/C CDC & CDC Description & Description of Work 11/2015 556 Onus Road Copeton Report to Council  - - - Continued Operation of dog breeding facility, continued use of dwellings & 2 Lot Rural Subdivision 25/2015 288 Cranky Rock Road Warialda Request for Additional  - - - Convert a Shed to a Dwelling Information 26/2015 831 Wearnes Road Bundarra Current   - - Continued Use of Dwelling & Alterations to Roof Structure 29/2015 79 High Street Warialda Current  - - - Covered Deck

There were no Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications were refused(R)/ withdrawn (W) in the month.

There were no Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications were approved by a Private Certifier and then lodged with Council in the month.

There were no Development (D/A) and Complying Development (CDC) applications determined where there has been a variation in standards under SEPP 1 for the month.

The following Development Certificates have been issued for this month which has been compared to the previous 8 months.

This is page number 106 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

The following Conveyancing Certificates have been issued for the month which has been compared to the previous 8 months.

This is page number 107 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The following shows the number of Conveyancing Certificates issued up to this month compared with the same period in 2014.

The table below shows a comparison between Applications lodged for the month compared to the last two years (excluding Private Certifier lodged applications).

This is page number 108 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council The table below shows a comparison between the values of Applications lodged for the month compared to the last two years (excluding Private Certifier lodged applications).

Development Applications Received by Type (Includes Private Certifier lodged applications)

This is page number 109 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Development Applications Received by Locality (Includes Private Certifier lodged applications)

This is page number 110 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Development Applications – 9 Months

Construction Certificates – 8 Months (Excludes Private Certifier lodged and approved applications)

Complying Development Applications – 8 Months (Excludes Private Certifier lodged and approved applications)

This is page number 111 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 1.1 CRM – Planning and Development

Planning and Development have no current or outstanding CRM’s for the month.

2. Illegal Activity

ACTION TAKEN Inspected Notice Application/ Penalty Legal Refer ACTIVITY No Sent Certificate Notice Action to Lodged Council Development Building/Plumbing/ Drainage Health 5 5 5 Environment

2.1 CRM - Illegal Activity

Illegal Activity has no current or outstanding CRM’s for the month.

3. HEALTH

The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of health matters including

• Design and installation of On-site sewerage management systems • Overgrown properties • Food premises design and fit-out • Food handling practices • Mobile Food Vendors • Licensing • Water Carting • Plumbing and Drainage - design and installation

3.1 Water Surveillance

The Department continues to carry out routine weekly microbiological sampling of the water supply in the Villages of Warialda and Bingara, fortnightly sampling of Gravesend and monthly sampling at North Star.

This is page number 112 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

3.2 Health Related Inspections

3.3 Swimming Pool Inspections

The Department continues to carry out Swimming Pool Compliance Inspections.

3.4 Cemeteries

Both Warialda & Bingara Cemeteries continued to be maintained.

Complaints have be received from the public regarding vehicular damage to a number of graves in the Warialda Lawn Cemetery. Council staff have carried out work to top dress and remediate the damaged areas

3.5 Food Premise Inspections/Re-inspections

Inspections of all the food premises within the Gwydir Shire were completed during the month.

This is page number 113 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

3.6 CRM – Health Other

Older Current Actioned Unactioned 5 8 10 3

3.7 Compliance and Regulatory Control

Council received complaints regarding roaming stock and dogs, noise, the keeping of animals and other complaints during the month. These are investigated and actioned as necessary and are detailed in the following table including year to date and actioned totals.

Warialda pound was broke into and a dog stolen on the 19 October 2015. This incident was referred to the Warialda Police for investigation, but there was not enough evidence to take further action.

Council has available 4 cat and 2 dog cage traps for use by residents who are experiencing problems with stray feral and companion animals. Traps are normally kept by residents for a period of 4-7 days at a time.

This is page number 114 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council During this period the cages have been utilised by residents on the following number of occasions:

Cat Trap Dog Trap 0 0 3.7.1 CRM - Animals

Older Current Actioned Unactioned 14 8 11 11

4. ENVIRONMENTAL

The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of environmental matters including;

• Air & Water Pollution • Noise Pollution • Littering • Legislation

The following table shows the number of certificates issued in the month compared to the preceding 8 months

4.1 Waste Services

4.1.1 Waste Collection

Warialda

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

Bingara

This is page number 115 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

Gravesend

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

North Star

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

Warialda Rail

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

Croppa Creek

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.

RMS Rest Area Bins

Scheduled collections were carried out during the month. There were no issues reported.

4.1.2 Recycling

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents/complaints for this period.

Council continues to make available compost bins, aerators & worm farms for purchase by the members of the community.

4.1.3 All Waste Recovery Centres & Landfills Maintenance

All Waste Recovery Centres in the Shire continue to be supervised/monitored and maintained. Staff continue to make changes to the site layout and signage to improve onsite operation and access for residents unloading waste and recyclable materials.

4.1.4 Green Waste

Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during the month. There were no incidents/complaints for this period.

This is page number 116 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council There was no in house chipping for the month.

Council is continuing to supply mulch from chipped green waste to residents.

4.1.5 Recycled Steel

Steel continues to be stockpiled for collection at the Bingara and Warialda Waste Recovery Centre.

4.2 Waste Contract Tipping for October

4.3 Training

Staff completed First Aid Training during the month and the Environment & Sustainability Manager competed a Management Diploma & First Aid Training during the same period.

4.4 CRM – Waste

Older Current Actioned Unactioned 3 3 3 3

5. NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL

Property Inspection Program

Staff continue to assist Farmers and the Community with:

• Funding advice This is page number 117 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

• Noxious weeds advice • Property Inspections • Spraying of Noxious Weeds

The following Noxious Weeds Certificates have been issued for the month compared with the previous 8 months.

The following shows the Noxious Weeds Inspections for the month compared with the previous 6 months.

5.1 Noxious Weeds Control Works for the month This is page number 118 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

High Area - Road - Council Road/Property Locality Weed Code Risk Ha km Roads Roads Gwydir Highway Warialda Mimosa Bush 115.94 57.97 1 Blue Heliotrope Tiger Pear Bingara Showground Bingara Honey Locust 2 1 1 Tiger Pear Hemlock St Johns Wort MP Mimosa Bush Paterson’s Curse African Boxthorn Bingara River Common Bingara Honey Locust 5 2.5 1 Tiger Pear Hemlock St John’s Wort Maynes Pest Mimosa Bush Paterson’s Curse African Boxthorn Cobbadah Rd Bingara Sweet Briar 177.44 88.72 1 All Nations Hill Bingara St Johns Wort 2 1 1 Living Classroom Bingara St Johns Wort 2 1 1 Delungra Rd Bingara Sweet Briar 40.5 20.25 1 Gwydir Highway Warialda Paterson’s Curse 115.94 57.97 1 Blue Heliotrope Cobbadah Rd Bingara St John’s Wort 177.44 88.72 1 Bingara Common Bingara St John’s Wort 5 2.5 1 Cobbadah Rd Bingara St John’s Wort 177.44 88.72 1 Cobbadah Rd Bingara St John’s Wort 177.44 88.72 1 Horton Rd Upper Horton St John’s Wort 71.78 35.89 1 Bingara Common Bingara St John’s Wort 5 2.5 1

5.2 Noxious Weeds - Properties Inspected during the month

Areas Inspected No. Ha Rd km Weeds Present African Boxthorn, Mimosa Bush, Mother of Millions Private Property High Risk areas 4 3842.63 - & Tree Pear Private Property High Risk 3 1160.83 - Green Cestrum Reinspection Roadside Inspections High Risk 1 70 35 Blue Heliotrope, Mimosa Bush & Tree Pear Pathways Waterways High Risk Pathways 3 1160.83 - Green Cestrum Harissia Cactus, Mimosa Bush, Mother of Millions & Private Property 5 3952.47 - Tree Pear Private Property Reinspections - - - - Private Property Waterways - - - - Roadside Inspections - - - - Other Council Lands 1 1 - Inspected But No Weeds Found Nurseries - - - - Rural Outlets - - - - ARTC - - - - Other Weekend Markets - - - -

This is page number 119 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Dept of Lands 2 10 - Green Cestrum National Parks/ Nature Reserves - - - - LLS Reserves 9 21 - St Johns Wort & Tree Pear Gravel Quarries - - - - Machinery Dealers - - - - Grain Handling Sites - - - - Recreational Areas - - - - Saleyards - - - - Machinery wash down bays - - - - Truck Stops 1 1 - Tree Pear Other - - - -

5.3 CRM – Weeds

The Noxious Weeds section has no current or outstanding CRM’s for the month.

6. RIVERSIDE CAMPING

Council’s Compliance Officer carries out weekly checks along the river to ensure that camping is being conducted in a safe and hygienic manner. The number of campers are detailed in the following graph.

Note: Very few numbers were recorded over the Christmas period due to staff being on leave

7. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

The Department continues to receive requests to carry out minor maintenance and are generally dealt with in a timely manner. Otherwise the works are

This is page number 120 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council scheduled into maintenance staff building activities including new works for attention. The current and proposed works for this financial year are detailed in the attached Gantt chart.

7.1 Projects Worked on in October 2015

Staff worked on the following projects we during the month:

• Warialda Pool – Installation of chlorine fill point and emergency shower • Bingara Showground – Installation of kitchen • Cunningham Park – Erection of awning, R&M and drainage improvements • Holden Street Aged Units – Refurbishment of Units 1&3 • Naroo Maintenance • Warialda Memorial Hall – R&M • Roxy Complex – Painting of awning and building façade

7.2 Training

Staff have undergone training in ‘working near overhead powerlines’ and ‘working at heights’ during the month.

7.3 Holden Street Aged Units – Renovation of Units 1&3

This project was initially scheduled for our Plunkett Street aged units, however vacancies in the Holden Street aged units meant the project was transferred to the Holden Street units. The work undertaken included renovation of the bathrooms, installation of new kitchens, internal painting, floor coverings and blinds. Both units have come up very nicely and Unit 1 has already welcomed a new tenant, and Unit 3 is to be occupied in early November. The units provide a valuable source of housing for elderly or needy residents in our communities.

Unit 3 Holden Street kitchen

This is page number 121 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council 7.4 Queen Street Community House – Bathroom renovation

The three low income community houses in Warialda were built in 1992 at a cost of $60,000 each. Since 1992 each house has had a number of different tenants and we have continued to maintain and upgrade the houses to an acceptable standard. The original bathroom in the Queen Street community house had begun to leak into an adjoining room so it was decided to renovate the bathroom. This work was done using Council staff with the exception of the electrical work and it has come up very well and should now continue to serve the tenants for years to come.

7.5 Cranky Rock Caretakers Residence – Bathroom renovation

The waterproofing in the Cranky Rock caretakers residence bathroom had failed affecting the integrity of the structural flooring. For obvious safety and amenity reasons, it was decided to carry out a complete renovation of the bathroom. This work was undertaken by our staff with the exception of the electrical work and now looks as good as new.

7.6 Cunningham Park Public Amenities – Erection of awning & maintenance

The Cunningham Park public amenities receive a lot of use both by people using the park and from “grey nomads” going or returning from camping along the Gwydir River. We have added an awning to provide additional protection and to assist with rain which was entering the amenities. We are also carrying out some general maintenance and improving the surface drainage around the site.

Cunningham Park Amenities

7.7 CRM – Building

Older Current Actioned Unactioned 2 15 13 4

This is page number 122 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

7.8 Community Buildings

See attached Gantt chart

8. PARKS AND URBAN SPACES

8.1 Parks & Playgrounds

The parks and playgrounds continue to be maintained and inspection carried out to insure that the equipment and soft fall areas are maintained to current standards. The first loads of soft fall have arrived and staff have begun placing the material around play equipment.

8.2 Gardens

Council’s gardens continue to be maintained.

8.3 Sports Grounds

Council’s sports grounds continue to be maintained.

8.4 Town Street

Council’s town streets continue to be maintained.

8.5 Public Place Bins

Council’s public place bins continue to be emptied as needed and maintenance carried out as needed.

8.6 Training

Staff have undergone training in First Aid Training, ‘working near overhead powerlines’ and ‘working at heights’ during the month.

8.7 The Living Classroom

The grounds and gardens continue to be maintained.

8.7.1 Costa Visit

Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis shared his wealth of knowledge when he visited the Living Classroom earlier in the month. He was hosted by Northern Slopes Landcare and the North West Local Land Services, as part of the Biolinks project.

This is page number 123 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Lunch was held at the Living Classroom before a meet and greet with locals and a walk through The Aussie Farm Dam Makeover project and the planting of a native gum tree.

Costa attended a Dinner at the Roxy Theatre that night and gave a key note speech on biodiversity, gardening and the importance of community which inspired the room.

This is page number 124 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Costa was excited and amazed by the Living Classroom concept and the vision of Council, the community and Vision 20/20. He said “I am seeing things here that I have not seen in any of my travels around the country and overseas, and I now know were I can send people to see a chinappa”

“There are really opportunities for farmers and agricultural institutions to trial things without fear and financial risk. Even failure is a succes, as we can learn from the experience”

8.8 CRM – Parks & Gardens

Older Current Actioned Unactioned 10 12 14 8

9. RECREATION AND MEDICAL

9.1 Bingara Fitness Centre

A second donation of $3000 from the Bingara Basketball Association was received this month. The total of $5000 greatly boasts the fund raising efforts of the community group.

The Fundraising Committee conducted its final fund raising event for 2015 on October 24. Barefoot bowls and golf competitions were well supported and created great camaraderie leading into the camp oven dinner in the evening. Bingara Sporting Club committee members provided tremendous support for the event which also included a successful auction. The committee has received generous donations from Bingara residents and combined with funds raised through the games, raffles, auction, dinner and bar sales a total of $7000.00 was achieved.

This is page number 125 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council We now have sufficient funds to complete the fit out of the Bingara Fitness Centre. Delivery will continue to be a challenge but there is sufficient equipment to open the doors on Monday 9th November.

9.2 Pools

9.2.1 Warialda

Pool upgrades have involved rebuilding the chlorine pump station and installation of a chemical safety shower, to ensure it complies with WHS requirements. We have also purchased additional safety signage, backstroke flags and improved the electrical safety in the kitchen.

9.2.2 Bingara

Considerable effort has gone into repairing the pool sump, replacing the asbestos roof on the pump shed, building a security fence around the external chemical storage area, replacing the chemical safety shower and purchasing additional safety signage. Further, following the fire in the kiosk kitchen last season, we have also refurbished the kitchen and improved the electrical safety in the kiosk area.

9.3 Medical Centres

RaRms are facing the challenge of securing a permanent replacement for Dr. Fisher who has served the community with great dedication for many years. Both residents, in Bingara and Warialda, rented to Medical Registrars are currently empty. We are in negotiation with RaRms to determine ongoing requirements.

A review of rental charges for both medical centers is scheduled for November.

10. Departmental Financial Summary

The financial performance of the Department up to the end of the month is shown in the following spreadsheets which have been broken into income and expenses from the General and Waste funds.

Development and Environmental Services

Revenues are currently in line with YTD budgets. Grants operational is currently behind, but this due grant not being received as yet and budget profiles is not reflecting the current situation. Grants capital is above year to date budget due payment of outstanding s94 contributions.

Operational expenses are generally in line with expected YTD results.

This is page number 126 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council It appears depreciation and overhead distributions has not been run yet this financial year. There may be some further impacts from annual statements as these have yet to be finalised.

Waste

Income is in line with budget forecast. Contract/or expenses is high year to date due in part to rise in fall in the contract and the receival of invoices from the contractor and budget forecasting input.

Staff again are making adjustments to accounts to better reflect operational activity and timing of income and operational expenses.

It appears depreciation and overhead distributions has not been run yet this financial year. There may be some further impacts from annual statements as these have yet to be finalised.

CONSULTATION: Internal Departmental Staff, Management Team and Other Departments as needed. External General Public, Trades Persons and Contractors, Representatives from Government Departments

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT: Specific Legislation • Local Government Act,1993 • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 • Food Act 2003 • Companion Animals Act 1999 • Commons Management Act 1989 • Noxious Weeds Act 1993 • Swimming Pools Act 1992 • Public Health Act 1991 • Recreation Vehicles Act 1993 • Roads Act 1993 • Impounding Act 1993 • Land Environment Court Act 1999 • Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 • Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 • Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 • Rural Fires Act 1997 Specific detail is provided in the body of the report. Related Legislation • Regulations associated with the above legislation • Crown Lands Act 1989 • Divided Fences Act 1991 Specific detail is provided in the body of the report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

This is page number 127 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Current Policies These matters have no specific policy implications for Council. Operations are in accordance with Council’s adopted Management Plan and current Council Policies. Proposed Policies No proposed policy implications for Council.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Including Asset management): Economic factors Is the proposal These activities and matters are included in Council’s incorporated in the adopted Budget budget? Are there human Carried out as normal duties resources implications? Cost Operations are currently in accordance with Council’s adopted Budget and Management Plan. What are the longer Council must maintain its assets. Works will be term impacts on Council incorporated into asset management strategies which are asset management being developed. strategies? Life cycle costs There will only be ongoing maintenance costs for Council. Cost Recovery Some proposals such Caravan Parks as will provide revenue raising opportunities or return on investment for Council. Shire Assets The replacement of or maintenance on Council owned service and facilities will protect and enhance the value of the Council assets. Key Business Sectors Infrastructure No impact on Council’s sewer, water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: Relationship to These matters have no specific strategic implications for Management Plan Council.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environmental):

These activities and matters are being undertaken in accordance with Council’s objective and Policy to make Council operations sustainable.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Report by the Development and Environmental Services Director on the activities of the Department including Development Applications, Construction and Complying Development Certificates issued by Council for the month be noted.

ATTACHMENTS

This is page number 128 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council AT- Finance Report AT- Business Unit Summaries

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Report by the Development and Environmental Services Director on the activities of the Department including Development Applications, Construction and Complying Development Certificates issued by Council for the month be noted.

(Moved Cr Pankhurst, seconded Cr Doering)

This is page number 129 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Finance Report Monthly Development and Environmental Services Report including Development Approvals.DOC

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Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 2 November 2015 Business Unit Summaries Monthly Development and Environmental Services Report including Development Approvals.DOC

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Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 6 Namoi JO Minutes

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 4. Proactive Regional and Local Leadership

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.2.1 Build strong relationships and shared responsibilities - GM - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 30 October 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

This report recommends the notation of the Namoi Joint Organisation Minutes from the meeting held on 29th October 2015.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Minutes from the Namoi Joint Organisation held on 29th October 2015 are noted.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Namoi Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Minutes from the Namoi Joint Organisation held on 29th October 2015 are noted.

This is page number 152 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Namoi Meeting Minutes Namoi JO Minutes.DOC

MEETING

Held at

Narrabri Shire Council

Thursday 29 October 2015 commencing at 9.30pm MINUTES

PRESENT: Tamworth Regional Council Cr Col Murray, Mayor and Namoi Councils Chairperson, and Paul Bennett, General Manager

Narrabri Shire Council Cr Conrad Bolton, Mayor and Namoi Councils Deputy Chairperson and Stewart Todd, General Manager

Gwydir Shire Council Cr John Coulton, Mayor and Max Eastcott, General Manager

Gunnedah Shire Council Cr Gae Swain, Deputy Mayor, and Eric Groth, General Manager

Moree Plains Shire Council Cr Katrina Humphries, Mayor and Libby Carter, representing the General Manager

Walcha Council Jack O’Hara, General Manager

This is page number 153 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Uralla Shire Council Cr Mick Pearce, Mayor and Simon Paul, Chief Financial Officer

Regional Development Australian Northern Inland Russell Stewart, Chairperson and Ian Lobsey, Board Member

1 REGIONAL GOVERNANCE 1.1 APOLOGIES Apologies were announced as having been received from Janelle Archdale, Mayor, Walcha Council, Cr Andrew Hope, Mayor and Ron Van Katwyk, Acting General Manager, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Damien Connor, General Manager, Uralla Shire Council, Owen Hasler, Mayor, Gunnedah Shire Council, Lester Rodgers, General Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council and Alison McGaffin, Regional Coordinator, Department of Premier & Cabinet,

Declaration of Interest Nil 1.2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Coulton, Gwydir 127/15 RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting of Namoi Councils held on 1 October 2015, copies of which were circulated to all members, be taken as read and confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings of the Meeting. 1.3 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Nil 1.4 OUTSTANDING ACTION LIST 28 MOTION Moved Cr Swain, Gunnedah and seconded Cr Bolton, Narrabri 128/15 RESOLVED That Outstanding Action List 28 be received and noted. 1.5 FINANCE REPORT MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Swain, Gunnedah That the Finance Report for the month of September 2015 be noted and the Executive Officer be requested to ensure that the Namoi JO Bank Account is managed to ensure maximum interest is earned on funds held.

2 REGIONAL ADVOCACY 2.1 ISSUES SUBMITTED BY MEMBER COUNCILS Nil

This is page number 154 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

2.2 REGIONAL MEDIA ISSUES MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree 129/15 RESOLVED That the Chairperson by authorised to issue a Media Release stating that the Namoi Joint Organisation respects the right of member Councils acting in the best interest of their communities to self-determination of their future direction under proposals issued by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) released on 20 October 2015. 2.3 MEDIA RELEASES ISSUED Nil. 2.4 OUTWARD CORRESPONDENCE MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree 130/15 RESOLVED That Outward Correspondence Items 2.4.1 to 2.4.4 be noted 2.5 INWARD CORRESPONDENCE MOTION Moved Cr Coulton, Gwydir and seconded Cr Swain, Gunnedah 131/15 RESOLVED (i) That in respect of Inward Correspondence Item 2.5.1 from Regional Development Australia Northern Inland, a governance group comprising the Namoi JO Chair, Cr Col Murray, Deputy Chair, Cr Conrad Bolton, Eric Groth, Chair of GMAC and Paul Bennett as Project Sponsor be established and authorised to develop a Namoi Investment Prospectus in partnership with Regional Development Australia Northern Inland and submit monthly reports to the Board in respect of progress;

(ii) That the communication from the Narrabri Ratepayers & Residents Association be noted; and

(iii) That in respect of Inward Correspondence Item 2.5.3 from the Member for New England, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Namoi JO advise the Member of the Top Ten regional infrastructure priorities and provide a summary of other current strategic priorities, projects and issues. 3 3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COLLABORATION 3.1 NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, Regional Coordinator, Alison McGaffin Apology for non attendance received

3.2 PILOT JOINT ORGANISATION UPDATE

This is page number 155 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

MOTION Moved Cr Coulton, Gwydir and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree 132/15 RESOLVED That the Pilot Joint Organisation Update Report be received and noted. 3.3 PREFERRED JOINT ORGANISATION MODEL MOTION Moved Cr Swain, Gunnedah and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree 133/15 RESOLVED That the Namoi Councils adopt the following Preferred Joint Organisation Model incorporating the legal status, core functions, structure, strategic capacity, leadership and accountability to serve the best interests of member Councils and their respective communities and submit the Preferred to Model to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, when requested.

Namoi Councils Preferred Joint Organisation Model Legal Entity and Governing Body Joint Organisation State and Governing Body Federal Member Councils Government (Mayor from each council) Departments and JO Administration Agencies

(Executive Officer)

Working Groups to General Managers Other Working Groups provide professional Advisory Committee to deliver shared advice to Board on (GMAC) services exercise of core functions

JO Governing Body Key Features JO Governance Key Features • Chair • JO enabled through Local Government Act • Council Membership • JO Corporate Body under LG Act • JO Core Functions • Mandated minimum governance standards • JO non-core functions (discretionary) • Equality of Voting • Role of GMs - GMAC • Mayor to represent member Council • Decisions on core functions binding • Meeting attendance fees • Decisions on non-core functions • Member obligations consistent with councillors (shared services) based on “buy-in” of • Suitably skilled/qualified Executive Officer participating member Councils • Not a 4th tier of Government

1. Joint Organisation Legal Entity and Powers

Joint Organisation (JO) enabled wholly under the Local Government Act as bodies corporate providing flexibility for the JO to operate and carry out core functions and regionally defined non-core optional functions either directly, or through other arrangements.

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All statutory requirements including core functions, non-core functions, mandatory council membership requirements, mayor or the mayor’s delegate representing member councils, equality of voting, role of the governing body, decisions binding on member councils in respect of core functions, including governance, reporting and staffing requirements provided for within the Local Government Act framework.

Enable significant strategic projects and initiatives, and associated funding and assets, to be managed regionally by JO as determined and directed by member Councils.

JO functions, legal status and collaborative relationship between State and Local Government embedded in other relevant State Government legislation.

JO as legal entity enabled to employ staff, manage contracts and undertake regulatory functions, as determined and directed by member councils.

JO enabled to serve the best interests of the Region and be directly accountable to member Councils through the JO Governing Body.

JO legislation to embed a direct nexus between the NSW Government

Priorities, other regional plans and Joint Organisation Regional Strategic Plans

JO legitimacy for key partnership role played in regional strategic planning

and prioritisation

2. Joint Organisation Core Functions

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Regional Strategic Planning and Prioritisation Intergovernmental Collaboration and Engagement Regional Leadership and Advocacy.

JO decisions binding on member Councils in respect of the exercise of core functions

JO Charter included in Local Government Act comprising a set of principles to guide member Councils and the JO governing body in the carrying out of the core functions and non-core functions of the JO, similar to the current section 8 of the Local Government in relation to the charter for councils

3. Joint Organisation Non-Core Functions

JO enabled, under legislation, to undertake a range of regionally defined non- core optional functions, such as strategic capacity building and shared service delivery to member councils and the community, as determined and directed by member councils through the JO governing body.

Participation in non-core discretionary functions funded by participating Councils.

Participation in shared services based on sound business case identifying costs, value and benefits to JO member Councils.

JO Council members may opt in or opt out of shared services

Preservation of section 358 of Local Government Act 1993 to enable a council, or a group of councils, to obtain ministerial consent to establish a corporation or other separate legal entity wholly owned, operated and directed by the council, or group of councils, if a commercial business model is required to

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deliver a shared service to a group of councils or provide a service to the community.

4. Joint Organisation Governance and Accountability

4.1 JO Governing Body –Board

JO governing body comprise one representative from each member council appointed by member council for a 2 year term to align with proposed changes to mayoral terms.

JO Board Member positions comprise the Mayor of member councils.

In the absence, or inability, of the Mayor of member councils to attend a JO meeting or fulfil the role of a JO Board Member, the Mayor’s authorised delegate being a councillor from the member council will be entitled to represent the Mayor and act as the member council’s authorised representative.

Explanatory Note: The representative chosen by JO member Councils may well be the Mayor in most cases. However, it is argued that Mayor of member Councils should be the representative for reason that the Mayor is a key member of the leadership group of each member Council and should also form part of the regional governance and regional leadership group at Joint Organisation level.

The Mayor of member Councils holds the gravitas that is associated with the position of Mayor and in most cases is able to record a vote at JO Meetings which faithfully reflects the policies, views and opinions of his or her Council without having the refer back to the member Council for direction.

JO Board positions, like the Mayor of each LGA, will be very important and influential positions from a regional perspective and should naturally be filled by the Mayor from member councils.

On another view and with one eye on the future in relation to a proposal for the introduction of direct election of the mayor by voters, there may be support for the representative of member councils to be an elected representative and chosen by the council based on capability and capacity which would give the member council the option or appointing the mayor of the day or other councillor.

This is page number 159 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

JO Board member role modelled on the councillor role identified in the Local Government Act with direct accountability to provide leadership and act in the best interests of the JO, member councils and the region.

JO Board members paid a sitting fee for attending duly convened JO Board Meetings and the JO is responsible for the expenses incurred by the Board chair and members when acting bona fide on behalf of or representing the JO.

JO associate council membership with no voting right enabled by legislation.

JO associate membership for Department of Premier & Cabinet Regional Coordinator with no voting right.

4.2 Voting

Equality of voting rights for member councils – one vote per member council.

JO chair not have a casting vote.

4.3 Chair

JO chair elected for two year term by the voting members of the JO Board to

align with proposed changes to mayoral terms.

Election of the JO chair the same process as for the election of the Mayor identified in Schedule 7 of Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 by Ordinary Ballot or Open Voting.

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JO chair role modelled on the role of the Mayor identified in the Local Government Act, save and except the urgent policy function, with direct accountability to provide leadership and act in the best interest of the JO, member councils and the region.

4.4 JO Decision Making

Namoi Councils’ view is that consensus among Joint Organisation member Councils should be the basis for a decision to be made. However, in promoting the consensus rule, no objection is raised in respect of a voting majority of 75% of the Joint Organisation membership being required for a decision to be made.

Explanatory Note: Most democratic organisations work on the basis of a simple (51%) majority rule for decisions to be made. In the context of a 7 member Namoi Councils Joint Organisation, a simple majority would equate to a vote of at least 4 recorded for or against a motion for a decision to be made. Under the simply majority rule, a quorum of one more than half of the membership would constitute a quorum. In the case of Namoi Councils, a quorum would constitute 4 full member Councils for a decision to be made.

Applying the 75% majority voting standard to the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation, 6 members would be required to record their vote for or against a motion for a decision to be made. Logically, it then follows that a quorum would also constitute 6 full member Councils for a decision to be made.

A 75% voting majority would not only underpin and support consensus as the basis for a decision to be made, but would recognise the importance of regional-scale decision and ensure stable and consistent regional collaboration, leadership and advocacy reflecting widespread regional views.

Should the 75% majority voting standard be enabled by either legislation or regulation, clarification of what constitutes a quorum must also be confirmed so as to avoid any confusion.

JO decisions binding on member Councils in respect of the exercise of core functions

4.5 Council Delegation of Authority for Core Functions

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Member council delegation of authority to the JO Board representative to vote on the exercise of the core functions of the JO.

JO member councils be required to pass a delegation of authority in respect of its JO Board representative that, subject to compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and the regulations made under the Act, and with any expressed policy of the Council, or regulations of any public authority, the council’s JO Board representative is authorised to record a vote for or against motions submitted to duly convened meetings of the Joint Organisation in respect of the exercise of the core functions of the Joint Organisation.

Any vote recorded by the JO Board representative in respect of exercise of the core functions of Joint Organisation is binding on the member Council.

Explanatory Note: Such a Council delegation will likely not be required if the core functions of a JO are identified in the enabling legislation creating the JO as a corporate body.

4.6 General Managers Advisory Committee (GMAC)

General Manager of each JO member Council has a professional advisory role to deliver in respect the JO Board but has no voting right.

General Managers Advisory Committee (GMAC) established as a key governance committee within the JO structure to provide professional advice and submit recommendations to the JO Board in respect of the exercise of JO core and non-core functions.

General Managers have the authority to nominate a delegate or representative in circumstances where the GM is unable to attend GMAC Meetings.

5. Joint Organisation Staffing

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The JO be required to employ an Executive Officer with the capabilities

required to fulfull the role and accountabilities of the position.

The JO Executive Officer be employed under the Local Government (State)

Award and any contract of employment be subject to the Award.

6.Joint Organisation Boundaries

RED = NSW Regional Planning Boundaries BLUE = Joint Organisation Boundaries

This is page number 163 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

The JO boundaries and council membership align and be consistent with the

following criteria proposed:

• align with/nest within strategic regional growth planning boundaries • demonstrate a clear community of interest between member councils within the region • not adversely impact on other councils or JOs • be based around a strong regional centre, where possible • be of appropriate scale and capacity to partner with the State, Federal Government and other investment partners • be directly accountable to member councils • serve the best interest of the region • associate membership be available with no voting rights • Walcha Council granted full membership of the proposed Namoi Councils Joint Organisation. 7. Joint Organisation Financial Arrangements

JO members be responsible for costs of administration but not limited to

annual membership contributions determined locally and supplemented where necessary from existing available member council resources.

The State Government make an annual contribution towards the administrave costs of the JO.

Explanatory Note: Namoi JO member Councils submit that the State Government has an obligation to make an annual contribution towards the administrative costs of a JO exercising its core functions to recognise that member Councils will:

(i) effectively collaborate on a regional basis; (ii) be a capable partner for engagement with State and Federal agencies; (iii) have greater capacity for effective regional advocacy; (iv) have a shared responsibility with the State Government for regional strategic planning and prioritisation; and (v) build scale and capacity to ensure Councils have a robust revenue base and increased discretionary spending; knowledge, creativity and innovation; high quality political and managerial leadership, scope to This is page number 164 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

undertake new functions projects, and the resources necessary to be an effective and equal partner in the growth and development of the State.

8. Integrated Planning and Reporting

JOs be required to adopt a Regional Strategic Plan incorporating regional aspirations, a regional vision and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within 12 months of the date of commencement of the JO identifiying the key strategic priorities, infrastructure and services for the region in collaboration with member Councils, the State Government and others and key stakeholders.

JOs produce Annual Performance Statements to show member councils, State Government Departments and Agencies and other key stakeholders the extent to which the JO is achieving strategic regional priorities according to KPIs identified by the Joint Organisation.

3.4 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT – RESOURCE ADVISORY FORUM MOTION Moved Cr Swain, Gunnedah and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree 134/15 RESOLVED That the invitation from the Department of Planning of Planning and Environment to be a member of the Department’s Resource Advisory Forum be accepted and the Chair, Cr Col Murray, be appointed to represent the JO at meetings of the Forum held twice annually to provide advice to the Department on policy directions, planning processes and operations, noting that the Department will be responsible for the costs of Cr Murray attending Forums.

4 REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PRIORITISATION 4.1 GENERAL MANAGER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (GMAC) MEETING REPORT – 22 OCTOBER 2015 MOTION Moved Cr Coulton, Gwydir and seconded Cr Swain, Gunnedah 135/15 RESOLVED Outstanding Action List 28 That the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Executive Officer, Richard Barwick, be invited to the next GMAC Meeting to discuss the proposed Namoi Grey Nomad and RV Traveller Strategy.

This is page number 165 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Regional Strategic Priorities - Review and Update

Regional Strategic Priority: Regional Freight Connectivity and Productivity Analysis Sponsor: Moree Plains Shire Council (i) That the project overview be updated to clearly articulate to the Board those activities that relate to the current project and those that will be part of a future project;. (ii) That Moree Plains Shire Council as the contract administrator and be reimbursed for any expenses occurred relating to the consultancy agreed to for the current project; and (iii) That Enclosure 1 tabled for the information Namoi JO Board Members.

Regional Strategic Priority: Namoi Regional Investment Prospectus Sponsor: Tamworth Regional Council That a steering/ governance group comprising the Namoi JO Chair and Deputy Chair, Chair of GMAC, a representative from Industry Skills and Development and the project sponsor be authorised to finalise a brief for the purposes of partnering with RDANI to deliver the Namoi Regional Investment Prospectus.

Regional Strategic Priority: MR 357 Rangari Road Sponsor: Gunnedah Shire Council (i) That it be noted the MR 357 Rangari Road Cost Benefit Analysis being prepared by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland is due for completion by 30 October 2015; and (ii) That all Strategic Priority Project Sponsors be requested to record any internal costs incurred by their organisation as Project Sponsor.

Finalisation of Preferred JO Model That the position of the Executive Officer focus strongly on the capabilities necessary to maximise the functional efficiency of the JO and to function effectively in regional planning and advocacy.

Report - Regional Infrastructure Priority Matrix That MWH Australia Pty Ltd be engaged to determine a slightly modified version of the Centroc Infrastructure Priority Matrix as an appropriate tool to rapidly prioritise Namoi Region Infrastructure Priorities and train staff of member Councils in the application of Infrastructure Priority Matrix at a cost of $14,900 funded from the JO Pilot Grant.

5 NAMOI COUNCILS SHARED SERVICES Nil

6 GENERAL BUSINESS 6.1 NSW STATE PRIORITIES The Board Meeting discussed the recently release NSW Premier’s Priorities for growth and development of the State and noted that the priorities identified by the Premier were highly Sydney centric and offered little for regional NSW. The Board also noted the inadequate level of State Government funding provided to Councils to manage,

This is page number 166 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

maintain and repair the extensive network of rural and region roads for which Councils are responsible under the Roads Act 1993 vital to the State’s economy. MOTION Moved Cr Coulton, Gwydir and seconded Cr Swain, Gunnedah 135/15 RESOLVED (i) That Namoi JO Chairperson be requested to express the disappointment of member Councils to the Premier, the Hon Mike Baird MP, that the latest release of priorities for State growth and development provided no material benefit to regional NSW outside the Sydney Metropolitan Area and the inadequate level of State Government funding provided to Councils for to manage, maintain and repair the extensive network of rural and region roads, vital to the State’s economy, for which Councils are responsible under the Roads Act 1993 and (ii) That copies of the letter to the Premier be sent to State Members of Parliament within the JO Boundaries and a Media Release be issued identifying the disappointment and concern of member Councils that the latest priorities for growth and development of State fall well short of expectations for regional NSW together with the inadequate level of funding provided for rural and regional roads for which Councils are responsible. 6.2 REGIONAL PLAN The Board Meeting discussed when the New England North West Regional Plan would be released. MOTION Moved Cr Coulton, Gwydir and seconded Cr Bolton, Gunnedah 136/15 RESOLVED That Namoi JO Chairperson be requested to obtain advice from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment of when the New England North West Regional Plan would be finalised and released.

6.3 NSW MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Chairperson advised members that the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, would be visiting Tamworth on Friday 27 November 2015 and that the Minister would be available to meet individually with member Councils.

The Chair suggested that it would be appropriate and convenient to hold the December Board Meeting on that date to coincide with the Minister’s visit. MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Swain, Gunnedah 137/15 RESOLVED That Namoi JO Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting be rescheduled for Friday 27 November 2015 to coincide with the visit to Tamworth by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP.

This is page number 167 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

7 DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT NAMOI COUNCILS BOARD MEETING Date: Friday 27 November 2015 commencing at 9.30am

Venue: Tamworth Regional Council

Closure: There being no further business, the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation Meeting concluded at 12.48pm

Cr Col Murray, Namoi Councils, Chairperson

29 October 2015 - ooOOOoo -

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation Minutes for its meeting held on Thursday 29 October 2015 are noted.

(Moved Cr Pankhurst, seconded Cr Moore)

This is page number 168 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 7 Fossickers Way Promotion Committee Minutes 13th October 2015

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 2. Building the business base

OUTCOME: 2.1 OUR ECONOMY IS GROWING AND SUPPORTED

STRATEGY: 2.1.3 Promote our community as the place to visit,Live, work and invest - OCD - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 3 November 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

This report recommends the noting of the Fossickers Way Promotion Minutes, attached, for its meeting held on Tuesday 13th October 2015.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Fossickers Way Promotion Minutes for its meeting held on Tuesday 13th October 2015 are noted.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Minutes

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the Fossickers Way Promotion Minutes for its meeting held on Tuesday 13th October 2015 are noted.

(Moved Cr Moore, seconded Cr Egan)

This is page number 169 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Minutes Fossickers Way Promotion Committee Minutes 13th October 2015.DOC

This is page number 170 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Item 8 North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for nominations

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 3. An Environmentally Responsible Shire

OUTCOME: 3.1 OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDA AND EMBRACES ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

STRATEGY: 3.1.3 Value, protect and enhance our natural environment - ED - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 11/6/2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

The Council has been requested to nominate a Councillor and staff member to join the North West Regional Weeds Committee.

This correspondence is quite timely as the following email was forwarded to the Local Land Services North West on Monday 2nd November 2015:

Gwydir Shire Council has been forced to spray the travelling stock routes along (mainly) Allan Cunningham Drive, Killarney Gap Road and Peri Road to ensure that the control of noxious weeds is maintained.

The Council has also been advised that some farmers have approached the LLS about weed infestations in some areas under your control and have been referred to the Council.

These areas are under the control and management of your organisation and the costs are escalating to a point where it is difficult to maintain the spraying program without financial assistance towards the cost from the LLS.

It would appreciated if you could advise the Council of exactly what is the intention of the LLS into the future regarding weed control on the stock routes. The Council is happy to maintain its current weed spraying program if the LLS is prepared to enter into an arrangement of reimbursement for the cost.

This is page number 171 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Your consideration of this email and reply in due course would be appreciated.

The background information is outlined in the attached documentation.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Council selects a Councillor nominee to join the North West Regional Weeds Committee.

FURTHER that the Council notes that the staff nominee is Mr. Saul Standerwick.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Letter from LLSNW dated 6th November 2015 AT- Composition of Committee AT- Committee's Terms of Reference

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT Cr. Pankhurst is nominated as Gwydir Shire’s elected representative on the North West Regional Weeds Committee.

FURTHER that the Council notes that the staff nominee is Mr. Saul Standerwick.

(Moved Cr Dick, seconded Cr Egan)

This is page number 172 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 1 November 2015 Letter from LLSNW dated North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for 6th November 2015 nominations.DOC

This is page number 173 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

This is page number 174 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 2 November 2015 Composition of Committee North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for nominations.DOC

COMPOSITION OF MEMBERSHIP NWRWC

The following organisations will be eligible to become members of the Committee and nominate delegates:

Member Number Delegate Entitlement of Organisations Delegates

North West Local Land Chair of Board (or nominated Services: representative) plus General Manager (or 3 nominated representative) and LLS Invasive Species Officer

NSW Department of Primary 1 Regional Invasive Species Officer Industries:

Local Control Authorities: Moree Plains Shire Council Narrabri Shire Council Gwydir Shire Council 2 each One elected member from each Council plus Senior Weeds Officer Liverpool Plains Shire Council Tamworth Regional Council Gunnedah Shire Council Walgett Shire Council

Member Number Delegate Entitlement of Organisations Delegates

OEH - National Parks and 1 One Senior Manager Wildlife Service:

NSW Farmers: 1 Chairperson (or nominated representative) of local organisation

Aboriginal Land Council: 1 Chairperson (or nominated representative or official Officer) of the NWLLS Aboriginal Community Advisory Group

Environmental interest or 1 Senior Manager (or nominated similar organisation: representative) of organisations.

This is page number 175 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Crown Lands Department: 1 One Senior Manager (or nominated official officer).

Roads & Maritime Services: 1 One Senior Manager (or nominated official officer).

Australian Rail Track 1 One Senior Manager (or nominated official Corporation officer).

Water NSW 1 One Senior Manager (or nominated official officer).

Major Land Managers: One Senior Manager (or nominated official officer). Established Mining Companies 1

Public Land Managers: 1 One staff member from each nominated organisation

WAP 1520 Lead Represented by Regional Project Officer Organisation: and General Manager. No voting rights. 0 New England Weeds Authority

This is page number 176 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - Attachment 3 12 November 2015 Committee's Terms of North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for Reference nominations.DOC

Regional Weed Committee Model Terms of Reference

2 October 2015

The Purpose of the document is to provide guidance for LLS regions on the establishment of Regional Weed Committees and provide the basis for consistency of approach across the regions in relation to Terms of Reference development.

This is page number 177 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1 – Preliminary ...... 3

1. Name ...... 3

2. Purpose and Establishment ...... 3

3. Relationship of the LLS Board, the RWC and State Weed Committee ...... 3

Part 2 – Objectives ...... 5 Part 3 – Membership ...... 6

4. Membership Generally ...... 6

5. Composition of Membership ...... 6

6. Establishment Process ...... 7

7. Role of Members ...... 7

8. Organisational Structure ...... 7

9. Conflict of Interest ...... 8

10. Resignation of Membership ...... 8

11. Conduct Unbecoming ...... 8

12. Attendance of Members ...... 8

Part 4 - Processes ...... 9

13. Record of Meetings ...... 9

14. RWC Meetings ...... 9

15. Decisions...... 9

16. Dispute Resolution ...... 9

17. Terms of Reference ...... 10

18. Outcomes ...... 10

19. Remuneration and Resourcing ...... 10

20. Endorsement ...... 10

21. Review and Evaluation ...... 10

Part 5 – Funding Model ...... 11

22. Funding ...... 11

This is page number 178 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART 1 – PRELIMINARY

1. NAME

This Committee will be called the North West Regional Weed Committee (NWRWC).

2. PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT

The purpose of the NWRWC is to provide ‘tenure neutral’ strategic planning and coordination of weed management activities at the regional level. These activities play an integral part in an overall state weed management framework.

The RWC is a local community advisory group under the provisions of Section 33 of the Local Land Services Act 2013.

The RWC is established to:

• support implementation of the weeds components and underlining principles of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy, NSW Biosecurity Act and the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2015-2022;

• provide advice to the Board regarding delivery weed functions for the Local Land Services (LLS) consistent with the Local Strategic Plan;

• to develop innovative and effective regional weed management strategic plans that consider risks, include all land tenure, and major stakeholders in the landscape; and • provide a forum for the community and stakeholders in decision making, and develop communication education and awareness programs based on local and/or regional priority weeds and issues.

3. RELATIONSHIP OF THE LLS BOARD, THE RWC AND STATE WEED COMMITTEE

The LLS Board is accountable for ensuring that a functional RWC is established and has appropriate representation for their region.

The RWC has autonomy to make decisions that are consistent with the LLS Strategic Plans. The requirement for member participation in the planning process is critical in ensuring that planning documents and legislative tools are This is page number 179 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 Attachment 3 November 2015 Committee's Terms of North West Regional Weeds Committee - Call for Reference nominations.DOC

appropriate, equitable and enforceable. Plans that meet this test will be endorsed by the LLS Board as regional weed management plans.

The RWC can raise significant weed policy issues to the State Weed Committee for consideration. Similarly, the NSW State Weed Committee or its members can liaise directly with RWC.

An indicative RWC relationship structure is shown at Figure1:

Figure 1: RWC relationships structure.

This is page number 180 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART 2 – OBJECTIVES

(1) The objectives of the RWC include but are not limited to the goals of the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2015 – 2022. i) Exclude – prevent the establishment of new invasive species. ii) Eradicate or contain - eliminate, or prevent the spread of new invasive species. iii) Effectively manage – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species. iv) Capacity Building – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species; and to promote awareness of invasive weed species within the community. (2) To develop and implement regional weed management plans that are based on best available local knowledge, research and technology. (3) To advise the NSW State Weed Committee on weed matters relating to declaration, control and promotion for the Region. (4) To prioritise target weed species and to recommend weed policy, declaration, control and promotion to member organisations. (5) To facilitate the measurement and evaluation of progress in the control of invasive weed species.. (6) To facilitate education, training and the encouragement of persons and organisations in weed management. (7) To develop a communication, education and awareness program based on local and/or regional priority weeds and issues. (8) To promote effective and efficient collaboration and co-ordination of weed programs, and promote resources and information sharing between member organisations. (9) Liaise, were necessary, with other RWC to develop and deliver weed management plans. (10) Identify synergies and capitalise on opportunities for sourcing investment and delivery of priority projects. Identify information and research needs and appropriate collaborative actions.

(11) To monitor, evaluate and report on outcomes of the RWC collaborative planning and delivery processes.

This is page number 181 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART 3 – MEMBERSHIP

4. MEMBERSHIP GENERALLY

The RWC will typically comprise representatives from the following key stakeholder groups listed in Item 4. The LLS Board may amend this membership and seek representation from additional stakeholder groups as appropriate to ensure appropriate regional representation to address the characteristics of the region.

Member representation is to be at the appropriate decision making level and members should have a broad knowledge of weed management approaches and the obligations of their respective stakeholder group.

5. COMPOSITION OF MEMBERSHIP

The following organisations will be eligible to become members of the RWC and nominate representatives:

Key Stakeholder group

Local Land Services (LLS)

Local Control Authorities (LCA’s)

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (including National Parks and Wildlife service)

Environmental interests 1

NSW Farmers

Aboriginal Land Managers

Landcare

Public land managers 2

1 Environmental Interest representation will be determined through liaison with the Nature Conservation Council which is represented on the State Weed Committee.

This is page number 182 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Members will be appointed to the RWC for a term up to 4 years.

6. ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS

The LLS Board will consult with key stakeholders and utilize best practice in the establishment process of the RWC.

It is recognized that Local Government is a significant partner in weed management and the establishment process of the RWC will occur in close liaison with Local Government.

As a general guide a workable membership number for the RWC is considered to be up to 15 members.

The LLS Board will review membership to ensure that the representation address the regional characteristics and remains optimal to achieving the set objectives.

7. ROLE OF MEMBERS

Role of individual members of RWC will include:

• Promoting a strategic and coordinated approach to regional weed management,

• Having the support of and ability to represent their stakeholder group,

• Being a conduit for information flow between their respective stakeholder group and the RWC,

• Building a cooperative, collaborative and effective RWC,

• Having a broad understanding of the issues relevant to the regional management of weeds,

• Developing background knowledge on relevant emerging weed issues and communicating this to the RWC,

• Addressing barriers to effective implementation and willingness to assist in the development of appropriate solutions.

2 Public land managers will be identified in the Terms of Reference of each regional committee. This is page number 183 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

8. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The RWC will have a chair and vice chair that are elected for one year terms by the membership and endorsed by the LLS Board. Elections will be held at the first meeting of the new membership year.

LLS identified staff will support the RWC functions and additional support resources and specialists may be invited to meetings as guests when their expertise is required.

Appropriate local arrangements will be made for the recruitment of project support and coordination services.

9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A member of the RWC who has a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in any matter before the RWC, and who is present at a meeting where the matter is being considered, must disclose and identify the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practical.

10. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Resignation shall be in writing and effective upon the date of receipt by the LLS.

11. CONDUCT UNBECOMING

The LLS and/or RWC may expel from the RWC any representative whose conduct is, in the opinion of the RWC, discreditable or injurious to the character or interests of the RWC.

12. ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS

Should the appointed representative be unavailable for a scheduled meeting alternate representative arrangements may be organised between the appointed representative and the LLS.

Representatives who are absent without reasonable cause from three successive meetings may be considered to have resigned their seat. The RWC will approach the member organisation to address the situation.

This is page number 184 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART 4 - PROCESSES

13. RECORD OF MEETINGS

All scheduled RWC meetings are to be appropriately recorded and minutes distributed to RWC members and the LLS Board. The summary of the meetings will be placed on the LLS website within two weeks of each meeting and all members will be notified of the website posting by email.

14. RWC MEETINGS

(1) The RWC must meet at least four times in each period of 12 months. (2) Location of meetings to be central to the region or by mutual agreement between member representatives as determined at the end of each RWC meeting. (3) An agenda together with relevant supporting material will be forwarded to members at least one week prior to the meeting to enable consideration of key issues. RWC representatives are required to provide a response to all scheduled meetings. (4) A simple majority of the membership constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of a meeting of the RWC.

15. DECISIONS

(1) Decisions to be made by consensus of the members. (2) In the event of disagreement decisions will be determined by a majority of the votes of the representatives of the RWC or of any sub-committee appointed by the RWC present at the meeting. (2) Each representative present at a meeting of the RWC or of any sub-committee appointed by the RWC is entitled to one vote but, in the event of an equality of votes on any question, the Chair will have the determining vote. (3) Decisions made at meetings are recorded in the form of resolutions which are binding on the RWC until they are formally amended or repealed. Resolutions, once recorded, take effect immediately.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This is page number 185 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Disputes will be raised with the Chair in the first instance for resolution. Issues that cannot be resolved will be escalated to the LLS Board for resolution. The Board may liaise with the State Weed Committee on specific issues to assist resolution

17. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The RWC will develop and adopt its Terms of Reference within the first three months of operation.

18. OUTCOMES

Outcomes from RWC activities will include:

• A strong collaborative partnership approach to delivery of RWC functions and services,

• A thorough, inclusive and consultative approach to stakeholder communication, consultation and engagement,

• Timely and effective information exchange between stakeholder organisations and the RWC,

• Development and delivery of products and processes including regional weed plans and communication strategies that achieve the objectives of the RWC,

• Informed collaborative delivery and responsiveness to emerging issues,

19. REMUNERATION AND RESOURCING

The RWC resourcing will be determined by the respective LLS based on regional requirements.

20. ENDORSEMENT

RWC draft regional weed management plans and supporting communication, education & awareness programs will be tabled with the regional LLS Board for consideration and endorsement.

21. REVIEW AND EVALUATION

The operation of the RWC against its objectives and Terms of Reference will be reviewed and evaluated annually.

This is page number 186 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

PART 5 – FUNDING MODEL

22. FUNDING

It is recognised that weed management implementation is funded from a range of sources across the stakeholder organisations.

Stakeholder groups have responsibility for their own investment, or funded applications for which they are the proponent, which deliver toward the regional weeds strategies.

The operation of the RWC will require funding to support its roles and functions. The RWC provides services which will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of weed management programs while also reducing the risk of weed impacts for partner organisations.

Within the initial 9 months of operation, the RWC will discuss, identify and adopt a funding model to support their ongoing operation.

This is page number 187 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Cr John Coulton

Thank You

Cr Coulton thanked Councillors Kerry McDonald, Catherine Egan and Marilyn Dixon for representing Council at recent events.

Cr Stuart Dick

Annual Statements

Cr Dick questioned the current progress and reason for the Annual Statements being late.

Chief Financial Officer, Ron Wood, advised the meeting that there were outstanding items in the Annual Report, currently being resolved and should be finalised within the next week or two. The major cause for delay was the complex nature of the road revaluation and getting this information into the asset register and reconciled to Council’s General Ledger.

Cr Stuart Dick

Community Meeting in Warialda

Cr Dick reported on the community meeting in Warialda that had been organised by Ted Stubbins and complimented General Manager, Max Eastcott on his address to the meeting, advising it was well received.

Cr Stuart Dick

Camping and toilets along Gwydir River and Bingara Showground

Cr Dick noted there was still a report outstanding relating to camping and toilets along the Gwydir River near Bingara.

Cr Dick also noted that some campers use electricity points at the Bingara Showground without paying. Andrew Cooper and Glen

Pereira will investigate.

Cr Catherine Egan

Rental Properties owned by Council

Cr Egan would like a report on rental properties owned by Council and confirmation that Council is keeping up with market rental rates. This is page number 188 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council

Cr Catherine Egan

Gwydir Library Services

Cr Egan noted that at a recent Northern Regional Library Meeting a merger between Gwydir and Moree Regional Library was mentioned. Cr Egan stated that she was opposed to Gwydir Regional Library Services returning to Moree.

Cr Catherine Egan

Bingara Polocrosse Committee

Cr Egan noted that Bingara Polocrosse Committee had donated $2,000 to Council for assistance provided. Council to write and thank them for the donation.

Cr Angela Doering

LEMO meeting

Cr Doering advised that a new Policeman based in Moree is keen to encourage reporting rural crime and would like Council assistance in this area.

Cr Angela Doering

Study

Cr Doering advised that she has completed the first half of Executive Certificate in Local Government and has found it intense but

beneficial.

Cr Kerry McDonald

Warialda RSL Sub Branch

Cr McDonald noted that the Warialda RSL Sub Branch Australian Flag is in poor condition and requested Council to arrange for a new one through our Local Member.

Cr Kerry McDonald

Infrastructure (Buildings) Committee

Cr McDonald would like to see the reformation of the Infrastructure (Buildings) Committee

This is page number 189 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman …………………………………………………………………………………… Community Services and Planning Committee - 12 November 2015 Gwydir Shire Council Cr Peter Pankhurst

Bingara Men’s Shed

Cr Pankhurst had a question regarding whether there is any lane access to the Bingara Men’s Shed. This issue will be followed up with Council’s GIS Officer, Danielle Perrett.

Director Environment and Building

Illegal Development

Glen Pereira noted that illegal development is on the increase and he would like to see harsher responses to illegal development. Suggested a moratorium after which fines would be the default position.

Director Technical Services

Plant

Richard Jane advised that Council had been requested to supply plant for local IPWEA group training and demonstration in Armidale on 16th and 17th November. Council will float the GPS controlled grader with staff to Armidale.

Meeting closed 11:05am

This is page number 190 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2015

Chairman ……………………………………………………………………………………