Summary: Council meeting 2 February 2022

Development assessment determination times improve

During July-December 2021 Council staff determined 749 development applications and 147 modifications. DA determination times for the period averaged 88 days, an improvement on the previous period which sat at 94 days.

During this period the estimated construction value of the approvals was $164 million. The majority of approvals (310) were for residential alterations and additions, with 233 new residential dwellings approved. There were 43 commercial developments approved. 

Work continues on $24 million of projects to improve community spaces

Progress on the 74 community spaces capital works projects currently being delivered across the region was reported. The $27 million worth of projects range from upgrading beach accesses, sporting facilities, amenities and playgrounds to libraries, public spaces and marine facility improvements. These projects are primarily funded through State and Federal Government programs. Details on a number of these projects can be found at our community engagement website, Have Your Say.

Harrington Library service model 

Following the success of a 12 month trial of a community access model, the mix of staffed hours and community access hours at the library has been approved as a permanent service delivery model. This model provides the community with access to the library each weekday afternoon and all day on weekends.

Tenders for landslip repairs on Scone Road

It was resolved to award Earthtec the contract to rehabilitate 12 landslip sites along Scone Road, from Copeland to the Barrington Tops State Forest. The road was damaged during the March 2021 flood.

The work will rehabilitate the road and embankments at each site and includes the reconstruction of road shoulders and batters and slope stabilisation. The work is funded by the State Government under disaster funding arrangements. Work is expected to start at the end of February.

In a report to the meeting it was revealed that during January to December 2021 water use was below that of the previous year and lower than the median usage of the last few years. This is largely due to rainfall being higher than previous years, and also suggests the drought along with increases in second step pricing have influenced long term water use across the community.

Water resources across all five water schemes operated by MidCoast Council are in a strong position and the outlook suggests the rainfall in our region over the coming three months will be above average. It is unlikely water restrictions will be required for the majority of the year, however we continue to remind customers to manage their water responsibly.

Suspension of alcohol free zone

A suspension of the alcohol free zone for Queen Elizabeth Park in Taree for a number of live music events to be held on the River Stage during February was approved. No alcohol will be sold at the events, however it enables participants to bring their own alcohol. This has been done in consultation with the Manning Great Lakes Police.

Audit Risk Improvement Committee

The meeting appointed Crs Alan Tickle and Jeremy Miller (with Cr Peter Epov as the alternate) to the Audit Risk Improvement Committee for a two year term. The committee also has three independent members.

The committee is responsible for reviewing and considering reports, providing independent advice on appropriate business and governance frameworks. Council resolved to make a change to the charter to allow the appointment of an alternate Councillor to the committee to be at the discretion of Council and not a requirement.

Report on other items

A detailed report on the expenses incurred by Councillors is tabled at a Council meeting every six months. The report shows that in a six month period $9,997 was spent on travel, phone, internet, home office, accommodation and meal costs for the nine councillors who formed the elected body of the time. Future reports will include full cost of Council provided phone, including cost of the phone, network and use and accommodation costs.

Other items discussed were:

• Expectations of NSW Councils in planning and development areas – a report was presented on the expectations outlined by the Minister to support quicker approvals to support the State in its economic recovery from the pandemic. The report outlined the expectations and the actions we have put or are putting in place to meet them.

• Infrastructure contributions reform – a report outlined the submissions to be made to the Department of Planning and Environment  on proposed reforms to infrastructure contributions, which will have an impact on Council staff through reporting requirements, need to create new plans and update them more regularly.

• DAs approved under delegation – a report on the development determinations which have been issued during November and December 2021 under delegated authority was noted.  

• Matters before the Land and Environment Court – a report that both listed and provided an update on matters that are currently before the Land and Environment Court was noted as recommended.