Summary: Council meeting 4 June 2025

Flood relief options

Residents impacted by floods will receive some financial relief with Councillors writing off any interest accrued on outstanding rates and charges for the period between 19 May and 30 June 2025.

Debt recovery action will also be deferred for six months. Staff will work closely with these ratepayers to make arrangements or grant extensions to allow for recovery.

Council will also exercise flexibility in applying its concealed leak allowance policy.

Authorisation of emergency expenditure – May 2025 flood event

Council will redirect funds from the general, water, waste and sewer funds to help with the extensive clean up and restoration works following the recent flood event.

$2.5 million will come from the general fund, $7.5 million from the waste management fund and $1 million each from the water and sewer funds.

Councillors also provided the General Manager the delegation to authorise expenditure up to $2 million for flood related procurement for the period up to 28 February 2026, with any use of this extra delegation to be reported to a council meeting.

Much of the expenditure will be reimbursed through approved natural disaster funding and insurance policies, however it will take some time for that to occur.

Emergency works – Wingham water supply

Urgent work will take place to restore the damaged section of the water pipeline that crosses the Manning River between Bootawa Dam and Wingham reservoirs.

This pipeline was damaged during the May flood and resulted in parts of the Wingham community being without water for up to six days while alternative arrangements were made to get water supplied to the Wingham reservoirs.

Funding of $4.1 million will be allocated to the project from the water fund and approval provided to proceed without going to open tender based on the urgency of the work and the risk to the ongoing water supply if the pipeline is not replaced. The General Manager was delegated authority to negotiate and enter into contracts with contractors and subcontractors to complete the work as quickly as possible.

Tender for Forster Pelican Boardwalk extension

The tender for the boardwalk extension work has been awarded to GPM Marine Constructions.

The boardwalk will be extended by 130 metres to the east and aims to enhance accessibility, improve safety and minimise environmental impact while supporting non-motorised watercraft access through the inclusion of a kayak launching system.

2025 Events and Festivals sponsorship – Round 1

Community donations program

Ten MidCoast organisations will receive combined total donation of $33,059.50 under Council’s community donations program.

FAWNA will be provided with $10,000 to go toward modular transportable aviaries for rehabilitation of threatened and endangered species.

Mid North Coast Community College will receive almost $9,500 for a project to provide safe, accessible space for young people and the broader community to develop skills, connections and wellbeing. A free technology hub will also enable attendees to participate in online learning and career preparation.

Detailed design of Harrington sewer treatment plant upgrade

The project tender was awarded to BECAH2O. This project is considered to be a critical step in catering for the future growth in the Harrington area and is necessary to allow future development.