Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes                                                                      30 April 2024

   MINUTES OF narrabri SHIRE council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE
Narrabri Shire Council Chambers, 46-48 Maitland Street, Narrabri
ON
Tuesday, 30 April 2024 AT 1:00 PM

 

PRESENT:                 Cr Darrell Tiemens, Cr Rohan Boehm, Cr Ron Campbell, Cr John Clements, Cr Brett Dickinson, Cr Greg Lamont, Cr Lisa Richardson

IN ATTENDANCE:     Rob Williams (General Manager), Donna Ausling (Director Planning and Sustainability), Eloise Chaplain (Director Infrastructure Delivery), Ted Harrington (Director Financial and Commercial Services), Jason Townsend (Manager Governance and Risk), Samara Woolley(Minute Clerk)

 

The Council held a Public Forum prior to the meeting of which the following persons attended:

·         Shane Hatton to speak on Item 13.3.

Proceedings of the meeting commenced at  1:08 pm.

1            Opening Prayer

Members and officers were upstanding for the opening prayer by Reverend Bernard Gabbbot of Narrabri Anglican Church, in association with the Narrabri Ministers Fraternal.

2            Acknowledgement of Country

The Mayor acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Council met, the Kamilaroi people, and the Council paid its respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

3            RECOGNITION OF SERVICE MEN & WOMEN

Council acknowledged the sacrifice made by Australian service men and women, in particular those who gave their lives in defence of the freedom we enjoy today.

4            Attendance by Audio Visual Link

Nil reports.


 

5            Apologies/Granting of Leave of Absences

Leave of Absence Request

Minute  056/2024  

Moved:       Cr Rohan Boehm             Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.      That a leave of absence from Cr Catherine Redding and Cr Robert Browning be received and accepted. The reason for both absences is for work commitments.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Robert Browning, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont, Catherine Redding and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

6            Declaration of Pecuniary and Non- Pecuniary Interests

Councillors are reminded of their obligation to declare their interest in any matters listed before them. In considering your interest, you are reminded to include pecuniary, significant non-pecuniary and on-significant non-pecuniary conflicts of interest as well as any other interest you perceive or may be perceived of you. Councillors may declare an interest at the commencement of the meeting, or alternatively at any time during the meeting should any issue progress or arise that would warrant a declaration. Councillors must state their reasons in declaring any type of interest.

 

 

COUNCILLOR

ITEM NUMBER

PECUNIARY/

NON-PECUNIARY

REASON

Cr Darrell Tiemens

14.2

Non-Pecuniary / Non-Significant

Member of Rotary

Cr John Clements

13.9

Non-Pecuniary / Non-Significant

Works for local member who is chair of part of the committies

 


 

7            Items to be Considered in the Confidential (Public Excluded) Meeting

The following matters will be considered in the Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting:

7.1         Business Paper and Unconfirmed Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

 

7.2         National Volunteer 2024 - Volunteer Of The Year Nomination

8            Presentations

Nil Reports.

9            Confirmation of Minutes

Minute  057/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Lisa Richardson

1.      That the minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Narrabri Shire Council held on 26 March 2024 as circularised be confirmed and signed as a correct record by the Mayor.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

10          Matters of Great Urgency

Nil reports.

11          Questions with Notice

Nil reports.

12          Mayoral Minute

12.1       Mayoral Appointments for the period 18 March to 19 April 2024

Minute  058/2024  

Moved:       Cr Darrell Tiemens

1.       That Council note the Mayoral appointments for the period 18 March to 19 April 2024. 

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13          Our Civic Leadership

13.1       Investment Report - March 2024

Minute  059/2024  

Moved:       Cr Rohan Boehm             Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.       That Council receive the Investment Report for March 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.2       2022/2023 Draft Annual Financial Statements

Minute  060/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr Rohan Boehm

1.             That Council formally adopt the draft Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 as presented, for referral to audit.

2.             The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, General Manager and Responsible Accounting Officer be authorised to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management on the preparation of the General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023.

3.             The General Manager be delegated the authority to issue the audited Annual Financial Statements upon receipt of the auditors’ reports, subject to there being no material audit changes or audit issues.

4.             That Council present the audited Annual Financial Statements and Auditors Reports to the public at a meeting to be held in conjunction with its next available Ordinary Council meeting.

5.             That the statement read by the Director of Financial and Commercial Services on this item be annexed to the minutes of this meeting.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

Attachments

1     2022/2023 Financial Statements Summary of Present Situation - April 2024 (available from page 18 of the Minutes)

 

13.3       Infrastructure Delivery Status Report - March 2024

Minute  061/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Greg Lamont

1.             That Council receive and note the Infrastructure Delivery Status Report for March 2024.

2.             That a report be provided into the matters raised by Mr Hatton with specific focus on changes in land form and drainage and any result in the increase in water inundation impacts on his property.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

At 2:07 pm, Cr Brett Dickinson left the meeting.

At 2:09 pm, Cr Brett Dickinson returned to the meeting.

At 2.11pm, Cr Clements left the meeting after declaring a pecuniary interest in relation to Item Item 13.4, due to a pecuniary interest due to the Councillors work with the NSW Government and was not present at or in sight of the meeting during the consideration of the item.

13.4       Planning and Development Report - March 2024

Minute  062/2024  

Moved:       Cr Brett Dickinson           Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.       That Council receive the Planning and Development Report for March 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning, John Clements and Catherine Redding

Carried 6/0

At 2:15 pm, Cr John Clements returned to the meeting.

13.5       Resolutions Register - March to April 2024

Minute  063/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.       That Council receive and note the outstanding Resolutions Register as at 22 April 2024.

2.       That Council receive and note the completed Resolutions Register as at 22 April 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.6       Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule until September 2024

Minute  064/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.       That Council amend the meeting schedule as established at the September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting to remove the Ordinary Council Meeting that was originally scheduled for 24 September 2024, due to the Local Government Election period.

2.       That Council will schedule an Extraordinary Council Meeting in October 2024, following the declaration of results from the 2024 Local Government Election.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.7       Draft Internal Audit Charter

Minute  065/2024  

Moved:       Cr Lisa Richardson           Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.       That Council adopt the Draft Internal Audit Charter.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.8       Review of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference

Minute  066/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Greg Lamont

1.   That Council adopt the updated Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference that have been updated to adapt to the model terms of reference as required in the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW.

2.   That Council adopt the addition of reimbursement of reasonable travel costs for Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members (Chairperson included) into the Terms of Reference due to the significant rise of traveling and to encourage more attendance at the meetings by the Committee Members in the future as detailed below:

a.   Use of private vehicle – reimbursement at the rate per kilometre as determined in the Local Government (State) Award; and

b.   One (1) night accommodation per meeting - reimbursement of actual expense.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

At 2:30 pm, Cr John Clements left the meeting.

At 2:31 pm, Cr John Clements returned to the meeting.

13.9       Current Community Advocacy Opportunities - April 2024

Minute  067/2024  

Moved:       Cr Lisa Richardson           Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.       That Council receive and note the Report on April 2024 community advocacy opportunities.

2.       That Council endorse the draft organisational submission on the NSW Reconstruction Authority – Review of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022.

3.       That Council endorse the draft organisational submission on the Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing Bill) 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.10     Acceptance of Tenders Under Delegation - April 2023

Minute  068/2024  

Moved:       Cr Rohan Boehm             Seconded:       Cr Lisa Richardson

1.   That Council note the determination of tenders under delegation for the period to March 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.11     Adoption of the Narrabri Shire Council Drought Management Plan

Minute  069/2024  

Moved:       Cr Lisa Richardson           Seconded:       Cr Greg Lamont

1.       That Council adopt the Narrabri Shire Council Drought Management Plan, as attached in this report.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Brett Dickinson and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Crs Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements and Greg Lamont

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Lost 3/4

 

13.12     Minutes of the Narrabri Airport Advisory Committee Meeting held on 19 September 2023

Minute  070/2024  

Moved:       Cr Brett Dickinson           Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.       That the Minutes of the Narrabri Airport Advisory Committee Meeting held on 19 September 2023 be received and the proposed actions therein be adopted.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

At 2:52 pm, Cr John Clements left the meeting.

At 2:56 pm, Cr John Clements returned to the meeting.

13.13     Delegate Report - Country Mayors Association Regional Housing Conference in Forbes - 8-9 April 2024

Minute  071/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Lisa Richardson

1.       That Council note the Delegate Report on the Country Mayors Association Regional Housing Conference held in Forbes on 8-9 April 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.14     Delegate Report - Minutes of the Leard Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc Meeting - 14 March 2024

Minute  072/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.       That Council note the Delegate Report on the draft minutes of the Leard Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc. Extraordinary meeting held on 14 March 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

13.15     Delegate Report - Minutes of the Narrabri Mine Community Consultative Committee Meeting - 13 March 2024

Minute  073/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.       That Council note the Delegate Report on the draft minutes of the Narrabri Mine Community Consultative Committee meeting held on 13 March 2024.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

14          Our Society

14.1       Wee Waa NAB building CBD Memorial Grove and Dangar Park Masterplans

Minute  074/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.   That Council endorse the draft Wee Waa CBD and Surrounds Masterplan to be placed on public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days, and during the exhibition period call for and accept submissions from the public on the Masterplan.

2.   That a report be returned to Council following the conclusion of the Public Exhibition Period to the next available Ordinary Council Meeting detailing the results of the public exhibition.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

14.2       Naming of a public asset - Park Bench in honour of DR. Robert Anderson

Minute  075/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.       That Council receive and note the report on the naming of a park bench to be installed in Selina Street Open Space area known as Lot 1 Section 6 DP 939800.

2.       That Council name the park bench in honour of Dr. Robert (Bob) Anderson.

3.       That Council note that Rotary of Narrabri will be responsible for the costs associated with the supply of the proposed park bench and concrete slab in accordance with Council’s specifications.

4.       That Council undertake the installation works at the expense of the Narrabri Rotary Club.

5.       Upon completion Council retain ownership of the asset.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

14.3       Crime Prevention Plan

Minute  076/2024  

Moved:       Cr Lisa Richardson           Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.       That the Narrabri Shire Crime Prevention Plan 2024/2028 be endorsed.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

At 3:19 pm, Cr Greg Lamont left the meeting.

At 3:21 pm, Cr Greg Lamont returned to the meeting.

15          Our Environment

Nil reports.

16          Our Economy

16.1       Minutes of the Saleyards Advisory Committee Meeting held on 27 May 2019

Minute  077/2024  

Moved:       Cr Rohan Boehm             Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.       That the Minutes of the Saleyards Advisory Committee Meeting held on 27 May 2019 be received.

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

Suspension of Standing Orders

Minute  078/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr Brett Dickinson

1.             That Council suspend standing orders for a break.

Carried

 

The Council suspended standing orders for a break, the time being 3:24pm.

 

Resumption of Standing Orders

Minute  079/2024  

Moved:       Cr Brett Dickinson           Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.             That Council resume standing orders.

Carried

 

The Council resumed standing orders, the time being 3:31pm.

17          Confidential (Closed Council) Meeting

Minute  080/2024  

Moved:       Cr Brett Dickinson           Seconded:       Cr John Clements

That Council move into Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting of Council and that the press and members of the public be asked to leave the room whilst Council considers the following items:

17.1       Business Paper and Unconfirmed Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (f) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with details of systems and/or arrangements that have been implemented to protect council, councillors, staff and Council property.

17.2       National Volunteer 2024 - Volunteer Of The Year Nomination

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (a) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

 

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

17.1       Business Paper and Unconfirmed Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Minute  081/2024  

Moved:       Cr Ron Campbell             Seconded:       Cr John Clements

1.      That council note the business papers and unconfirmed minutes of the audit, risk and improvement committee meeting held on Monday, 18 March 2024.  

2.      That council endorse for the audit, risk and improvement committee business paper to be made available to councillors and accessed within council’s information system due to the large amount of pages contained in the files.

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

17.2       National Volunteer 2024 - Volunteer Of The Year Nomination

Minute  082/2024  

Moved:       Cr Greg Lamont               Seconded:       Cr Ron Campbell

1.      That council determine nominee 3 as the recipient of the Narrabri shire volunteer of the year 2024.

2.      That council keep the outcome confidential until the winner is announced at the Narrabri volunteer morning tea to be held on Friday 24 May 2024 at the Narrabri RSL.

 

Carried

 

Minute  083/2024  

Moved:       Cr John Clements            Seconded:       Cr Rohan Boehm

1.             That Council move out of Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting and that the resolutions from the Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting be read out to those present by the Chair of the Meeting or their nominee.

In Favour:        Crs Darrell Tiemens, Rohan Boehm, Ron Campbell, John Clements, Brett Dickinson, Greg Lamont and Lisa Richardson

Against:           Nil

Not Present:   Crs Robert Browning and Catherine Redding

Carried 7/0

 

18          Meeting Closed

The Meeting closed at 3:49

 

The minutes of this meeting are scheduled to be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting to be held on 28 May 2024.

 

...................................................

CHAIRPERSON