Council Meeting Highlights: October 2024
28 October 2024
Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 24 October 2024. Highlights from this meeting included:
$3.5M IN FLOOD REIMBURSEMENTS
Council reported a total unclaimed amount of $4,466,710.71 for flood recovery works. With $1 million provided by a special restoration grant, the amount currently to be reimbursed by Transport for NSW is $3,466,710.71. Council staff are working diligently to get these funds paid as soon as possible.
COUNCIL PURCHASES NEW PLANT EQUIPMENT
During the Plant Committee meeting on October 14, 2024, Council approved several equipment purchases. WesTrac Pty Ltd won the tender for one motor grader at $495,255.17 plus GST. Isuzu Australia Ltd secured tenders for two trucks at $276,472.72 plus GST and a tender truck for $120,177.25 plus GST.
APPROVAL GRANTED FOR EWENMAR WASTE FACILITY DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
The development application for the Ewenmar Waste Facility has been approved for the continuation of use, specifically for the flood protection levee and internal access road. Key conditions include adherence to approved plans, no new buildings or earthworks, and construction requirements to ensure flood safety and environmental compliance.
APPROVAL FOR SEWER MAIN CONDITION ASSESSMENT
Council has approved the Sewer Main Condition Assessment, including CCTV and smoke/dye testing for Warren and Nevertire, NSW. The tender from Plumbtrax Pty Ltd for $316,443.44 plus GST was accepted, and the project budget has been amended from $200,000 to $400,000, with unused funds returning to the Sewer Fund.
APPROVAL FOR CLAY LINED EVAPORATION LAGOON CONSTRUCTION
Council has approved the construction of a clay lined evaporation lagoon at Tiger Bay Sewerage Treatment Works in Warren, NSW. The tender from Conseth Solutions Pty Ltd for $446,520.87 plus GST was accepted, and the project budget has been amended from $740,000 to $540,000. Unused funds will return to the Sewer Fund.
WORKS PROGRESS REPORT
The installation of Rubberised SoftFall surfaces at Macquarie Park, Splash Park, Ravenswood Park and most recently at the Showground Racecourse Complex is now complete. The Victoria Park Female Friendly Amenities Block project has awarded a contract to Precinct Commercial Pty Ltd for $593,334.88 plus GST, with onsite work beginning in October 2024 and completion expected by March 2025.
Meanwhile, Carter Oval improvements are progressing, including completed kerb works and artificial turf installation. Landscaping and amenities improvements are scheduled for completion before the official opening on December 5, 2024, just in time for the Warren Street Christmas Party on December 6, 2024.
NEW IMPOUNDING SHELTER CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
Construction of a new impounding shelter is progressing well, with a concrete slab already laid at the site. Superstructure works, including besser block walls and roofing, are expected to commence in late October 2024. This new facility aims to enhance the capacity and functionality of the existing impounding shelter, ensuring better care for animals.
ON THE ROADS
Warren Shire Council has secured two significant grants under the Safer Roads Program: $3.95 million for Carinda Road shoulder widening and $4.29 million for Marthaguy Road safety improvements. The Council is also working to obtain approval for a flood damage restoration program following the September 2022 floods, which will allocate approximately $3.67 million for repair works on the Marthaguy Road. There is also a plan to invest $600,000 in gravel resheeting on SR62 Buddabadah Road, aiming to improve at least 10 km of roadway using materials sourced from the Miandetta Pit.
Regarding the SH11 Oxley Highway “Milawa” section repairs, shoulder failures have been attributed to construction standards set by Transport for NSW, for which the Council is not responsible. Moving forward, repairs will adhere to a specification that the Council believes is more effective, with heavy patching funded by Transport for NSW.
PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL FROM MELISSA WARD FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT OF LEP REVIEW PROPOSAL
The Council has endorsed a planning proposal for an LEP review, aimed at amending LEP 1 to accommodate small and large-scale projects, including temporary and transient worker housing in designated agricultural and residential zones. This proposal will be submitted to the Department for Gateway determination, and includes a proposal to rezone land at the end of Wilson and Chester Street, as well as at the Warren Airport. Melissa Ward from Ward Consulting presented an overview to Council of the review process, emphasising the importance of updating zoning regulations to protect infrastructure and facilitate development.
COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW FLYING SCHOOL
The Council has signed a two-year lease agreement with Bankstown Flying School Pty Ltd, with an option for an additional two-year extension. Operations for the flying school, Straight n Level, commenced on October 19, 2024 in the terminal building, led by Bankstown Flying School Director Nigel Clark.
COUNCIL IS EXPECTED TO FILL SEVERAL STAFF POSITIONS
The Council is expected to fill several staff positions to improve workforce capabilities, including Light Truck Driver (Water), Heavy Truck Driver (Water), Project Officer - Roads, and Tourism Information Officer. Current job openings include Utilities Maintenance Team Leader, Utilities Maintenance Team Member, Light Truck Driver (Water), Light Plant Operator (Roller), Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Cleaner and Roadside Maintenance Team Operator.
COMMUNITY MEMBER APPOINTMENTS
The Council has officially accepted the Expressions of Interest from Rachel Cant and Michele Hamblin, appointing them as community members on the Warren Public Arts Committee. Their involvement is expected to improve community engagement in local arts initiatives, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the Committee’s activities and projects.
LIBRARY UPDATE
The Warren Shire Library successfully hosted a Spring school holiday program, featuring a visit from The Beanies, which attracted 160 attendees. Other activities included a tie-dye workshop, board games, movies and a pressed flower workshop. On October 16, the one-year anniversary of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library was celebrated, which sends free books to enrolled children until age five to promote early reading habits. Library policies are currently under review to ensure compliance with legal updates ahead of the NSW Public Libraries Association Annual Conference in Coffs Harbour, November 12-15.
ALLIANCE OF WESTERN COUNCILS TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE WATER OVERSIGHT
At the Alliance of Western Councils Board meeting on August 16, 2024, members discussed the Productivity Commissioner's Report, specifically looking into better oversight of water and sewer operations. A major highlight was the need for clarity around Community Service Obligations. The Board resolved to create a Management Advisory Group to meet with the Minister quarterly for the purpose of ongoing communication and support for future projects.
CHRISTMAS CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT
Council will close the Office, Service NSW Agency, Library, and Works Depot from Close of Business December 24, 2024, reopening on January 2, 2025.
The next Council Meeting will be held Thursday 5 December 2024.
-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Gary Woodman
General Manager, Warren Shire Council
gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.au
02 6847 6600