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Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections
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Councillor Claire Pontin returns to her role as Mayor after being voted back into the position for another year.
Councillor Alan Tickle was also re-elected to the role of Deputy Mayor.
Councillors Pontin and Tickle have held their positions since the 2021 local government election and will continue to be Mayor until the September 2024 local government election.
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Development consent denied
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An application to modify development consent for a caravan park at 57 Stroud Street Bulahdelah was refused by Councillors. The applicant had asked to modify the consent to be able to avoid paying developer contributions of $380,219.57, to remove water services requirements and provide nine additional camp sites.
Councillors agreed the application set undesirable precedents and is not in the public interest and the application is inconsistent with Council’s Developer Contribution Plans.
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Parry’s Cove Marina no longer an endorsed urban release area
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Councillors supported the decision to no longer recognise the Tea Gardens Growth Area 3 or what is known as Parry’s Cove as an endorsed Urban Release Area.
The decision was based on NSW Government agency responses and significant concerns raised. As a result Councillors endorsed letters being sent to the landowner and the Department of Planning and Environment advising them on Council’s position and that Council would not accept a planning proposal for the site.
This means that while the area may be rezoned for residential or other purposes in the future, it will not take the form of a marina.
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MidCoast Destination Management Plan
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Councillors voted to place the draft MidCoast Destination Management Plan on public exhibition for a minimum of 25 days.
The draft plan builds on the extensive work that has been completed since the previous plan which was finalised and launched in 2017. That work included the development and implementation of the Destination Barrington Coast brand and its award-winning marketing campaign.
The new draft plan sets the direction and prioritises the sustainable growth of the visitor economy of the MidCoast Council Local Government Area to 2030 and beyond.
Council is seeking feedback from the community on this issue. You can do this by visiting our Have Your Say page
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Draft Playspace and Skatepark Strategies
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Strategies that set the future direction for the planning and provision of play spaces and skate parks in the MidCoast have been endorsed by Councillors and are now on exhibition for community comment.
The strategies outline how the region’s playgrounds and skateparks will be planned for over the next 12 years and will be used as a tool to attract funding for upgrades and replacements.
These documents set the longer-term strategic direction of these much loved community assets and Council would like community feedback on them. The goal is to ensure our playgrounds are managed and delivered in the most effective manner for social, economic and environmental outcomes for the community.
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Draft plan of management – North Tuncurry Sports Complex
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The community is invited to provide feedback on a document that sets out the future direction of North Tuncurry Sports Area.
MidCoast Councillors endorsed the draft Plan of Management for North Tuncurry Sports Area and it is now on public exhibition for community comment.
The draft Plan of Management outlines how the area, which includes the North Tuncurry Sports Complex, will be used and managed into the future and will be used as a tool to attract funding for upgrades to the area.
It sets the longer-term strategic direction of this popular recreational area and Council would like to hear the community’s feedback.
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Monthly capital works projects, status report – Community Spaces
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A total of 48 projects are currently underway to improve community, cultural, sporting and recreational facilities.
Projects are underway in a range of areas including aquatic facilities, boardwalks, cultural facilities, halls, non-council projects, other facilities, playgrounds and parks, showgrounds, sporting facilities and flood recovery. A run down of each of the projects can be found at
Agendas and minutes - MidCoast Council (nsw.gov.au)
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Water and wastewater monthly performance report
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A high level of compliance continues to be achieved.
The report suggested water usage continues to sit above average, but water restrictions are not required as yet but that could change with the predicted summer conditions expected and unless rainfall is received in the coming months.
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Tender – Sale of dredged sand
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The report recommended the sale of dredged sand that will be stockpiled in Vincent Fazio Park be awarded to Allum Property Group Pty Ltd.
The sand is a byproduct of forthcoming dredging operations in Wallis Lake funded by State Government Grants and Council’s Environmental Levy. On top of the direct costs of the dredging operations there is also a royalty fee to be paid to the State Government for the sand.
It was Council’s intention to collect sufficient income from the sale to cover the royalty fee and a portion of the fixed dredging costs. The nominated sale price from the tenderer achieves that outcome. All costs associated with collecting and relocating the sand from the stockpile site will be met by the tenderer.
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Local roads repair program update
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A report outlined the positive impact of the $7.5 million Local Road Repair Program has had on local roads.
While adopting the 2022/23 Operating Plan, Councillors endorsed an additional investment of $7.5 million in major repair/rehabilitation on our local road network as an initial response to the impact of extended wet weather on our deteriorated road network.
The report revealed the work is largely complete with the exception of final bitumen sealing on the projects completed toward the end of the year.
Work is also progressing on the development of a Road Strategy which will be presented to Council at the October 2023 Council Meeting.
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Hire E-Scooter Trial at Forster and Tuncurry
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Councillors accepted a report that tabled the recommendation of a E-Scooter trial in Forster-Tuncurry. Transport for NSW established an E-Scooter trial program for NSW. Council submitted a proposal to run the program in Forster-Tuncurry. Transport for NSW supported the proposal and requested Council move forward with the trial.
Transport for NSW will be gazetting the trial to allow the use of E-Scooters on the road network. There are no legal implications for Council.
The recommendations included;
- The Hire E-Scooter trial be approved for 12 months.
- A progress report be provided to Council after the first six months of the trial or if it is proposed to increase the number of scooters above 150
- One and/or two Councillors to be nominated to join the stakeholder committee for the trial.
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