Published on 30 October 2024
Elected representatives of the community, Councillors, come together to represent the views of the community and make strategic decisions on behalf of the community.
They are responsible for ensuring the Council operates in accordance with legislation, is financially responsible and delivering to the needs of the community within the means of the budget.
They meet regularly to make determinations on matters that impact on you and your community.
Following each meeting we provide a snapshot of the decisions that are made and the information that is tabled.
For a full outline of the meeting and the discussion points, please refer to the agenda and business papers, or listen to a recording of the meeting – that can be found with the agendas and minutes.
Stroud supermarket
Stroud residents will receive a new supermarket after Councillors approved a development application for the demolition of the current building to make way for a new supermarket.
Telecommunication tower - Wingham
A development application for the construction of a telecommunications facility at Richardson Street, Wingham was turned down by Councillors.
The elected body considered the residentially zoned land as inappropriate for the build and also received 12 submissions objecting the proposal.
Development activity and assessment performance
Councillors noted and accepted a report which outlined development activity and performance for the July-September quarter.
During this reporting period Council received 291 development applications and modification and dealt with 1623 individual customer requests in relation to development assessment and building certification.
MidCoast Council’s average DA processing time is 88 days compared to other large regional Councils of 113 days.
Annual carbon emissions report
In adopting the Climate Change Strategy in 2021 Council committed to achieving a net zero emissions and 100 percent renewable energy for its operations by 2040.
For 2023-24 approximately 69 per cent of Council’s emissions are from waste sent to landfills. To counteract this Council is implementing a number of initiatives including a trial of landfill gas flaring, food and garden organics collections and have constructed the Sustainability Centre and will continue community engagement to encourage further waste diversion.
Councillors approved round two of the Events and Sponsorship which saw $89,000 given to different organisers of upcoming events.
Council is committed to attracting and supporting events that capitalise on the strengths of the region to create a vibrant and connected community. Keep an eye out for the events making their way to the MidCoast region.
Councillors received encouraging feedback on Council’s Financial Reports, with the reports being confirmed as accurate through the external audit process.
At the completion of the 2023-2024 audit there were no material monetary, or disclosure changes required to the draft financial reports.
On that basis the NSW Audit Office advised they did not require the reports to be re-presented to Council for the signing of the Statement of Councillors and Management.
The outcome confirms the accuracy of Council’s financial statements, and the significant improvements made over a number of years.
The construction of a two-metre-wide shared path along Blackhead Road between Tallwoods Village and Diamond Beach Road will go ahead after Councillors approved the purchase three parcels of land.
Council will purchase parts of 411, 415 and 371 Blackhead Road, Hallidays Point.
The project supports Council’s delivery of services outlined in the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan for Hallidays Point.
For full details of all reports please see the meeting agenda.