Council Meeting highlights

31 August, 2021Posted in: Other
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Council chambers 2021

The Extraordinary Meeting of Monday 30 August began with the announcement of three Directors as part of the revised Council structure.

It was announced Mr Geoff King had secured the role of Director Communities and Place, Ms Carmel Foster as Director Corporate Strategy and Resourcing and Ms Karin Targa as Director Service Delivery and Projects.

It is expected all three successful candidates will take up their respective roles in October.

Council’s Interim Administrator Mr Viv May also requested a review be conducted into the public hiring of Council halls and facilities.  Mr May said the review followed concerns raised from some residents around complexities encountered when hiring these facilities.

Mr May also announced that former Bega Valley Shire General Manager Ms Leanne Barnes will join Council for three months as the organisation’s Bushfire Recovery Project Facilitator.   Ms Barnes will progress the recommendations as per the independent review undertaken by Mr Dave Owens as part of the Interim Administrator’s review into Council’s handling of the Black Summer bushfires.

The Interim Administrator acknowledged that the NSW Bushfires Coronial Inquiry into the 2019/20 had recently commenced.  Mr May reminded residents impacted by the bushfires, particularly those persons called by the State Coroner to take part in the Inquiry, of available help.  Mr May urged anyone with concerns to contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 and ask to be referred to a Bushfire Recovery Clinician.  This support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Council is also set to join the Country Mayor’s Association.  It was heard that this association seeks to promote the interests of rural councils and make submissions to LGNSW.
Membership is $750 per year and involves four meetings per annum.

The meeting concluded with Mr May announcing that Mr Norm Smith, an independent auditor, has been tasked to review the Civic Centre Refurbishment Project.  Mr Smith’s brief will include assessing the project plan, scope, budget and procurement processes.

The Agenda and Interim Administrator’s Minutes presented as part of the Extraordinary Meeting can be found online at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Meeting-Minutes-Agendas.