Council - 10 Jun 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Council reinstates older meeting rules after rescinding current code
  Council has switched back to an earlier Code of Meeting Practice, changing the rules that govern meetings and committee decision-making.
  This affects transparency, meeting procedure and how councillors conduct business in public.
• No fee waiver for new Bega Police Station
  Council refused to waive hoarding fees for the new police station and said the NSW Government should cover the cost.
  The decision protects council revenue but keeps pressure on project costs for a key safety facility.
• Planning approvals for Merimbula and Wallaga Lake
  Council backed a serviced-apartment-to-housing conversion in Merimbula and approved a three-lot subdivision at Wallaga Lake.
  These approvals affect housing supply, development activity and local planning outcomes.

Decisions

• Reinstated older Code of Meeting Practice
  Council rescinded the current January 2026 code and reinstated the September 2025 version based on the 2021 NSW Model Code, with supplementary provision 17.21, applying to council and all-councillor committees immediately.
  Changes how council meetings are run and what rules apply to decision-making and public transparency.
• No waiver for Bega Police Station hoarding fees
  Council decided not to waive outstanding use of public land fees for the new Bega Police Station, stating a waiver would shift costs to local ratepayers, and asked the local MP to advocate for the NSW Government to pay the fees.
  Protects council revenue but means the police station project does not get a local fee concession.
• Approved Merimbula change of use at 2 Fishpen Road
  Council supported a Clause 4.6 variation and related planning assessment for converting serviced apartments to residential dwellings at 2 Fishpen Road, Merimbula.
  Allows a local development proposal to proceed, affecting housing supply and land use in Merimbula.
• Approved 3-lot subdivision at Wallaga Lake
  Council approved Development Application 2025.315 for a three-lot residential subdivision at 80 O'Connell's Point Road, Wallaga Lake, subject to conditions.
  Enables new residential lots and future housing development at Wallaga Lake.
• Adopted draft Wolumla Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan
  Council adopted the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 as exhibited and directed it be published on the website.
  Sets infrastructure contribution settings that can affect future development costs and local infrastructure funding, including around Wolumla.
• Set councillor and mayoral fees for 2026-27
  Council resolved annual councillor fees of $24,080 and mayoral fees of $52,560 from 1 July 2026, plus superannuation contributions.
  Affects council governance costs and public accountability around elected representative payments.

Discussion

• Merimbula CBD petition referred to future community engagement
  A petition from the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce about alternate plans was referred to the community engagement component of a future staff report on the Merimbula CBD.
  Residents and businesses in Merimbula may see further consultation on CBD planning.
• Planning proposal for deferred matters was put on hold
  Council deferred the item to workshop further potential changes and understand the implications.
  Any delayed planning changes remain unresolved for now and may return later.
• Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool renewal tender accepted subject to funding
  Council accepted the recommended tender for the pool renewal design work, with execution contingent on confirmation from the grant funding body.
  The Bega pool project can proceed towards renewal if grant funding is confirmed.
• Debt write-off for Regional Express Holdings
  Council wrote off unrecoverable debt of $142,422.34 including GST.
  This is a financial loss to council but has limited direct day-to-day resident impact.
• Local Transport Forum endorsed road safety upgrades in Eden
  Council endorsed intersection control, signage/line marking and lighting improvements for Calle Street, Eden.
  Could improve road safety and night visibility for drivers and pedestrians in Eden.
• Councillor expenses policy sent out for public exhibition
  Policy 6.23 on councillor expenses and facilities was updated and will be exhibited for at least 28 days, with submissions invited for 42 days.
  Residents can comment on the rules governing councillor expenses and support.
• Quarterly reporting on council resolutions to continue
  Council endorsed quarterly progress reports on implementation of resolutions and noted the completed items in the current report.
  Improves tracking of council decisions and accountability.

Impacts

• Potential change in how council meetings are conducted and governed.
• No local fee relief for the Bega Police Station project, which may affect project costs.
• Possible housing and land-use changes in Merimbula and Wallaga Lake.
• Future development contributions in and around Wolumla may change.
• Road safety works may follow in Eden's Calle Street area.
• Residents can comment on the councillor expenses policy during exhibition.

Places

• Bega (town)
  Council headquarters and site of the new police station and pool renewal tender.
• Merimbula (town)
  Location of the Fishpen Road land-use proposal and CBD petition.
• 2 Fishpen Road (property)
  Proposed change of use from serviced apartments to residential dwellings.
• Wallaga Lake (locality)
  Site of the approved three-lot residential subdivision.
• 80 O'Connell's Point Road (property)
  Subdivision site approved by council.
• Wolumla (town)
  Subject of the adopted local infrastructure contribution plan.
• Eden (town)
  Calle Street transport safety upgrades were endorsed.
• Calle Street (road)
  Intersection and streetscape safety improvements were recommended.

Next

• Chief Executive Officer to make minor administrative and cross-referencing amendments to the reinstated Code of Meeting Practice.
  After resolution 73/26; immediate effect with any future advice to be reported back if needed.
• Council to write to Dr Michael Holland MP about the Bega Police Station fee issue.
  As soon as practicable.
• Chief Executive Officer to negotiate further if needed and report back on the Bega Police Station matter.
  If required.
• Publish the adopted Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 on council's website.
  Following adoption.
• Determine the outcome of the Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool tender once grant funding confirmation is received.
  Before contract commencement.
• Exhibit the updated councillor expenses policy for at least 28 days and receive submissions for 42 days.
  From the date of exhibition.
• Return the planning proposal for deferred matters to a workshop.
  Future workshop date not specified.

Extract

Bega Valley Shire Council - 1 - DRAFT Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega commencing at 2:00pm PRESENT Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor Cr Mitchell Nadin, Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Allen Cr Simon Daly Cr Peter Haggar Cr Clair Mudaliar Cr Peggy Noble Cr Helen O’Neil Cr David Porter IN ATTENDANCE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Anthony McMahon Director, Infrastructure, Mr Andrew Latta Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Mrs Emily Harrison Director, Organisational Services, Mrs Iliada Bolton Manager Engagement and Corporate Strategy, Mrs Kaliegh Smerdon Executive Officer (Minute Secretary), Mrs Ja...