Council - 10 Jun 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Council refuses to waive Bega Police Station fees
  Council has told the NSW Government it should pay full hoarding fees for the new police station, refusing to absorb the cost locally.
  It keeps a direct cost off ratepayers and highlights tension over who pays for state infrastructure impacts.
• Merimbula and Wallaga Lake planning decisions clear way for housing changes
  Council backed a serviced-apartment-to-residential change in Merimbula and approved a three-lot subdivision at Wallaga Lake.
  These decisions affect housing supply, local character and development activity in two coastal communities.
• Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool renewal tender accepted
  Council has selected a design tender for the pool renewal project, subject to grant funding being confirmed.
  The project is a significant community facility upgrade that may lead to construction work and future service disruption.

Decisions

• Code of Meeting Practice reinstated
  Council rescinded the current code adopted in January 2026 and reinstated the September 2025 version based on the 2021 Model Code, with supplementary provision 17.21, applying to council and committee meetings.
  This changes how council meetings are run and may affect public participation, meeting procedures and transparency.
• No waiver of Bega Police Station hoarding fees
  Council declined to waive outstanding use of public land hoarding fees for the new Bega Police Station and resolved to ask the local member to advocate for full payment by the NSW Government.
  Protects ratepayer-funded revenue and confirms council will not absorb the cost of the police station project.
• Merimbula serviced apartments change-of-use supported
  Council supported a Clause 4.6 variation request and considered the section 4.15 matters for a proposed change from serviced apartments to residential dwellings at 2 Fishpen Road, Merimbula.
  Affects housing use and development outcomes in Merimbula, including local accommodation supply.
• Wallaga Lake 3-lot subdivision approved
  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 associated development in Wallaga Lake.
• Draft local infrastructure contribution plan adopted
  Council adopted the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 as exhibited and published it on council’s website.
  Sets the framework for infrastructure contributions that may affect future development costs and local project funding.
• Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool renewal tender accepted
  Council accepted the recommended tender for design of the renewal of the Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool, subject to grant funding confirmation, and delegated authority to the CEO to execute documents.
  Advances the pool renewal project and signals likely future works in Bega if funding is confirmed.
• Councillor and mayoral fees set for 2026-27
  Council set the annual councillor fee at $24,080 and the mayoral fee at $52,560, with superannuation contributions payable.
  Affects council operating costs and public reporting on elected member remuneration.

Discussion

• Merimbula CBD petition referred into engagement
  A petition from the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce about alternate plans was not decided directly; it was referred to community engagement for a future Merimbula CBD report.
  Signals further consultation on CBD planning matters in Merimbula.
• Calle Street, Eden safety upgrades endorsed
  Council endorsed intersection control changes, improved signage and road markings, and lighting upgrades for Calle Street as recommended by the Local Transport Forum.
  May improve road safety and night-time visibility in Eden.
• Deferred matters planning proposal postponed
  Council deferred consideration of the planning proposal for deferred matters to workshop further changes and understand implications.
  Delays potential planning rule changes until further work is completed.

Impacts

• Possible changes to meeting rules and public access to council decision-making.
• No local ratepayer subsidy for police station hoarding fees.
• Potential new residential use at 2 Fishpen Road, Merimbula.
• New residential subdivision approved at Wallaga Lake.
• Future development contributions plan may influence infrastructure funding and development costs.
• Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool renewal project moved forward.
• Road safety works may be considered for Calle Street, Eden.
• Councillor and mayoral remuneration set for the next financial year.

Places

• Bega (town)
  Police station fees, swimming pool renewal and council headquarters area.
• Bega Police Station (facility)
  Subject of the hoarding fee waiver decision.
• Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool (facility)
  Subject of the accepted design tender for renewal.
• Merimbula (town)
  Public forum deputation, petition about CBD planning, and planning decision at Fishpen Road.
• 2 Fishpen Road (address)
  Proposed change of use from serviced apartments to residential dwellings.
• Wallaga Lake (locality)
  Location of approved three-lot residential subdivision at 80 O’Connell’s Point Road.
• Eden (town)
  Local Transport Forum recommendations for Calle Street safety upgrades.
• Calle Street (road)
  Intersection control, signage and lighting improvements endorsed.

Next

• Write to Dr Michael Holland MP seeking NSW Government support for payment of Bega Police Station hoarding fees.
  as soon as practicable
• Publish the adopted draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 on council’s website.
  immediately after adoption
• Provide a further report or proceed once grant funding confirmation is received for the Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool renewal tender.
  when funding confirmation is received
• Exhibit Review of Policy 6.23 for at least 28 days and receive submissions for 42 days.
  next consultation period
• Return the deferred planning proposal to a workshop for further scope discussion.
  future workshop

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...