Council - 15 Jul 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Bega Saleyards future to be shaped by new infrastructure review and stakeholder forum
  Council will spend $50,000 on a needs analysis and site-specific asset plan for Bega Saleyards, while dissolving the existing stakeholder advisory group and moving to a broader user and stakeholder forum.
  The review will inform decisions on renewals, upgrades, preventative maintenance and the long-term direction of a facility used by producers and the local livestock sector.
• Tathra Wharf restoration contract awarded in $330,000-plus funding decision
  Council accepted a $245,394.44 contract for Tathra Wharf Cargo Building restoration works and approved the carryover and budget increase needed to fund the project.
  The decision advances restoration of a public wharf facility and commits substantial capital funding, subject to contract variations and provisional items.
• Merimbula CBD upgrade proposal defeated after traffic and public-space debate
  Council rejected a detailed alteration motion for the Merimbula CBD upgrade, leaving the proposed revised traffic, Beach Street and landscaping package without approval at this meeting.
  The decision affects future traffic arrangements, parking, pedestrian safety, public-space works and the delivery of grant-funded CBD improvements.

Decisions

• Bega Saleyards future planning
  Endorsed a Bega Saleyards infrastructure needs analysis and site-specific asset-management plan, noted the $50,000 2026/27 budget allocation, dissolved the stakeholder advisory group and required a user and stakeholder forum.
  This starts a formal process to assess the facility’s renewal, upgrade and maintenance needs and seek input from users.
• Tathra Wharf restoration contract
  Accepted Bega Valley Construction Pty Ltd’s $245,394.44 including GST tender for Tathra Wharf Cargo Building restoration works, with delegated authority for documentation, variations and extensions.
  Restoration works can proceed under the approved contract, subject to available funding and contract conditions.
• Development control changes
  Adopted Stage 1 amendments to the Bega Valley Development Control Plan, taking effect on 15 September 2026.
  The amended DCP will govern relevant development applications and planning assessments from that date.
• Wolumla voluntary planning agreement
  Gave in-principle support for a voluntary planning agreement for the proposed Wolumla Valley Estate and Stage 1 subdivision, with authority delegated to the CEO to exhibit, negotiate and decide whether to enter the agreement.
  The proposal will proceed to the next planning-agreement stage, including public exhibition.
• Merimbula CBD upgrade motion defeated
  Lost the alteration motion for the Merimbula CBD Upgrade Project, including revised traffic arrangements, Beach Street works and landscaping changes.
  The proposed package was not approved by Council at this meeting.
• Chief Executive Officer contract
  Authorised the Mayor to negotiate and execute a new five-year contract for CEO Anthony McMahon and endorsed annual performance reviews.
  The decision establishes the proposed leadership and review arrangements for Council’s chief executive.
• Microsoft licensing procurement
  Accepted the confidential recommendations for the Microsoft cloud user and on-premises server licensing procurement, subject to the contract terms and approved delegations.
  The decision supports Council’s technology licensing arrangements and continuity of digital services.

Discussion

• Development Control Plan amendments
  Council adopted amendments to the Bega Valley Development Control Plan, effective 15 September 2026.
  Residents and applicants should check the amended controls before lodging or commenting on development proposals.
• RU4 Primary Production Small Lots zone review
  Council approved a planning pathway to consider additional uses and possible rezoning of RU4 Primary Production Small Lots land.
  Affected landowners may see future changes to permitted uses and planning controls, subject to further studies and formal planning processes.
• Merimbula CBD Upgrade Project
  The proposed Merimbula CBD alteration package was defeated.
  Traffic, parking, pedestrian and public-space changes proposed in the motion will not proceed under that resolution.
• Wolumla Valley Estate planning agreement
  Council endorsed a process for a voluntary planning agreement connected to a proposed Wolumla Valley Estate development.
  The agreement will be exhibited and may determine public benefits and developer contributions associated with the proposal.
• Bega Saleyards future direction
  Council agreed to pursue further consultation and planning for the future of Bega Saleyards.
  Users and stakeholders will have opportunities to help shape the facility’s future asset renewals and upgrades.
• Cuttagee Bridge consultation and land claims
  Council discussed consultation and land-claim issues affecting Cuttagee Bridge.
  The outcome of discussions with Crown Lands may influence the timing and delivery of bridge works.

Impacts

• Development-control amendments take effect on 15 September 2026 and may affect planning applications.
• The Merimbula CBD traffic, parking and public-space package proposed in the alteration motion was not approved.
• Bega Saleyards users and stakeholders will be consulted as Council plans future renewals, upgrades and maintenance.
• Tathra Wharf Cargo Building restoration works can proceed under a $245,394.44 contract, with additional project funding arrangements recorded.
• The proposed Wolumla Valley Estate planning agreement will proceed through further exhibition and consideration.
• Cuttagee Bridge progress may be affected by consultation and land-claim discussions with Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council and Crown Lands.

Places

• Bega Saleyards (facility)
  Existing saleyards facility subject to an infrastructure needs analysis and future asset-management planning
• Mine Lane, Wolumla (locality/project area)
  Proposed development and voluntary planning agreement area
• Tathra Wharf (facility)
  Wharf cargo building restoration project
• Merimbula CBD (town/project area)
  CBD traffic, parking, landscaping and pedestrian-safety project
• Cuttagee Bridge (infrastructure project)
  Road and bridge project discussed in relation to consultation and land claims
• Barclay Street, Eden (road/project area)
  Stormwater upgrades and water-quality work mentioned in the Coast and Flood Management Committee report
• Bega Valley Shire (local government area)
  Development control and zoning changes apply across the Bega Valley Shire
• 1 Kalinda Street, Merimbula (property/facility)
  Lease renewal for the tennis club facility

Next

• Prepare the Bega Saleyards infrastructure needs analysis and site-specific asset-management plan and hold a user and stakeholder forum.
  Following the 15 July 2026 resolution; $50,000 is included in the 2026/27 budget.
• Exhibit and consider the voluntary planning agreement for the Wolumla Valley Estate proposal.
  Future planning-agreement process; timing not specified.
• Implement the adopted Bega Valley DCP amendments.
  From 15 September 2026.
• Council and Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council CEOs to write to the Crown Lands Minister about Cuttagee Bridge-related land claims.
  Following the meeting referred to in the questions without notice; exact timing not specified.
• Negotiate and execute the new CEO contract and conduct annual performance reviews.
  Contract negotiation following the resolution; reviews annually during the contract.

Extract

Bega Valley Shire Council - 1 - DRAFT Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega commencing at 2:00pm PRESENT Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor - Apology Cr Mitchell Nadin, Deputy Mayor - Chairperson 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 Acting Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Mr Alan Gundrill Director, Organisational Services, Mrs Iliada Bolton Manager Engagement and Corporate Strategy, Mrs Kaliegh Smerdon Minute Secretar...