Council - 21 Oct 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Bega’s $305 million infrastructure hurdle puts 2,200 potential homes under pressure
  Council has deferred the Bega Urban Land Release planning proposal while identifying approximately $305.3 million in enabling infrastructure costs.
  The decision could affect the timing and feasibility of thousands of future homes and the division of costs between developers, Council and the NSW Government.
• 166 new lots approved for East Street Bega
  Council approved a 166-lot residential subdivision and public reserve at 134 East Street.
  The approval is a concrete housing and land-supply decision for Bega, with implications for future residents and local infrastructure.
• Council writes off more than $337,000 in Twyford debts as it prepares to take over management
  Council resolved to write off a $333,000 loan liability and additional fees owed by the Twyford Hall Committee Limited.
  The decision has a significant public-finance angle and coincides with Council assuming management control of the complex.

Decisions

• Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal deferred
  Consideration was deferred to 18 November 2026. Landowners and submitters are to be notified, and the future report must include the revised planning proposal and a map aligning changes with approved lot boundaries.
  The proposal concerns future housing capacity and infrastructure requirements in Bega. Council material estimates enabling infrastructure at approximately $305.3 million and identifies potential capacity of about 2,200 lots, subject to servicing and funding.
• 166-lot subdivision approved at 134 East Street, Bega
  Council approved Development Application 2022.209 for a 166-lot subdivision and public reserve, subject to the draft notice of determination. The proposed reserve will be dedicated as public reserve and is intended to be classified as community land.
  The decision enables a substantial new residential subdivision and adds public reserve land in Bega.
• Twyford Hall fees and charges adopted
  Council adopted amended fees and charges for the Twyford Hall Complex, to take effect when Council assumes management control of the complex on 4 November 2026.
  The decision will affect users hiring or accessing Twyford Hall facilities.
• Twyford-related debts written off
  Council resolved to write off a $333,000 debt owed by The Twyford Hall Committee Limited, plus $3,504.40 for a shop lease preparation fee, $940 for a development-application-related inspection fee and $15 in late payment charges.
  The write-off removes more than $337,000 in debts owed to Council and may affect Council’s financial position and future management arrangements for the complex.
• Properties with unpaid rates to be sold
  Council authorised sale proceedings by public auction for properties listed in the report, with Custom Collection Services and MCW Lawyers appointed to administer the process. The Chief Executive Officer was given authority to withdraw properties where debts are paid or legal and technical issues arise, set reserve prices and negotiate private sales if auctions fail.
  Property owners with significant unpaid rates may face auction proceedings, while recovered debts may protect Council revenue.
• Civil works and services tender panel established
  Council supported the confidential recommendation to appoint tenderers to a panel for civil works and services under nominated categories and tendered schedule-of-rates arrangements. The concreting category includes nine contractors, including A&J Power Formwork and Civil, AW Dummett, BKR Contracting, East Coast Civil Constructions, JSC, Mondos Concreting, PCA Ground Engineering, South East Buildings and Concrete, and TS Carpentry and Concreting.
  The panel provides a standing procurement arrangement for future Council civil works and may create work opportunities for local and regional contractors.
• Merimbula Boardwalk renewal remains targeted for pre-Christmas access
  The project is about 70% complete, with forecast expenditure of $10.22 million excluding GST against an approved $10.93 million budget. Public access remains targeted before Christmas 2026, while contract completion is forecast for February 2027. The revised contract value is $8,896,269.80 excluding GST after approved variations.
  Residents and visitors may regain access to the boardwalk and foreshore precinct before Christmas, although weather, site conditions and approvals could cause further delays.
• Community satisfaction survey action plan endorsed
  Council noted the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey, resolved to publish the research report on its website, endorsed the report’s action plan and committed to another survey in 2028.
  Residents will be able to review the survey findings and track Council’s planned responses to community feedback.
• Bega Valley Police Station land-use settlement authorised
  Council authorised a deed of release and settlement with the NSW Police Force concerning fees for use of public land at the Bega Police Station, including execution under the Council Seal.
  The settlement resolves a Council and NSW Police land-use fee matter involving public land.

Discussion

• Bega growth infrastructure
  Council material identifies approximately $305.3 million in enabling infrastructure costs for the Bega Urban Land Release Area, with funding potentially shared between developers, Council and the NSW Government.
  The cost and timing of water, sewer, transport and other infrastructure will influence when future housing land can be developed and who carries associated costs.
• Smart-glasses privacy advocacy
  Council considered a motion seeking stronger privacy protections for camera-equipped smart glasses, including advocacy to the Australian Information Commissioner, the eSafety Commissioner and the Commonwealth Government.
  The motion addresses privacy and recording risks from wearable devices used in public places.
• Commercial abalone transition
  Council noted the NSW Government’s voluntary share surrender program for commercial abalone shareholders and the planned closure of the Central Zone to commercial abalone fishing from 1 July 2027. The motion raised concerns about the support arrangements and requested advocacy to the Minister and local State representative.
  The changes may affect commercial fishers, seafood businesses and coastal communities, including areas near Eden.
• Merimbula CBD traffic and parking
  A motion sought further planning for Beach Street traffic and parking arrangements, including potential restoration of additional parking and accessible parking. The material also notes that further changes would require internal funding and that staff intend to prepare an interim report.
  Any changes could affect drivers, pedestrians, businesses, taxi users and people with disability in central Merimbula.
• Water bubbler asset inventory
  Council received a report on water bubblers and noted ongoing work to record the type and location of existing bubblers across the Shire as part of its asset inventory.
  The inventory is intended to improve Council’s knowledge of public drinking-water infrastructure and future maintenance planning.
• Strategic planning priorities
  Council noted the report on Strategic Planning Service work priorities and resolved to schedule a councillor workshop before next year’s budget is developed.
  The workshop may influence which planning, housing and development projects receive staff and budget attention.

Impacts

• A 166-lot residential subdivision and public reserve were approved at 134 East Street, Bega.
• The Bega urban land-release proposal will return for consideration on 18 November 2026, with updated mapping and notifications to affected landowners and submitters.
• Twyford Hall fees and charges will change when Council assumes management control on 4 November 2026.
• Twyford-related debts exceeding $337,000 were written off.
• Properties with unpaid Council rates may be sold by public auction, subject to statutory processes and opportunities to clear debts.
• Merimbula Boardwalk public access remains targeted before Christmas 2026, but the overall construction contract is forecast to finish in February 2027.
• Council will publish the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey and its action plan online.
• Merimbula Beach Street parking and traffic changes may be reviewed through a future interim report.

Places

• Bega (town and planning area)
  Location of the Urban Land Release Area, Structure Plan and approved 166-lot subdivision at 134 East Street.
• 134 East Street, Bega (development site)
  Approved site for a 166-lot residential subdivision and public reserve.
• Merimbula (town and project area)
  Location of the Boardwalk Renewal Project and Beach Street CBD traffic and parking arrangements.
• Beach Street, Merimbula (road and town centre)
  Subject of proposed further review of traffic and parking arrangements.
• Twyford Hall Complex (facility)
  Subject of amended fees, future Council management and debt write-offs.
• Pambula (town and development site)
  Location of 39 Quondolo Street development application, which Council refused.
• Eden (town and coastal area)
  Within the Central Zone affected by planned commercial abalone fishing changes; also identified in broader urban renewal planning.
• Bega Police Station (public facility)
  Subject of the land-use fee settlement with NSW Police.

Next

• Return the Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal to Council with updated material, mapping and notifications.
  Council meeting on 18 November 2026.
• Publish the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey research report and implement the endorsed action plan.
  Following the 21 October 2026 resolution.
• Schedule a councillor workshop on Strategic Planning Service priorities before preparation of the next financial-year budget.
  Before the next budget is developed.
• Prepare an interim report on Merimbula Beach Street traffic and parking arrangements.
  Future Council report; date not specified.
• Continue construction and project recovery measures for the Merimbula Boardwalk Renewal Project.
  Public access targeted before Christmas 2026; contract completion forecast for February 2027.
• Notify affected landowners and submitters about the deferred Bega planning proposal.
  Before the 18 November 2026 meeting.
• Upload endorsed motions to the Local Government NSW conference agenda.
  By midnight Australian Eastern Daylight Time on 25 October 2026.

Extract

Bega Valley Shire Council - 1 - DRAFT Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega commencing at 2:00pm PRESENT Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor Cr Tony Allen, Deputy Mayor - Apology Cr Simon Daly Cr Peter Haggar Cr Clair Mudaliar Cr Mitchell Nadin 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 Acting Manager Engagement and Corporate Strategy, Mr Pete Wild Executive Officer (Minute Secre...