Council - 22 Jun 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Merimbula CBD traffic plan rewritten after community backlash
  Council ditched the exhibited CBD traffic trial and adopted a revised Merimbula layout with mini roundabouts, two-way Market Street, new pedestrian crossing and Beach Street changes.
  This will affect traffic movement, parking, pedestrian safety and business access in the centre of Merimbula.
• Council backs Bega hospital site for expanded early learning centre
  A 118-place early education and care centre is being progressed for the South East Regional Hospital site in Bega, with council publicly identifying it as the preferred expansion site.
  Could add childcare capacity for local families and reshape community service provision in Bega.
• Merimbula CBD traffic works tender rejected as scope changes
  Council rejected the original tender for the Merimbula CBD traffic trials and will negotiate a revised contract with the preferred tenderer.
  Signals a change in project delivery and procurement for a key town-centre infrastructure job.

Decisions

• Merimbula CBD Upgrade Project revised implementation
  Council resolved not to proceed with the exhibited traffic trial circulation scheme or detailed design, and instead endorsed a revised configuration for Merimbula CBD. The adopted package includes mini roundabouts, retained two-way traffic on Market Street, a formal pedestrian crossing, revised Beach Street works, time-limited parking, and a future HPAA subject to approval.
  Changes traffic flow, pedestrian access, parking and streetscape works in central Merimbula.
• Children's services expansion at Bega hospital site
  Council decided to continue progressing a 118-place early education and care centre on the South East Regional Hospital site in Bega and to publicly share that site as the preferred expansion location. The item was dealt with confidentially but the preferred site and project direction were noted in the public resolution.
  Could increase early childhood education capacity for families in Bega.
• Mapping errors planning proposal
  Council authorised officers to submit a planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination, and to finalise it without returning to Council if conditions are met and no substantial changes are required.
  May correct planning map errors affecting land use decisions and future development.
• Merimbula CBD traffic trials tender outcome
  Council rejected the tender from RD Miller Pty Ltd for the original traffic trials scope due to required changes, and delegated the CEO to negotiate with the preferred tenderer for a revised scope and contract outcome.
  Affects the timing and delivery of CBD road works and associated local contracts.
• Bega Valley watermains renewal/upgrade contract variation
  Council accepted a confidential recommendation and amended an earlier resolution relating to the watermains renewal/upgrade contract variation.
  May affect local water infrastructure works and delivery scheduling.

Discussion

• Red Fleet assets
  Council noted the NSW Government announcement taking control of the Rural Fire Service mobile assets known as the Red Fleet.
  Relevant to rural fire service asset management and emergency response arrangements.
• Brighter Futures service closure
  The mayor noted the early intervention Brighter Futures service would close shortly as another provider takes over.
  A change to a community support service for children, young people and families.
• Community consultation on Merimbula CBD
  Multiple deputations from residents, business and community groups opposed the exhibited CBD traffic trial, while others supported aspects of the community project proposals.
  Shows strong community interest in the future form of Merimbula town centre.
• Community Project Proposals (Major)
  The meeting heard public deputations for and against major community project proposals, including support for hall and sporting club projects.
  Signals competing local priorities for council-backed community facilities.

Impacts

• Merimbula residents and businesses will see a changed CBD traffic and parking arrangement rather than the originally exhibited trial.
• Beach Street and Market Street are likely to experience new circulation, parking and pedestrian treatments.
• Families in Bega may benefit from an expanded early education and care centre if the project proceeds.
• Planning map corrections may streamline or alter future development assessments.
• Local contractors and suppliers may be affected by revised tendering and scope changes for the Merimbula CBD works and water infrastructure.

Places

• Merimbula (town centre / CBD)
  Main location for the traffic, parking and streetscape decisions.
• Beach Street (street)
  Site of endorsed traffic, parking, playground and beautification works.
• Market Street (street)
  Retained two-way traffic and pedestrian crossing works in the CBD.
• Sapphire Coast Drive (road)
  Mini roundabout endorsed as part of the revised traffic configuration.
• Bega (town)
  Preferred site for the early education and care centre expansion.
• South East Regional Hospital site (facility site)
  Preferred expansion site for children's services in Bega.
• Twyford Hall (facility)
  Adjacent to the revised Beach Street traffic and pedestrian treatment area.
• Murrah Hall (community hall)
  Mentioned in public support for a community project proposal.

Next

• Council officers to submit the mapping errors planning proposal for Gateway Determination
  As soon as practicable
• Progress the Merimbula CBD revised traffic configuration and streetscape works
  Following the resolution and any required approvals
• Continue work on the Bega 118-place early education and care centre site
  Ongoing
• CEO to negotiate with the preferred tenderer for the revised Merimbula CBD traffic works scope
  After tender rejection
• Progress the watermains renewal/upgrade contract variation under the amended resolution
  Following confidential resolution

Extract

Bega Valley Shire Council - 1 - DRAFT Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Monday 22 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 Jacki...