Council - 25 Feb 2026 2:00pm

Key decisions

• Disaster recovery grading works contract awarded
  Council accepted a tender from A W Dummett Pty Ltd for DRFA grading works at various sites around Bega Valley Shire for $253,993 including GST, with the CEO delegated to execute documents and approve variations within budget.
  Supports restoration of road and related infrastructure at multiple locations across the shire after disaster impacts.
• Merimbula Airport airside toilet negotiations authorised
  Council delegated the CEO to negotiate with the future GA fuel provider to host an airside toilet facility in the general aviation area at Merimbula Airport, and if unsuccessful to negotiate with another GA lessee.
  Could improve basic amenities for airport users in the general aviation area, subject to negotiations and safety compliance.
• Mogilla Road retaining structure contract awarded
  Council accepted a tender from John Michelin & Son Pty Ltd for Mogilla Road retaining structure DRFA restoration works for $151,480 including GST, with the CEO delegated to execute documentation.
  Advances restoration works on Mogilla Road and may improve road stability and access.
• ANZAC Day 2026 traffic changes approved
  Council adopted Local Traffic Forum recommendations approving traffic arrangements and temporary road closures for ANZAC Day events in Bega, Bemboka and Tathra on 25 April 2026, and endorsed use of the Chandos Street bus stop in Eden for cruise ship operations.
  Residents should expect temporary road closures, event traffic management and transport changes on ANZAC Day and during cruise operations in Eden.
• Some tender offers rejected
  Council rejected tenders received for contract RFT 2526-005 and delegated the CEO to complete the necessary documentation and notify tenderers.
  A planned project under this tender will need a further procurement step before work can proceed.
• Bermagui sublicences renewed for three tenants
  Council approved direct negotiation of renewed three-year sublicence agreements for Bermagui Historical Society, Southern NSW Local Health District, and Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, subject to updated market rental valuation and new rental rebate applications.
  Provides greater tenure certainty for community, health and tourism-related occupancies in Bermagui.
• Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee appointments made
  Council appointed Martin Booth and George Araj as independent members of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and Jennifer Whitten as Chair.
  Strengthens council oversight of audit, risk and governance.
• Bega property sale to proceed in 2027
  Council resolved to proceed with the sale of Lot 3 DP240604, 17-19 Bunyarra Drive, Bega, indicatively in February 2027 to recover outstanding rates and charges.
  Confirms planned sale action on a rate-debt property in Bega.
• Affordable Housing Strategy progress noted
  Council noted progress made in implementing the Bega Valley Shire Affordable Housing Strategy from 1 July to 31 December 2025.
  Signals continued council work on local housing affordability, though no new measures were adopted at this meeting.
• Existing bubbler locations report requested
  Council asked staff to prepare a report identifying existing bubblers across the shire, potential new locations, and indicative capital and ongoing costs.
  May lead to future decisions on public drinking water access in towns and public spaces across the shire.

Important topics

• Subdivision approval at Kerrisons Lane, Bega noted
  Council noted that DA2022.352 for subdivision of Lot 21 DP 843223 at 88 Kerrisons Lane, Bega into four allotments had already been approved with conditions through the Planning Portal on 5 February 2026.
  Confirms a small subdivision approval in Bega already issued under delegated planning processes.
• Quarterly delivery plan progress report noted
  Council received the Delivery Plan 2025-2029 quarterly progress report for 1 October to 31 December 2025 and resolved to publish it on the council website.
  Residents can review council progress on planned projects and services.
• National General Assembly attendance and motions endorsed
  Council approved attendance by the Mayor, several councillors and the CEO or delegate at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly 2026 and agreed to forward proposed motions.
  May shape advocacy on wider local government issues affecting the shire.
• Merimbula CBD parking concerns raised
  In questions without notice, concerns were raised about Merimbula CBD parking impacts from masterplan changes and development, and the CEO said information would be brought back on what has been done since the 2015 masterplan.
  Parking supply in central Merimbula remains a live issue and may return to council for further reporting.

Resident impacts

• Road and restoration works funding was committed for disaster recovery projects across the shire and on Mogilla Road.
• Temporary road closures and traffic controls are expected for ANZAC Day events in Bega, Bemboka and Tathra on 25 April 2026.
• Merimbula Airport users may get a future airside toilet facility if negotiations with aviation tenants succeed.
• Community and service tenants in Bermagui received in-principle tenure extensions through renewed sublicences.
• A Bega property with outstanding rates is set to be sold in 2027 unless circumstances change.
• Residents may see future proposals for more public bubblers after staff report back.

Places affected

• Bega Valley Shire (local government area)
  Shire-wide disaster recovery grading works, bubbler review, affordable housing progress and general council decisions.
• Merimbula Airport (facility)
  Council authorised negotiations for an airside toilet facility in the general aviation area.
• Mogilla Road (road)
  Retaining structure disaster recovery restoration works contract awarded.
• Bega (town)
  ANZAC Day road closures approved; subdivision at 88 Kerrisons Lane noted; Bunyarra Drive property sale decision made.
• Bemboka (town)
  ANZAC Day traffic arrangements and road closures approved.
• Tathra (town)
  ANZAC Day traffic arrangements and road closures approved.
• Eden (town)
  Chandos Street bus stop endorsed for cruise ship operations.
• Bermagui (town)
  Three sublicence renewals approved for local organisations.

Next steps

• CEO to execute contract documentation and manage approved variations within budget for DRFA grading works.
  Following the meeting
• CEO to negotiate with the future GA fuel provider, or another GA lessee if needed, on an airside toilet facility at Merimbula Airport.
  Following the meeting
• CEO to execute contract documentation for Mogilla Road retaining structure restoration works.
  Following the meeting
• Event organisers to complete required notifications, signage and police approvals for ANZAC Day road closures.
  Before 25 April 2026
• Council to renew Bermagui sublicences subject to valuations and rebate applications.
  For a further three-year term after documentation is finalised
• Staff to report on existing and potential new bubbler locations and costs.
  Future council report
• Council to proceed toward sale of 17-19 Bunyarra Drive, Bega for recovery of rates and charges.
  Indicatively February 2027
• Further information on Merimbula CBD parking changes since the 2015 masterplan to be brought back.
  Future council reporting

Extracted minutes text

Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday 25 February 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 Jackie Grant Statement of Commence...