Council - 25 Mar 2026 2:00pm

Key decisions

• Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan to be exhibited
  Council resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 for at least 28 days, with adoption to follow if no submissions are received.
  Residents, developers and landowners may be affected by future infrastructure contribution settings and can make submissions during exhibition.
• Planning proposal supported for 71 Green Point Road, Millingandi
  Council supported a planning proposal to amend the minimum lot size for Lot 281 DP1048627 at 71 Green Point Road, Millingandi, to be sent for Gateway Determination and then publicly exhibited.
  Nearby residents and property owners may be affected by future subdivision and land-use changes if the proposal proceeds.
• Minor amendments to Bega Valley LEP 2013 progressed
  Council supported a planning proposal for several minor amendments to the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 and authorised officers to seek a Gateway Determination and progress it through exhibition and finalisation if unopposed.
  Planning controls across the shire may change in minor ways, subject to the statutory planning process.
• Tura Beach and Cobargo Flood Studies endorsed
  Council endorsed the Tura Beach and Cobargo Flood Studies as the best available interim flood information and directed that they be published on Council’s website and provided to the Local Emergency Management Committee.
  Property owners, residents and emergency planners in flood-affected areas will have updated flood information to guide planning and risk management.
• Litter Prevention Roadmap endorsed for grant applications
  Council endorsed the Litter Prevention Roadmap, noting delivery depends on successful NSW EPA grant funding.
  This may support future anti-litter projects and funding bids that improve public spaces and waste reduction outcomes.
• Merimbula Ford Park pavilion design consultancy awarded
  Council identified Adriano Pupilli Architects Pty Ltd as preferred architect for RFQ 2425-111 and authorised entering into a contract for $217,990.85 including GST, subject to grant deed execution.
  This advances design work for improvements at Merimbula Ford Park Pavilion.
• Land and facility licences approved in Eden and Bega
  Council delegated authority for a 3-year licence to the Aboriginal Evangelical Church Eden for Council-owned community land on Moorhead Street, Eden, and approved a licence to the National Rugby League for part of the Bega Tennis Courts Clubhouse at the Bega Recreation and Sports Precinct.
  These decisions affect how community land and sports facilities are occupied and managed.
• Environment Levy reserves to fund enterprise precinct constraints analysis
  Council authorised use of Environment Levy reserves to undertake an environmental constraints analysis of potential sites for a new enterprise precinct between Bega and Wolumla.
  This is an early step toward assessing land for future employment or industrial development in the corridor between Bega and Wolumla.

Important topics

• Code of Conduct policy exhibition
  Draft policy 6.29 Code of Conduct will go on public exhibition for at least 28 days, with submissions open for 42 days.
  Residents can comment on governance standards and expectations for councillor and staff conduct.
• Canberra Region Joint Organisation support
  Council resolved to write to the Office of Local Government supporting retention of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation and to advocate for ongoing NSW Government funding.
  Regional cooperation can affect advocacy, shared services and planning across councils.
• Central Waste Facility landfill gas agreement
  The Chief Executive Officer was authorised to investigate and negotiate a deed of variation for operation and maintenance of the landfill gas extraction system, with any legal agreement to return to Council.
  This affects waste facility operations and environmental management.
• Playground project and Pacific Way playground future
  Council endorsed Option 1 for a project involving the Pambula Merimbula Lions Club, directed negotiation of an MOU, and foreshadowed decommissioning the nearby Pacific Way playground when it reaches end of life, supported by a public awareness campaign.
  Families and nearby residents may see changes to local playground provision and upgrades to consolidated play spaces.
• Local traffic matters from the Local Traffic Forum
  Council adopted Local Traffic Forum recommendations including a 60-metre No Stopping zone on Newtown Road near the Auckland Street intersection, and deferred the Eden Safe System Assessment for Imlay Street to a councillor workshop.
  Drivers and nearby residents may see changed parking controls and future road safety discussions.
• Bega District Band support follow-up
  Council requested a report on the best mechanism to ensure there are no net financial impacts to the Bega District Band from water and sewer access charges.
  This could lead to future financial relief for a community organisation that supports local civic events.
• Children’s Services Expansion Feasibility Study considered confidentially
  Council moved the feasibility study into closed session and, after considering the assessment and survey findings, delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to implement the resolution.
  The matter concerns potential expansion of children’s services, but detailed commercial information remains confidential for now.
• June 2026 council meeting rescheduled
  The ordinary Council meeting set for Wednesday 24 June 2026 was rescheduled to Monday 22 June 2026.
  Residents who attend or follow Council meetings should note the changed date.

Resident impacts

• Residents can make submissions on the draft Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan and draft Code of Conduct during public exhibition.
• Flood-prone communities in Tura Beach and Cobargo will have updated flood studies published for planning and emergency management use.
• Planning changes may affect future development opportunities in Millingandi and across areas covered by minor LEP amendments.
• Merimbula residents will see progress on pavilion design work at Ford Park.
• Users of community land and sports facilities in Eden and Bega may be affected by new licence arrangements.
• Road users near Auckland Street and Newtown Road will be affected by a new No Stopping zone.
• Families using local playgrounds may be affected by future consolidation and eventual decommissioning of the Pacific Way playground.
• Future business and employment land planning between Bega and Wolumla is being investigated through an environmental constraints analysis.

Places affected

• Millingandi (locality)
  Planning proposal for minimum lot size change at 71 Green Point Road.
• Tura Beach (suburb/locality)
  Flood study endorsed and to be published.
• Cobargo (town)
  Flood study endorsed and to be published.
• Merimbula Ford Park (facility)
  Pavilion design consultancy approved.
• Moorhead Street, Eden (street/locality)
  Licence approved for occupation of Council-owned community land by the Aboriginal Evangelical Church Eden.
• Bega Recreation and Sports Precinct (facility)
  Licence approved for National Rugby League use of upstairs room at the Bega Tennis Courts Clubhouse.
• Auckland Street / Newtown Road intersection (road intersection)
  New No Stopping zone approved following line-of-sight assessment.
• Bega to Wolumla corridor (project area)
  Environmental constraints analysis approved for potential new enterprise precinct sites.

Next steps

• Publicly exhibit the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 and bring back a report if substantial changes or submissions arise
  Minimum 28-day exhibition; next available meeting if needed
• Submit the Millingandi planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination and then place it on public exhibition
  After Council resolution and Gateway process
• Submit minor LEP amendment planning proposal for Gateway Determination and progress through exhibition and finalisation if unopposed
  Subject to Gateway conditions and exhibition
• Publish the Tura Beach and Cobargo Flood Studies on Council’s website and provide them to the Local Emergency Management Committee
  Following endorsement
• Apply for further NSW EPA grant funding using the endorsed Litter Prevention Roadmap
  As funding opportunities arise
• Negotiate and formalise a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pambula Merimbula Lions Club and undertake a public awareness campaign about the playground decision
  Next stages of the project
• Undertake an environmental constraints analysis of potential enterprise precinct sites between Bega and Wolumla
  Using authorised Environment Levy reserves
• Prepare a report on options to avoid net financial impacts on the Bega District Band from water and sewer access charges
  Future council report

Extracted minutes text

Ordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday 25 March 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 Commencemen...