funding · Bega Valley Shire Council
Bega Valley Council refuses to waive police station fees
Bega Valley Shire Council voted 9-0 not to waive outstanding UPL hoarding fees for the new Bega Police Station and asked Dr Michael Holland MP to press the NSW Government to pay them.
Bega Valley Shire Council has voted 9-0 not to waive outstanding use of public land hoarding fees linked to the new Bega Police Station, in a decision taken at its ordinary meeting in Bega on Wednesday, 10 June.
All councillors present backed the motion. The council said it welcomed the NSW Government's investment in the new station and recognised its importance to community safety, but argued that waiving the fees would shift the cost to Bega Valley Shire ratepayers.
Council also resolved to write to local member Dr Michael Holland MP, asking for his support and advocacy to make sure the NSW Government pays the fees in full. The chief executive officer was authorised to negotiate if needed and bring a further report back to council.
The police station issue sat within a busy planning and governance agenda. Council reinstated its September 2025 Code of Meeting Practice, replacing the January 2026 version, and said the revised code would apply immediately to council and committees made up entirely of councillors.
Councillors also backed a change of use at 2 Fishpen Road, Merimbula, from serviced apartments to permanent residential accommodation. They approved a three-lot residential subdivision at 80 O'Connell's Point Road, Wallaga Lake, subject to conditions.
Council adopted the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041 as exhibited and directed it be published on the council website. It also set councillor fees at $24,080 a year and the mayoral fee at $52,560 for 2026-27, with superannuation contributions paid on top.
Other matters included a petition from the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce about alternate CBD plans, which was referred to the community engagement part of a future staff report on the Merimbula CBD. Council also deferred a planning proposal for deferred matters to workshop further changes and their implications.
The meeting ended at 3.06pm.
Reference minutes
Bega Valley Shire Council ordinary meeting minutes, 10 June 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The vote on the police station fee waiver was 9-0.
- Council refused to waive outstanding UPL fees for the new Bega Police Station.
- Council said a waiver would transfer the cost burden to the Bega Valley Shire community.
- Council will write to Dr Michael Holland MP seeking his support and advocacy.
- The chief executive officer can negotiate and report back if needed.
- Council adopted the draft Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2026-2041.
- Council set councillor fees at $24,080 and mayoral fees at $52,560 for 2026-27.
Why it matters
- The council has kept a fee bill on a major public project in Bega, protecting local revenue while putting pressure on the NSW Government to meet the cost.