Bega Valley puts disability inclusion plan on public exhibition

Bega Valley Shire Council will put its draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 on public exhibition for 28 days after voting unanimously at its 27 May meeting in Bega.

The plan was backed 9-0, with councillors agreeing to invite broader community feedback before it is finalised. If no changes are needed after the exhibition, the draft can be adopted and published on the council website. If changes are required, staff must bring back a further report.

The exhibition gives residents and disability advocates a formal chance to comment on council’s accessibility and inclusion priorities for the next four years.

The same meeting also approved Development Application 2026.29 for a two-storey dwelling with an attached garage and detached shed at Lot 1 DP 758955, 61 Dilkera Road, Tathra. The approval is subject to the conditions of consent in the draft determination, and council will notify the applicant and those who made submissions.

Councillors also agreed to re-exhibit the Stage 1 draft amendments from the comprehensive DCP review for 21 days. Staff will meet with the development professionals group during that period, then return with a report on the feedback and any recommended changes.

Council also said it should consider a two-month period between endorsing the changes and the DCP taking effect, so development professionals have time to adjust to the new requirements.

Another resolution dealt with cemetery reservations at Bega, Bermagui, Eden and Pambula. Council endorsed steps to improve the efficient use of cemetery space, including media outreach to holders of unused conventional burial plot reservations, direct contact where possible, refunds of original interment fees where reservations are relinquished, and a stop to new conventional burial plot reservations at those cemeteries.

The meeting also received the April 2026 investment report, the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee quarterly report for March 2026, and the Delivery Plan 2025-2029 quarterly progress report for 1 January to 31 March 2026.

Other business included renewal of the lease to Merimbula Tennis Club Incorporated for 20 years by direct negotiation, without a new valuation, with the current rent to continue subject to annual CPI increases.

In Merimbula CBD, councillors backed an alternate project proposal by 3-6. The motion would redirect current grant funding towards Beach Street landscape and road upgrades, proceed with two roundabouts on the main traffic route, add minor Hylands Corner upgrades, and put draft designs on exhibition for 28 days before construction begins. A petition with 52 signatures from the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce was also tabled.