Wrap of September meeting
Published on 27 September 2019
MAYORAL MINUTES
City’s youth back climate change fight
Broken Hill has joined Councils from across Australia and New Zealand in declaring climate change as an emergency. The Declaration of a Climate Emergency was made via a Mayoral Minute, and was supported by correspondence around the matter from Anika Molesworth of Landcare Broken Hill. The passing of the Mayoral Minute was met with loud applause from young members of the community who packed the gallery to support the climate change stance. Council will now include climate change as a key consideration during the upcoming review of the Community Strategic Plan.
Call to return cheap fares
In another Mayoral Minute, Mayor Darriea Turley AM called for the reinstatement of cheap coach fares between Broken Hill and Adelaide. Council will officially request that NSW Trainlink reintroduce the Country Pensioner Excursion ticket, to allow pensioners and seniors to travel to Adelaide at a cost of $2.50.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Legal costs queried
Councillor Tom Kennedy requested reports outlining Council’s legal costs across all matters since 1/7/2016, and the total to-date costs of the Civic Centre refurbishments. Councillors agreed to receive a report of Council’s total legal expenses as this information is already public, but declined the call for Civic Centre refurbishment costs due to ongoing litigation around the project.
Consensus not reached on cricket pitch
Councillor Kennedy called for Council to install a cricket pitch at the Picton Oval, and estimated the cost at $6,000. There was debate over whether the Picton Oval Committee and Barrier District Cricket League had reached an agreement over the proposed use of the oval and the installation of a pitch. In the end Council resolved to consider the installation of a pitch at Lamb Oval.
REPORTS
Councillor Adams voted new Deputy Mayor
Councillor Christine Adams was voted in as Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the current Council’s tenure, defeating Councillor Tom Kennedy 6-2 in the voting. Councillors also thanked Marion Browne for work as Deputy Mayor prior Cr Adams’ appointment. The Deputy Mayor will exercise the Mayor’s functions at the request of the Mayor, or if the Mayor is unavailable to carry out her duties.
Leadership training for new Council
Councillors considered undertaking a leadership program as part of their professional development. However Councillors declined the program as they are the in the final year of their current term, and resolved to instead ensure the program is offered to the new Councillors elected in 2020.
Alcohol allowed for Film Festival
Councillors agreed to suspend part of the alcohol-free zone in Sturt Park for the staging of the Perfect Light Film Festival on November 2. Council will also investigate the option of extending the suspension zone to allow patrons more room to enjoy a drink on the night.
Green light for gun club
Council entered into a new agreement with the Broken Hill Rifle Club despite the range’s proximity to the Broken Hill Airport. The report noted that that there have been no incidents or near misses since the airport began operating in 1939, and the flight path of aircraft is 1338 metres behind the range’s stop butt.
Heel footprint getting bigger
Councillors accepted the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee, and Cr Browne noted the growth of the Broken Heel Festival. Cr Browne said Council needed to consider the burgeoning popularity of the Festival when considering road closures and traffic management for future events.
CONFIDENTAL
Heritage review
Councillors endorsed the city’s Heritage Advisor, Paul Davies, to carry out a heritage study, and also review of previous heritage studies undertaken in 1990.
Easement allowed
Councillors passed an agreement with Water NSW for an easement to accommodate water infrastructure on the corner of Gaffney and Gypsum Streets.
Discussion deferred
Council deferred further consideration of matters pertaining to investigations around the Civic Centre to next month’s meeting.