Wrap of the May Meeting

Published on 28 May 2020

MAYORAL MINUTE

Advocacy Strategy updated

An update of Council's advocacy strategy was tabled in a Mayoral Minute. The Advocacy Strategy is a way for Council to showcase the city's strategic direction to both Government and opposition officials. The Strategy outlines various facets of Broken Hill including the city's industry, strengths and challenges, opportunities for growth, and potential strategic projects we would like to pursue. The update included new population and economic data, an expansion of priorities to include renewable energy and environmental initiatives, and the prospect of upgrading and activating the city's CBD.

REPORTS

Water meeting planned

Councillors resolved to organise a meeting with the State and Federal Members to request that recent inflows into the Menindee Lakes system be retained for the people of Menindee and the Lower Darling.

COVID-19 effects to be highlighted

Council will write to Local and State Members to highlight the impact that COVID-19 has had on our community, and ensure they are aware of the difficulties it has created.

Budget on public display

Councillors voted to put the 20-21 Budget and Long Term Financial Plan on display for public submissions. A media release on the budget can be found here, an FAQ can be found here, and both plans can be read in detail on pages 61 and 164 of this month's business papers.

Art Gallery policies on display

Council put new policies around the operation of the Art Gallery on Public Display, including an Exhibition Policy and a Collection Policy. Both documents can be viewed from page 209 of this month's business papers.

Deficit grows

Council's 2019/20 projected deficit increased by around $2 million due to a reduction in revenue from Council facilities, revenue from investments, and legal expenses in the ongoing Civic Centre court case. Net capital expenditure is expected to reduce by $188,000.

Voucher program popular

Council's sports voucher program offering a $25 reduction in sporting fees attracted plenty of interest. 470 people downloaded application forms, and 140 vouchers were redeemed.

CONFIDENTIAL

New contract for GM

Council has offered General Manager James Roncon a new five-year contract. Negotiations around the details of the contract will be carried out by the Mayor and Local Government Management Solutions.

Hailstorm contract awarded

Council awarded a $2,995,127 tender to Joss Facilities Management Pty Ltd for repairs to assets damaged in the 2016 hailstorm.

Air conditioner upgrade

Council awarded a $425,171 tender to Devilee’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Pty Ltd for air-conditioning controls and upgrade works at Council’s Administrative Centre, Civic Centre, and Library.

REX request supported

Council received a revised request for financial assistance from REX, and agreed to grant a one-off credit of $48,400 for 2021. This will be offset by Council reinstating the original head tax fee previously paid by REX.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Locals can lodge a submission about any documents on public display here.