Council meeting summary: April 2025

Published on 23 April 2025

Below is a summary of some agenda items and resolutions from the April 2025 Council meeting.

Local Government Women’s Association Conference

Council have resolved to be represented by Cr Campbell, Cr Berryman and Cr Allen at the 2025 Local Government Women’s Association NSW Conference.

The conference will be held from 4 - 6 September 2025 in Griffith.

As the peak body dedicated to empowering women in local government, ALGWA plays a crucial role in fostering dynamic leadership and ensuring women remain informed, connected, and inspired. The conference will feature key speakers and essential topics, sparking important discussions on local democracy.

The event offers attendees the chance to gain valuable insights from guest speakers, participate in professional development, and network with peers from across NSW.

RAMJO membership to continue

Council has endorsed its continued membership of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The revised membership contribution in accordance with the RAMJO funding model is $1.60 per capita for the first 10,000 residents and $0.60 per capital thereafter, with a minimum annual contribution of $30,000.

RAMJO is made up of 11 member NSW councils working together to collaborate, plan and set priorities on a regional scale.

Continued participation in RAMJO positions Murray River Council to influence regional decision making, access collaborative funding opportunities, and deliver value through shared service models. With a strong track record of project outcomes and advocacy, RAMJO remains a key partner in delivering sustainable outcomes for our community.

Murray Darling Association National Conference

Council received a report on the Murray Darling Association National Conference and AGM from 29 September to 2 October 2025 in Griffith NSW.

Councillors have agreed it is important that council have representation at the conference, with Cr Gleeson and Cr Campbell earmarked to attend.

The Murray Darling Association (MDA) is a peak body representing local governments and communities across the Murray Darling Basin. It advocates for effective management of Basin resources by providing timely information, facilitating debate, and influencing policy at State and Federal levels.

Council joined the MDA in October 2023.

The MDA’s 81st National Conference will be held in Griffith, NSW, from 29 September to 2 October 2025, with the AGM on 1 October. The conference will focus on collaboration within the Basin, addressing key community and environmental concerns identified by members.

Road names endorsed

Council endorsed several new road names within the Discovery Manufactured Homes Estate, Moama West. Being:

• Alexander Street
• Britannia Street
• Canally Street
• Industry Lane
• Ranger Lane
• Success Street.

The suggested names are based around local heritage paddle steamers in the surrounding area and the names comply with the requirements of the Geographical Names Board. The names have been checked against the Victorian Geographical Names Board within our border community.

These roads will remain as Private Roads within the Discovery Parks Manufactured Homes Estate.

ARIC committee member appointed

Council have appointed Ms. Leanne Mulcahy as the third independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee continuously reviews and provides independent advice to Council on how it is functioning and managing risk, both operationally and financially.

In December 2024, Council appointed the Joint Chairs/Committee Members, David Kortum and Jarrah O’Shea.

Council advertised the role of the 3rd independent member of ARIC, with the recruitment closing on March 5, 2025. 21 applications were received.

Unaudited Financial Statements

Council received the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period to 31 March (FY2024/25). This monthly reporting practice by the finance Team is not a regulatory requirement but is provided to ensure transparency and in keeping with financial reporting best practice.

The statements and summary are available as an attachment to the Council Agenda item 9.2.3.

Policy on display

Council endorsed the following Draft policy for public display:

• Concessions for Concealed Water Leaks Policy V#1

The policy will be available for viewing on council’s website in the coming week.

Meninya Street - decision on Echuca Street intersection

As part of the broader Meninya Street Precinct project, Council has resolved to remove the existing turning lane at the Echuca Street intersection on Meninya Street. This decision will be incorporated into the final technical designs for the project and reflects feedback received from local businesses.

The change aligns with Australian Standards and Austroads Guidelines, while also supporting the objectives outlined in the Meninya Street Master Plan. Spiire Australia Pty Ltd has been engaged to complete the detailed design work.

This aspect of the design focuses on enhancing parking availability and introducing traffic-calming measures within the precinct to encourage increased pedestrian activity and longer visitor stays. Removing the turning lane at Echuca Street is also intended to discourage heavy vehicle traffic along Meninya Street, directing such vehicles to use the new bridge and Nicholas Drive to access the industrial estate.

Light vehicles requiring access to Echuca Street will be able to perform a U-turn at the Maiden Street roundabout.

Once detailed designs and costings are finalised, Council will be in a position to apply for relevant grant funding to support the staged implementation of the project.

Section 355 Committee Reports

Each month, council receives meeting minutes from various Section 355 Committees.

These committees are delegated by Council to oversee the day-to-day management of facilities owned by MRC and provide advice about their ongoing upkeep. Council has 19 Section 355 committees that are made up of community volunteers.

The following meeting minutes were received for information this month:

• Barham School of Arts Meeting Minutes (March 2025)
• Koraleigh Recreation Reserve and Hall (March 2025)
• Murray Shire Hall (March 2025)
• Wakool Memorial Hall (March 2025)

Full meeting minutes can be found in agenda item 9.5.1.

Council covers Preschool maintenance costs

Council will reimburse the Moama Preschool for its 2024 operational maintenance costs to the amount of $14,925.05 including GST.

In November 2024 the Preschool wrote to Council seeking financial assistance to cover the maintenance costs associated with running the new facility. 

Council previously resolved that:

“Subject to the completion of the public notice period and consideration of any submissions received, Council resolves to reimburse the Preschool for its operational maintenance costs for the year 2024, in the amount of $14,925.05 including GST. This decision is made in good faith and does not alter or cancel any other terms of the lease or contribution agreement between the parties.”

The proposal to grant financial assistance as per the resolution has been placed on public display for the required notice period and no submissions were received.

Council is now able to resolve to reimburse the Preschool for its operational maintenance costs for the year 2024.

Overview of report on Caldwell Line Road

Council received a report updating the current condition and maintenance status of Caldwell Line Road between Barham Road and Wakool Road, following a February 2025 resolution requesting this information. The 12.8km unsealed section is a key route for local residents and agricultural activities.

Findings:

• Surface condition is moderate, with some corrugation and loose material; 80% of the road is rated fair to very good.
• Drainage is functioning, though some sediment and vegetation are present in table drains.
• Traffic is mainly local, with a significant heavy vehicle component (21.3% of 68 vehicles per day).
• Routine grading occurred in December 2024 and March 2025; gravel patching was undertaken from November 2024 to March 2025.
• No major capital works have occurred in the last five years.

Expenditure:

• FY24/25 YTD: $115,728.14 (increase due to specialist review, post-rain repairs, and additional patching)
• FY23/24: $36,699.76
• FY22/23: $26,271.84

Future works:

• No capital funding allocated for resheeting in the 2025/26 budget.
• Ongoing maintenance grading, culvert cleaning, and potential reclamation of gravel from drains will continue.
• No sealing works are planned, but a future paper will explore the broader unsealed road network, sealing criteria, and priorities.
• Future upgrades may be eligible for funding through Roads to Recovery or Fixing Country Roads Program.

Council to support Mathoura petition for new police station

Council resolved to support and help promote the community-led petition, signed by over 300 residents, calling for the NSW Government to fund the development of a new police station in Mathoura.

Council will also write to the NSW Minister for Police, local Members of Parliament, and the NSW Police Force supporting the petition and advocating for increased police infrastructure and resourcing in Mathoura.

The community of Mathoura has expressed strong concern regarding the lack of permanent policing infrastructure and presence within the township. A petition signed by over 300 residents highlights a collective call for improved safety, response capability, and visible policing.

Council’s support in promoting the petition can help amplify community voices and demonstrate a unified local government commitment to securing the necessary resources for regional public safety.