Council meeting summary: February 2025
Published on 26 February 2025
Below is a summary of some agenda items and resolutions from the February 2025 Council meeting.
Please note, planning and development decisions are not summarised and should be read in-full via the meeting agenda on council’s website here.
Resolutions relating to confidential items can be found in the meeting minutes, generally available no later than 48 hours after the meeting.
Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) portfolio representation
Council resolved to have Councillor representation on several committees and working groups associated with the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO). RAMJO is made up of 11 member NSW councils working together to collaborate, plan and set priorities on a regional scale.
Formal sub-committees to have MRC representation include Digital Connectivity, Energy Security and Affordability, Transport and Water. (And the Health Committee, currently in hiatus.)
The ‘informal’ Digital Working Group will also have representation.
Council adopts Community Strategic Plan
Council have endorsed an updated Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 (CSP).
The CSP is the council’s 10-year roadmap that outlines the community's goals for the area and the key strategies needed to achieve them. The CSP guides the development of Council's plans, policies, budget and program of works.
Last updated in the 2021/22 year, the CSP must be reviewed after every ordinary council election.
Prior to adoption, the draft 2025-35 CSP was on public exhibition, receiving 16 submissions.
The submissions received were primarily project-focused rather than speaking directly to the top-level strategies of the CSP. Therefore, the suggestions will be further investigated as council finalises the Delivery Program, which is the document that translates all the goals listed in the Community Strategic Plan into projects and actions.
Moama Lions Community Village Committee of Management delegation
Council has delegated authority to the Moama Lions Community Village Committee of Management to initiate steps towards the construction of new independent living units at 10 & 12 Council Street, Moama.
This is subject to the Committee demonstrating their ability to fund ongoing future capital maintenance to avoid unexpected financial pressures on Council.
The Moama Lions Community Village Committee is a Section 355 Committee of Council responsible for managing and expanding affordable seniors’ housing in the Moama area. Council previously acquired and rezoned the land specifically for the development of additional independent living units.
No loan is required to fund the project, as the Committee has funds available to proceed with the construction.
This project represents a critical step towards increasing affordable retirement housing in Moama, aligning with both Council’s strategic objectives and community needs. Delegating authority to the Moama Lions Community Village Committee will streamline the development process while ensuring appropriate governance and oversight.
Recommendation for sale of Lot in Morago Street, Moulamein
Council resolved to formally accept the purchase offer received from Edward River Gardens (Moulamein Retirement Village Inc.) for the sale and transfer of the land identified as Lot 1 DP 1313227, otherwise referred to as Part of 21 Morago Street, Moulamein.
As per Council’s recent land and assets review, this parcel was identified as surplus to current and expected future requirements. In addition to a one-off revenue generation, such rationalisation reduces the ongoing operating, maintenance and renewal expenditure associated with the block.
The subject Lot contains a single storey dwelling that was previously been used as a rental property and is currently vacant.
Prior to accepting the offer, the proposed sale of property was on public display for the required 21-day period. There was no feedback received from the community during the public display process.
Full background can be found in the Council Agenda of 10 December 2024, item 9.1.5.
Unaudited Financial Statements
Council received the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period to 31 January (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 9.2.1.
Council reviews quarterly budget
Council was presented with the quarterly budget review which provides an updated estimate of the income and expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year, comparing it against the originally approved budget.
Quarterly budget updates provide the opportunity for adjustments to be made to the existing budget based on actual financial performance during the year.
All figures in this review are as at 31 December 2024.
The review noted a revised estimated operating surplus from $8,580,213 to $7,178,466.
The $1.4million decrease is mainly due to adjustments in property sales that are now not expected to settle within this financial year.
Operating expenses are expected to increase by $1,104,221, bringing the total to $71,148,740. This increase is driven primarily by additional materials and contract costs for programs funded by third parties.
While the Council’s financial position remains manageable at the end of December 2024, the report highlights the potential risks of ongoing operating deficits. If deficits continue at current or higher levels, they could have a significant impact on the medium to long-term financial sustainability of the Council.
Murray River Council remains committed to responsible financial management and will continue to monitor its financial position closely to ensure long-term sustainability.
The full financial report can be viewed in council’s meeting agenda, item 9.2.3.
Council notes Draft Audit Engagement Plan
Council received a draft 2025 Audit Engagement Plan from the NSW Audit Office. The plan will be presented to the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee at the next meeting scheduled for early March 2025.
The plan was presented as information only, outlining the process for the yearly audit of financial statements, covering year-end 30 June 2025.
Australia Day event wrap-up
Council received a post-event report on the 2025 Australia Day celebrations held in January.
Events took place across the Murray River Council LGA, with community celebrations in Mathoura, Barham, Moulamein, Wakool, Tooleybuc, and Koraleigh. Council supported all six events through financial contributions and the attendance of Councillors. Each event was organised by a local community group or organisation.
Feedback from Australia Day committees has been overwhelmingly positive. A key takeaway is the event’s role in strengthening community spirit—bringing neighbours and friends together while providing new residents with an opportunity to connect and integrate.
Committees have expressed their gratitude to Council for its financial support, resource provision, and Councillor involvement in making their Australia Day events a success.
New committee and office bearers endorsed for Moulamein South Recreation Reserve Committee
Council endorsed the new committee and office bearers for the Moulamein South Recreation Reserve Committee, following its Annual General Meeting.
The Committee is a Section 355 committee of Council, responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Moulamein South Recreation Reserve. Regular users of the reserve include the Moulamein Football Netball Club, Moulamein Tennis Club and the Moulamein Community Gymnasium.
The committee attend to duties such as cleaning of facility, mowing of grounds, and general maintenance of building and grounds.
Council’s Manager of Local Connections continues to support all Section 355 committees regarding delegations from Council.
Attendance at the 2025 Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference
Council has resolved to support the attendance of interested Councillors at the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, to be held in Kingscliff from 26–28 May 2025. Councillor Hurn was nominated to attend and will provide a report to Council outlining key learnings from the event.
The annual conference brings together local government representatives, industry stakeholders, and tourism operators to discuss emerging trends and opportunities in the visitor economy. Hosted by Tweed Shire Council, the 2025 program will cover a range of key topics, including AI in tourism, strategies for regional tourism growth, and the role of arts, culture, and events in attracting visitors.
Murray River Council’s Tourism Marketing and Events Officer has contributed to the conference’s program as part of the organising committee. Additionally, staff are preparing an expression of interest to host the 2027 conference in the Murray River Council LGA.
Attendance at the 2025 conference will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities, helping to inform future tourism initiatives within the region.
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:
- Moulamein South Recreation Reserve Meeting Minutes (Nov. 2024)
- Barham School of Arts Meeting Minutes (January 2025)
- Friends of Old Moama Meeting Minutes (December 2024)
- Koraleigh Hall and Recreation Reserve Meeting Minutes (January 2025)
- Mallan Hall Meeting minutes (December 2024)
Full meeting minutes can be found in agenda item 9.5.4.
Amendment to Moama Preschool Lease Resolution
Council has resolved to amend a previous resolution from January regarding a deed of variation to the lease with Moama and District Preschool.
The updated resolution (Item 4 of Resolution No. 250125 from January 2025 council meeting) now delegates authority to the Acting CEO to execute a deed of variation that reduces the Crown Land rental component from $5,000 per annum to the statutory minimum of $604.00 + GST, in accordance with the Crown Lands Management Act 2016.
The amendment was necessary to ensure compliance with the Crown Lands Management Act 2016, which requires leaseholders of Crown land to pay rent, with rebates available but not below the statutory minimum. As a non-profit community service, the Preschool qualifies for reduced rent but must still meet the statutory minimum set by Crown Lands (currently $604.00 + GST).
This resolution ensures Council's compliance with legislative requirements while continuing to support the Moama Preschool with a significantly reduced rental cost.