Council meeting summary: January 2025
Published on 29 January 2025
Below is a summary of some agenda items and resolutions from the January 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.
Advocacy to increase Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants
The council has resolved to initiate collaboration with other regional councils to advocate for increased local government funding, aiming for a minimum allocation of 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
In a recent report, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) highlighted that councils' ability to plan effectively is hindered by limited revenue options and heavy reliance on Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs), which have dropped from 1% of Commonwealth revenue in 1996 to 0.5% today. Cost-shifting and rate pegging, particularly in NSW, have further strained councils, leaving many, especially in rural and regional areas, financially unsustainable. Advocacy efforts to restore funding levels to 1996 levels have had little success.
With an upcoming federal election, there is a push for councils and representative bodies to intensify their campaign for increased funding and constitutional recognition as a tier of government.
Council will progress with land reclassifications (drainage basins)
Council will proceed with reclassifying 21 sites of community land to operational land, excluding Dhungala Estate Drainage Basin (Lot 33 DP 1259774 ) from the process.
This decision follows the May 2024 endorsement of a Planning Proposal to amend the Murray and Wakool Local Environmental Plans to reclassify 22 parcels of community land (primarily road reserves and drainage basins) as operational land to align with their intended use. Rectification of this historical classification error will allow council to reduce maintenance (costs) on the parcels that have only been used for operational purposes. The spaces will still be maintained, just not as frequently as those that are community parks and play spaces, as dictated by the current ‘community’ classification.
After receiving Gateway Determination in August 2024, a subsequent public hearing process found no valid objections to the proposal.
National General Assembly attendance and motions
Murray River Council will have representation at the 2025 National General Assembly (NGA) of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to be held in Canberra in June.
Council approved the attendance of the CEO, Mayor Harvie, Councillors Campbell, Allen, Pappin, Gorey, Berryman, Gleeson and Hurn and also resolved to consider putting forward motions for consideration at the Assembly.
ALGA are seeking motions that align with this year’s theme (“National Priorities Need Local Solutions”) and identify opportunities for new federal programs and policies that will support councils to build trust, both in our communities and as a local delivery partner for the Australian Government.
Submission for motions to be included in the papers close on Monday 31 March 2025.
The advocacy for increased Commonwealth Financial Assistant Grants has been flagged as a priority motion to put forward to the agenda, with the final list of motions to be put to Council’s February meeting for ratification.
Council rescinds resolution to investigate Special Rates Variation
Council has resolved to rescind resolution 050624 from the June 2024 council meeting which sought to commence investigations into a potential Special Rates Variation (SRV).
An SRV would allow the council to raise rates above the annual rate peg increase, a limit set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The initial resolution was made in response to council’s ongoing financial sustainability issues.
Now that the resolution has been rescinded, council will no longer pursue an SRV in the immediate future, acknowledging the financial hardship of many local ratepayers.
Further investigations into services and areas of spend will continue.
Joint advocacy for South West Renewable Energy Zone
Council will engage with councils within the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) to initiate a joint advocacy initiative on behalf of affected communities. Specifically, efforts will seek regulatory flexibility in boundary definitions to ensure equitable outcomes for communities impacted by renewable energy development.
Advocacy efforts will aim to address/highlight:
- Boundary Flexibility: Advocating for the inclusion of communities affected by renewable projects but located outside the current SW REZ boundaries.
- Funding Beyond Boundaries: Ensuring funding can extend to projects outside the SW REZ boundary but within the broader Local Government Area (LGA).
- Equitable Benefit Distribution: Allocating funding based on the level of impact to strengthen infrastructure and resilience across all affected communities.
By collaborating, councils can present a unified case for inclusive policies that deliver fair and sustainable benefits from renewable energy development.
Policies
Council resolved actions relating to several policies, including:
- The Graffiti Policy V#2 was adopted
- The Withdrawal of Development & Other Applications (Refund of Fees) Policy V#2 was adopted
- The Plaques & Memorials Policy V#2 was adopted
Due to the minimal changes to the actual text/content of the above they were not required to be placed on public display.
- The Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code Policy was rescinded. Individual councils are required to establish a Dress Code for ceremonies and provide a copy of their Dress Code to the Department of Home Affairs. Therefore, this Policy does not serve a significant purpose to warrant being a formal Council Policy.
Disclosure of Interest Returns
Councillor Disclosure of Interest Returns, submitted to Council after the September 2024 elections, were tabled at the meeting.
Disclosures of interest are public declarations of a councillor's personal interests that may affect their decision-making. They are a key part of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in New South Wales.
Chapter 14 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and Clause 2.9 of Council’s Code of Conduct Policy, indicates that Council must table the Disclosures of Interest Returns within 3 months of being a Councillor.
Council’s website will be updated with redacted copies of these Disclosures of Interest Returns to allow interested members of the public to view the completed returns.
Unaudited Financial Statements
Council received the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period to 31 December 2024 (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 report item 9.2.6.
Local Traffic Committee update
Council received the Murray River Council Local Traffic Committee Report from its December meeting. The following actions were noted:
1. Moulamein heavy vehicle review – 12 month update.
2. TfNSW to contact V-Line to advise of possible relocation of Moama bus terminal.
3. Review of signage on Echuca Street Moama.
4. The following events were approved:
4.1 Echuca Moama Triathlon January 2025
4.2 Moama RSL Anzac Day March 25 April 2025
4.3 Echuca Moama Cycling Club Winter Race Series 2025
5. MRC to nominate Barmah Road speed reduction with TfNSW.
6. TfNSW to review Twenty-Four Lane speed reduction request.
Council will retain angled car parking in Moama’s Meninya Street
Council have resolved to retain the current angle parking at the three existing sites along Meninya Street as part of the Meninya Street Precinct Project.
This follows the proposal to install parallel parking - as indicated in the draft concept design - and the recent feedback from traders wishing to retain the angle parking.
Following the resolution, Council staff will now investigate development of an updated streetscape plan that incorporates and retains all existing angle parking spaces.
Employment Lands Strategy adopted
Council have adopted the Employment Lands Strategy following a period of public display. The Strategy provides a comprehensive framework to guide the development of employment lands in the Murray River LGA, ensuring the region can meet future growth demands while supporting economic sustainability and community well-being.
All feedback received during the display period has been incorporated into the strategy
The final adopted document will be available for viewing on council’s website.
Moama Preschool request for reduction of maintenance fee
The Moama and District Preschool (MDPS) has formally requested a reduction in their maintenance liability under their lease with council for the fourth quarter of 2024.
In response to the request, council has resolved the following:
1. agrees to proceed with the necessary steps to provide financial assistance to Moama and District Preschool (‘the Preschool’), including public display and consultation.
2. in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council will provide 28 days’ public notice of a proposal to pass a resolution to grant financial assistance to the Preschool.
3. 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, up to a maximum of $14,925 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.
4. Delegate authority to the Acting CE to enter into a deed of variation to the exiting lease to remove the $5000 rental component incurred by the Moama Preschool.
Full background to the lease arrangement with the Preschool can be read in agenda item 9.5.2
Regional Drought Resilience Plan update
Council received an update on the next steps for the Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
Murray River Council, alongside Berrigan Shire, Edward River, and Federation Councils, secured a $560,000 grant under the Future Drought Fund to develop and implement the Southern Riverina Regional Drought Resilience Plan. The Plan, developed with extensive community engagement and overseen by a Project Control Group, was adopted in July 2024 and approved by the Commonwealth in December 2024.
The Plan identifies actions to improve regional drought resilience and includes an Implementation Plan that will be further supported by remaining funds under the program, with no co-funding required from councils.
Proposed activities in the Implementation Plan include consolidating existing drought resilience responses, holding workshops with agricultural stakeholders, and developing a Regional Economic Diversification Strategy – to be implemented by the end of 2025. The partner Councils will collaborate with the Project Control Group to deliver on the actions.
Council redirecting One Basin funds to Western Murray Land Improvement Group
Council resolved to withdraw its membership from the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) project, redirecting the $10,000 annual membership fee to the Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) to support their continued involvement and activities within the CRC project. Through the redirected support, council will seek to leverage WMLIG's active involvement in the One Basin CRC to maintain a level of regional influence in the research activities.
Council is required to give 12-months’ notice prior to withdrawing the membership from the CRC.
The One Basin CRC project connects communities, industry, and researchers to manage climate and water risks in the Murray Darling Basin. Council is one of only three local government authorities amongst the almost 100 members of the One Basin CRC. Council's participation in the One Basin CRC has been limited due to insufficient staff resources, expertise, and other projects and activities taking priority.
The Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) is a not-for-profit organisation and charity based in Barham. For over 20 years, WMLIG has successfully convened a diverse and widespread community to bring about co-designed and agreed solutions that combine the economic, environmental, social, and cultural needs of the community. WMLIG operates in the pillars of Agricultural Research, Development and Extension, Industry Diversification, Landcare, Environmental Services, and Environmental Markets. Despite significant financial constraints, WMLIG delivers numerous benefits to local and regional communities.
Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
Council appointed Councillor Kylie Berryman to represent council on the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (AIAC)
Establishment of the committee is a key action of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 (DIAP), which offers a structured framework for enhancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
The AIAC is tasked with providing feedback, advice, and guidance to Murray River Council on the needs of people with disabilities, their carers, and families and will play a central role in supporting the implementation of the Plan’s actions.
Council to rotate workshop locations
Council rescinded its original decision to hold some of its formal council meetings outside of Moama, opting to hold informal workshops across the council instead.
Due to the requirements to live stream council meetings, the cost and resources to set up the equipment outside the council chambers is not sustainable.
With no requirement to livestream workshops, Councillors opted to rotate these meeting to other towns (on one occasion each annually), with the view to extend an invitation to the local community to attend.