Council meeting summary: July 2025
Published on 23 July 2025
Below is a summary of some agenda items and resolutions from the July 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.
Cost shifting onto Local Government
Mayor John Harvie submitted a Mayoral Minute on LGNSW’s July 2025 report on cost shifting onto local government.
Cr Harvie has raised concerns over the growing financial burden of cost shifting onto local government, following the release of the report (produced by independent consultants Morrison Low) showing NSW councils are now carrying an additional $1.5 billion in costs imposed by other levels of government.
Council has resolved to write to the NSW Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Local Government seeking urgent action to address cost shifting through regulatory reform and appropriate funding, to protect the financial sustainability of councils and communities across the state.
LGNSW Annual Conference
Council resolved to send the mayor, CEO and 2 councillors to the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference.
The Annual Conference is the peak policy-making forum of LGNSW, playing a critical role in shaping the strategic direction and advocacy priorities of the organisation. It serves as the primary platform where member councils come together to propose, debate, and vote on motions that influence LGNSW’s policies and positions on key issues affecting local government across New South Wales.
Council will also consider motions to be submitted for debate at the event.
This year’s conference will be held from Sunday 23 to Tuesday 25 November at Panthers Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre.
Draft Policies
The following DRAFT policies were adopted:
- Draft Modern Slavery Prevention Policy V#1
- Draft Public Interest Disclosures Policy
- Draft Asset Disposal Policy V#1
- Draft Rates, Charges and General Debtors Write-Off Policy V#1
The draft policies will be on public exhibition for a period of 28-days.
Council delegates to attend ALGA Roads Congress 2025
Council will send delegates to the Australian Local Government Association’s 2025 Roads Congress in Bendigo this November. The annual event brings together councils, industry experts and government representatives to discuss planning, building and maintaining local road networks and community assets. Covering topics such as road safety, transport and community infrastructure, the congress provides valuable insights to support councils in managing roads and community infrastructure into the future.
Final adopted Policies
Council resolved to adopt the following policies:
- Rates and Charges Hardship Policy V#2
- Borrowing Policy V#2
- Concessions for Concealed Water Leaks Policy V#1
The policies were on display for a period of 28-days, with no submissions received.
Unaudited Financial Statements
Council received the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period to 30 June 2025
(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 9.2.5.
Carryover of unspent project funds
Council has approved the carryover of $104,217 in project funds from the 2024/25 financial year to 2025/26 to support the continued delivery of two key projects.
The unspent funds include $65,478 for the final stages of the Project Lifecycle Management Module, which is on track to be delivered within its original budget, and $38,739 from the Meninya Street Off-Street Parking project, with the funds to support the next design phase in the year ahead.
The carryover ensures these important projects continue to progress as part of Council’s commitment to delivering improved services and infrastructure for the community.
Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan adopted
Council has formally endorsed the Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan at this week’s Council meeting.
The decision follows a public exhibition period and further clarification to council on the governance oversight and peer reviews that supported the development of the Study and Plan.
The adopted Plan recommends a range of actions including flood mitigation works, updates to development controls, and improvements to local flood warning systems. These measures aim to reduce the risk and potential damage from future riverine flooding events and support responding agencies during emergencies.
Draft Moulamein Flood Study Review endorsed for community feedback
Council has endorsed the Draft Moulamein Flood Study Review for public exhibition.
The study updates flood risk mapping using current guidelines and new data from the 2022 flood event, which exceeded previous levels.
It provides updated planning, technical and emergency response information to help manage flood risks in Moulamein.
The community is encouraged to view the maps and findings and provide feedback before the final study is completed.
Details and feedback opportunities will be available soon via Council’s Your Say platform and a community drop-in session.
Barham sewage treatment plant renewal project
Murray River Council has approved a $900,000 budget reallocation to commence critical restoration works on the Barham Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
The Barham STP, constructed in the late 1960s, is essential to the township’s wastewater treatment, but the site requires significant works to improve site safety and replace assets that are at end-of-life.
The works are necessary to follow direction provided by both NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water and EPA.
The restoration works will include safety upgrades such as new access walkways and fencing, electrical asset upgrades, and refurbishment of critical treatment infrastructure including the primary sedimentation tank and trickling filter system. Site clean-up and safety improvements will also be undertaken.
These works will ensure the Barham Sewage Treatment Plant can continue to operate safely while we progress planning for a long-term solution for wastewater treatment in Barham.