Council meeting summary: June 2025
Published on 24 June 2025
Below is a summary of some agenda items and resolutions from the May 2025 Council meeting.
Resolutions relating to confidential items can be found in the meeting minutes, generally available no later than 48 hours after the meeting.
National General Assembly Delegation
Council have authorised Cr. Gen Campbell as the Murray River Council voting delegate at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly for 2025.
Councillors Campbell, Berryman and Pappin will be attending the General Assembly in Canberra from 24 June - 27 June.
As part of the event, a range of motions will be debated and voted on by Councils in attendance.
Murray River Council requires an authorised voting delegate to participate in the debate on the motions put forward and to act as a delegate in the voting process.
Council to offer letter of support re Deniliquin Hospital
Council has resolved to write a letter of support to Edward River Council regarding their efforts to advocate for funding of a new Deniliquin Hospital.
The Deniliquin Hospital services a large catchment area which includes parts of the Murray River Council. Investment in a new hospital at Deniliquin is vital to ensure equity of access to healthcare in rural and regional communities, including ours.
Given several of our communities would benefit from this investment, a letter of support from our Council may assist in Edward River Council’s efforts to secure funding.
Whilst Murray River Council has a growing need for healthcare and future needs for increased service provision in our growing cross border communities, investment in the Deniliquin Hospital is a vital piece in the overall health system that supports our communities.
Unaudited Financial Statements
Council received the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period to 31 May 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 9.2.1.
Annual fees for mayor and councillors
Council have set the annual councillor and mayor fees for the 2025/26 year at its June meeting.
Sections 248 and 249 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) require Councils to fix and pay an Annual Fee based on the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal’s (LGRT) determination (Annual Fees) each financial year.
Based on the LGRT determination the maximum annual fees that can be charged to councillors in the ‘Rural Large’ category is $18,890 for councillors and $40,530 as an additional fee for the chairperson or mayor.
As such, council have resolved to pay an annual fee of $18,890 to each Councillor including the mayor, and an additional fee of $40,530 to the mayor.
In addition to the abovementioned annual fees, all Councillors (including the mayor) will be paid superannuation contributions on the Annual Fees.
2025/2026 Budget Plans adopted
Council has adopted its Operational Plan and Budget for the 2025/26 year.
The Operational Plan outlines the projects, services, and initiatives Council proposes to deliver in the next financial year, including a $34.6 million capital works program.
Council has also adopted the 2025-2026 to 2034-2035 Long Term Financial Plan.
The Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) projects Council’s financial performance over the next ten years. While it initially forecasts a net operating deficit - reaching $6.522 million by year four - it also shows a gradual recovery, returning to a close-to-break-even position by year ten. Importantly, all borrowings are expected to be repaid by year six, creating future borrowing capacity if required.
The LTFP also demonstrates that while Water, Sewer, and Waste funds are financially stable due to full cost recovery, the general fund continues to face pressure, which impacts Council’s broader financial position.
Prior to adoption the documents were on display for a 28-day period with one submission received.
Asset Management Policy and Asset Management Strategy endorsed
Council resolved to adopt the Asset Management Policy and Asset Management Strategy, after a 28-day exhibition period.
The Asset Management Strategy identifies how Council will manage and maintain infrastructure assets valued at $1.39 billion. It outlines a pathway to improve asset management practices and highlights the current gap between lifecycle funding needs and available revenue. Without action, this shortfall could result in a growing backlog of renewal works and a need to consider asset rationalisation or reduced service levels.
Adoption of the MRC Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Policy now enables the delivery of Council’s Resourcing Strategy and provides Council with a broad framework to improve asset management in the most cost-effective manner.
Revenue Policy and Rates, Fees and Charges adopted
Council adopted its Revenue Policy and schedule of fees and charges for the 2025/26 year.
The documents were on public display for a 28-day period, with no public submissions received.
Rates, Charges and Fees together constitute around half of total Council revenue and is an important element to enable Council to continue to deliver its services to the community.
The final adoption of these resolutions provides the necessary authority to levy Rates & Charges on relevant property owners in MRC. The charges come into effect July 1, 2025.
Minutes of Local Traffic Committee
Council received the draft minutes of the Murray River Council Local Traffic Committee held on Wednesday 7 May 2025.
The following actions were noted:
1. Formal speed zone request to TfNSW for Maude Road Moulamein.
2. V-Line and local bus company to be included as part of the Meninya Street design
consultation.
3. Determine frequency of parking along Echuca Street Moama.
4. Nomination of speed reduction request on Barmah Road Barmah.
5. Investigate placement and installation of signage warning of farm vehicles crossing at the
Yorta Yorta Nation Corporation farm.
6. Prepare letter of response to Yorta Yorta National Corporation with an update of actions.
7. Formal request for speed reduction along Twenty-Four Lane Moama.
8. The following event was approved:
8.1 Run Echuca Moama (formerly Johnno’s Run) August 2025 (subject to receiving the
updated CoC).
9. Bunnaloo Primary School Bike Ride 2025 – send advice to school principal in relation to
insurance requirements for the event.
10. Contact Campaspe Shire Council, Dept of Transport (Vic) and / or National Heavy Vehicle
Regulator regarding truck route and heavy vehicle access from Victoria.
11. Review site distance and requirements of installing a Stop Sign at the intersection of Merool
Road and Perricoota Road.
12. Open Street Program grant application (market) confirmation of location submitted was for
Blair Street.
13. Request for additional speed signs in Lignum Road from NSW Police.
Draft Policy for Community Infrastructure Projects
Murray River Council has endorsed its Draft Community Infrastructure Projects Policy for public exhibition.
The draft policy outlines a clear and consistent process for how Council will assess, and support infrastructure proposals submitted by community groups and Section 355 committees. It aims to ensure all projects are strategically aligned, financially sustainable and responsibly managed.
Key objectives of the policy include:
- Providing strategic justification for proposed projects;
- Clarifying financial requirements before commitments are made;
- Improving project planning, risk management, and delivery;
- Enhancing community engagement and satisfaction;
- Increasing awareness of Council’s financial responsibilities.
The policy is supported by new Community Infrastructure Project Proposal Guidelines, which include a step-by-step process and practical tools to help project proponents navigate the approval process.
The draft policy and supporting documents will be available for viewing on Council’s website for a 28-day period.
Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan
Council was presented with a report on the Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, following a 28-day public exhibition period.
The Draft Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan exhibition period was also supported by a community information drop-in session. Several submissions were made via council’s Your Say page, the community meeting and via email and meetings with staff and Councillors.
The feedback received has all been documented and captured in Appendix B of the report.
In reviewing the report, Council resolved to pause the adoption of the Study and Plan for the purpose of undertaking an independent peer review of the Plan and associated documentation.
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 18 Section 355 committees that are made up of community volunteers.
The following meeting minutes were received for information this month:
- Koraleigh Recreation Reserve & Hall (May 2025)
- Barham School of Arts (May 2025)
- Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve (May 2025)
New Committee to Oversee Moulamein Courthouse
Council has endorsed the formation of the Old Moulamein Courthouse Management Committee and will now call for nominations from community members to join the group.
The Old Moulamein Courthouse, believed to be the oldest courthouse in the Riverina, has a proud history dating back to at least 1848. Once a site for regional trials, it now houses a significant collection of historical memorabilia and serves as a key heritage destination for both locals and visitors.
Previously managed by a subcommittee of the Moulamein Men’s Shed, the Courthouse will now be overseen by a newly delegated Section 355 Committee, following a request from the current group of Council volunteers who have been maintaining public access to the site.
The new committee structure will give passionate community members a formal role in the day-to-day management of the site and its collection. The group will operate under an Instrument of Delegation and be governed by Council’s Section 355 Committee Policy and Guidelines.
Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve S355 Committee AGM and elections
The Annual General Meeting of the Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve S355 Committee was held on May 14, 2025.
General elections were held at this meeting, with advice of newly elected committee members received and endorsed by Council at its June meeting.
The Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve Committee is a Section 355 (s355) Committee of Council, tasked with overseeing the day-to-day management and operations of the Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve.
Council endorses Delegation Document for Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve
Council has endorsed a new delegation agreement with the Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve Committee, a Section 355 Committee of Council responsible for managing the Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve.
This delegation document clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the Committee in managing the reserve grounds. It aims to remove past uncertainties that have existed around the division of duties between Council and its committees; uncertainties which have at times led to governance challenges, risk management issues, and concerns about long-term sustainability.
To better support all Section 355 Committees, Council has worked in consultation with each one to develop tailored delegation documents. These documents clarify the division of tasks and expectations, ensuring committees are well-informed and equipped to carry out their responsibilities.
Each delegation document is reviewed following the Committee’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and is then presented to the incoming committee for signing, confirming their understanding and agreement.
The Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve consists of a hall, sports grounds including an oval, hard courts and tennis facilities. Regular users of the Recreation Reserve are River Region Early Learning who provide weekly early learning day care services, and the Bush Bus who provide a weekly mobile play group. The facilities are used by other casual hirers throughout the year.
Southern Riverina Drought Resilience Plan update
Council has received an update on the progress of the Southern Riverina Drought Resilience Plan, with the project now moving into its formal implementation phase.
The plan, developed in partnership with Berrigan Shire, Edward River and Federation Councils, was made possible through $560,000 in grant funding secured under the Future Drought Fund; a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW Governments. The funding supported the co-design of a regional strategy to build drought resilience, informed by local data and extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
Following adoption of the final Plan in late 2024, the consortium submitted a variation application to access the remaining $350,000 in funding for implementation. This variation was approved, with the project now due for completion by 30 November 2025.
To ensure timely delivery, the Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) has been directly appointed to lead the implementation, building on their central role in the development of the plan and draft implementation strategy.
Led by Berrigan Shire Council and guided by a Project Control Group, the program represents a proactive and collaborative response to the increasing climate challenges faced across the region. Murray River Council will continue to play a key role in local engagement and delivery, ensuring the outcomes remain community-driven and regionally relevant.
Further details, including the implementation plan, can be found in agenda, item 9.5.5.