Glen Innes Severn’s newly elected Council convened for the first ordinary meeting on Thursday 24 October after taking their Oath of Office and the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor on 10 October.
Reports were presented to Council regarding the Community Strategic Plan, the Delivery Plan, the Long-Term Financial Plan, the draft Workforce Management Strategy and the Asset Management Plan. The tabled reports supported a Special Rate Variation (SRV) application being submitted early next year to contribute to the long term (10-year) financial sustainability of Council. The outcome, due to some of the recommendations and reports being lost in the Chamber, is a delay to the SRV application for another 12 months.
“Whilst I acknowledge the need for a Special Rate Variation to build a sustainable council over the next 10 years, this process should happen in full consultation with the new council and the community needs to be taken on the journey over time with full transparency and an engagement strategy that is fit-for-purpose.” said Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor, Margot Davis.
Among other key items on the agenda was the report from the New England Weeds Authority. In collaboration with the Armidale Regional Council, Uralla Shire Council, and Walcha Council, the Council resolved to prepare a joint proposal to the Minister for Local Government to dissolve the New England County Council.
In a significant move to enhance the safety and enjoyment of our public spaces, the Council declared several parks—Coronation Park (Skate Park), Lions Park, Veness Park, Anzac Park, King Edward Park, King George Oval and Park, Wilson Park, Quinton Park, and O’Shea Park—as Alcohol Prohibited Areas, permitting consumption only by specific permit.
The Council also approved the Draft Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Plans, which will be on public exhibition until Thursday, 21 November 2024.
Ordinary Council Meetings will continue to be held on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the exception of December, when the meeting will be scheduled for the third Thursday. There will be no meeting in January. All meetings will take place in the William Gardner Conference Room at the Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre, beginning at 9am.
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