Peter Bernard - 12 April 2016

Peter Bernard made comments regarding the rescue helipad at Narooma, the rock wall at Dalmeny and moving into closed sessions in Council meetings at the Ordinary Council Meeting 12 April 2016.

Council's Reply

You discussed three issues in the public access session and following are the responses to these issues.

1. Grant of $5,000 to Narooma Marine Rescue towards a concrete landing pad

Following the site meeting with you and other members of the Narooma Marine Rescue, Council made representations on behalf of the Narooma community to the Department of Health, who were undertaking an investigation of the need for Ambulance services across the Shire. A follow up letter was sent on 14 April 2016 seeking an update on their considerations.

We will provide further feedback once a response has been received.

2. Rock wall to secure popular swimming area at Dalmeny

Council has allocated $40,000 to install a rock wall on the edge of Mummaga Lake this financial year. We have received the necessary permits from NSW Fisheries and Marine Parks to allow commencement of work.

The rock wall will address the on-going erosion at this site whilst making provision for people to access the waterway via a set of informal steps.

The decision to use rock protection has taken into account a number of considerations including:

  • amenity
  • need to address the erosion issues
  • of other authorities including (but not limited to) Fisheries and Marine Parks (eg provision of habitat within the rock wall itself)
  • cost effectiveness.

The solution has been designed to achieve the best outcome practical.

The use of this area by both locals and visitors has been considered with the design incorporating the construction of stairs to allow access to the waterway.

3. Dealing with Matters in Closed Session

The Local Government Act 1993 under Sections 10A to 10D outlines the requirements for considering matters in closed session. These provisions are incorporated in Council’s Code of Meeting Practice at Part 12 – Closed Meetings.  Council’s Code of Meeting Practice also refers to the Director General’s Guidelines on the Closure of Council Meetings – April 2013. This publication offers practical guidance to councils to ensure they comply with their obligations under the Act when closing meetings to the public. The Guidelines were issued under section 10B(5) of the Act and as such councils are required to consider them when closing meetings to the public.

You can read the Guidelines at: http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Closure-of-Council-Meetings-to-the-Public.pdf