Rescission Motion – Venue for Council Meetings

Councillors voted 4-3 to rescind Council’s decision, made on 18 May 2017, to hold future Council Meetings at the Crookwell Memorial Hall. Meetings will return to the Council Chambers Crookwell (44 Spring Street, Crookwell) from Thursday, 17 August 2017. Cr John Searl JP moved the Rescission Motion after feedback from the public gallery in attendance at the 15 June 2017 Ordinary Council Meeting indicated the venue was cold and the acoustics made it difficult to hear the proceedings of Council. Mayor Brian McCormack OAM, Crs James Wheelwright and Paul Culhane, along with Cr Searl voted in favour of the rescission motion, while Deputy Mayor John Stafford and Crs Richard Opie and Darren O’Brien voted against the rescission motion. Crs Pam Kensit and Ron Cummins did not attend the meeting.

Draft Plan of Management – Roberts Street Carpark, Crookwell

As part of Council’s application to have Crookwell recognised as an ‘RV Friendly Town’ by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), a parking area suitable for caravans and RVs for 24 to 48 periods is required. The Roberts Street Carpark in Crookwell has been identified by the Upper Lachlan Tourist Association as a possible short-term overnight parking site for RVs and caravans.

Councillors voted unanimously to place a Draft Plan of Management for the Roberts Street Carpark in Crookwell on public exhibition, to gauge community feedback.

The Draft Plan of Management will be on exhibition from Thursday, 27 July 2017 to Friday, 25 August 2017. Copies will be available on Council’s website (www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au/council/other-public-documents) during that time, as well as at Council’s Offices in Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga and at both Crookwell and Gunning libraries.

Submissions should be made via post to: JK Bell, General Manager, PO Box 42, Gunning NSW 2581 or email: council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au(link sends e-mail).

Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Bike Plan

The Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Bike Plan was adopted by Council. The Plan will be the primary strategic document that outlines Council’s direction and framework for pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure over the next 10 years. Community drop-in sessions in Crookwell and Gunning, a community survey and a 28-day exhibition period helped inform the final plan. The Plan is available on Council’s website: www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au/council/other-public-documents.

Proposed Gunning Solar Farm

Councillors noted a copy of the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the Gunning Solar Farm proposed by Photon Energy, received from the Department of Planning and Environment. A copy of the Council’s response to the SEARs will be tabled at the 17 August 2017 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Crookwell 2 and 3 Wind farms – Voluntary Planning Agreements

Councillors voted unanimously to endorse the Crookwell 2 and 3 Wind farms – Voluntary Planning Agreements. The Agreements are available on Council’s website: http://www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au/council/other-public-documents.

Kiamma Creek Landcare

Malcolm Barlow from Kiamma Creek Landcare addressed the Council on the group’s upgrades to Pat Cullen Reserve, Crookwell. Mr Barlow advised Councillors that repairs to a gravel pathway between Laggan Road and the Kiamma Creek Bridge would be placed on hold until a long-term solution to improve the pathway was determined.

Community Building Partnerships Program

Councillors voted unanimously to make a request for funding under the State Government’s 2017 Community Building Partnerships Program for improvements to Goodhew Park, Taralga, including the public amenities block. Applications close Monday, 9 August 2017.

Fixing Country Roads

Councillors also voted to submit an application for funding to the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads Round 3 program for the upgrade of the Dalton/Rye Park Road MR241. Applications close Friday, 1 September 2017.