Council Meeting: March 27

AT the Council meeting last night issues raised and debated by the Councillors included the potential sale of Council property in Liverpool Street, the process of the airport tender, closure of public toilets in Blandford and the use of balloons and planting of flowers.

 

Sale of Council Building

Council is considering the future use of Council owned property at 145 Liverpool Street, Scone.

The options include continuing to lease the property, disposing of the property, demolishing the house and building a car park, demolishing the house and redeveloping for another unspecified purpose or subdividing the land for a car park.

However the matter was to be discussed in closed Council, prompting regular Council observer Brian Brown to comment to the Councillors, “that’s a shame I really wanted to listen to that.”

 

Airport Tender

Cr Joshua Brown questioned the details for the expressions of interest (EOI) for a tender at the Scone airport for a proposed aircraft museum which has been called the Aviation Visitor Centre and the airport terminal, primarily the costs to Council.

“Should we not be careful that we are not burdening ourselves with the cost of these buildings if we are unsuccessful in the grant application?” questioned Cr Brown.

“I recommend that we broaden the EOI so we don’t need to commit the money if we do not get the grant and explore options for how this may be otherwise funded and scenarios that don’t contemplate any Council input,” he said.

Cr Brown also questioned the feasibility study asking to see the study and obtain more information on how it was developed.

The general manager, Waid Crockett conceded that, “the EOI will need to be refined to compare apples with apples.”

 

Public Participation – permission for a shed

Jane Watson representing Mr and Mrs Greer spoke about the reasons a development consent before Council should be modified to allow her clients to erect a storage shed.

The Council recommended the consent should not be given due to easement issues on the title.

However Cr Fisher described the impact of the easement as infinitesimal and approval for the shed should be given.

“It is a ditch with hedges growing in it that can’t be used for anything, it is a relic left there since before the subdivision and it is utterly ridiculous,” said Cr Fisher.

The Mayor said he had reservations about going against the advice of the Council staff.

Cr Brown said on principle he would not support the motion to allow the shed to be erected as he saw there could be legal ramifications in the future, “no matter how miniscule, but I think we should take the advice of Council staff.”

The majority of Councillors voted to allow the consent be given to erect the shed.

 

Flowers During the Festival

Cr Watts put forward the idea for flowers to be planted on the round-a-bout leading onto Satur road during the horse festival, which Council staff will assess.

 

Disabled Access in Local Pools

Cr Watts questioned the access for disabled people at the Merriwa and Murrurundi pools in terms of disabled access to toilets and also hoists into the pool.

She further questioned if the hoist at the Scone pool should be assessed for upgrades.

 

More Room for Waste

Cr Collison raised his concerns about the lack of space at the waste transfer area at the rubbish tip. Alan Fletcher, director of infrastructure services committed to review the area.

 

Pedestrian Crossing on Bunnan Road

Cr Abbott asked if Council could propose a pedestrian crossing on Bunnan Road, highlighting concerns raised to her by residents that there was no pedestrian crossing on the length of the road going through Satur.

The matter will be referred to the Council’s traffic committee.

 

Cliftlands Road

Cr Fisher raised the state of Cliftlands Road asking it be upgraded as a priority.

 

Café Damage

Cr Brown asked if Council was continuing to oversee the safety of the building where “Let’s Eat Café” was located in Murrurundi.

The roof of the café was damaged during high winds last July and Cr Brown questioned if the asbestos on site was being safely managed.

Matthew Pringle, director of environmental and customer servicers confirmed it was currently in a safe condition, but Council was continuing to work with owners of the building.

 

Rosedale Development

Cr Abbott raised concerns about the acceptance of the proposed changes to the Rosedale development and the impact it may have on the space available for the King of the Ranges festival in Murrurundi. Cr Brown also raised concerns about if the development would be in keeping with the village of Murrurundi. The Mayor said the development proposal would go to the King of the Ranges committee for review.

 

Ballooning Issue

Cr Abbott supported the recommendation from Council for it to prohibit residents releasing large numbers of helium balloons on Council owned property, explaining it was an increasing environmental problem impacting on waterways.

Cr Campbell was against the recommendation saying Council was going too far and before long children would be fined for letting go of their balloon.

Mayor Bedggood said it was not what the recommendation was designed to do and the recommendation was endorsed by the majority of Councillors.

 

Toilet Access in Blandford

Council recommended advertising to seek public comment on a proposal to close the Blandford public toilets, however Cr Brown, Cr Abbott, Cr Fisher and Cr Campbell expressed their concern at the proposal to close the amenities.

Cr Brown asked how much it would cost to maintain the toilets and Alan Fletcher, director of infrastructure services said it would be in the vicinity of $15,000 to bring the toilets up to standard due to septic issues.

Cr Campbell said he hoped the community would rally behind keeping the toilets open.

Cr Fisher stressed the importance of surveying travellers, who may be the biggest users of the toilets to ensure their opinions were included.

Council committed to putting a notice on the toilets for users to comment on the proposed closure.

 

Scone Streetscape Budget

Cr Watts raised concerns that activities included in the Scone town revitalisation plans should be part of regular maintenance rather than coming out of the town revitalisation budget.

Cr Abbott supported the concerns and the general manager Waid Crockett said he would ensure the committee was aware such activities should be part of the general maintenance budget.