Council Meeting Update - April 2025

Risk specialist Ian Moore stated the likelihood of an incident is very low, and Evo Power’s Conan Jones noted the Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are a safer, less energy-dense option.  

Sally Hunter from Geni.Energy highlighted that all the risks had been assessed and requirements from the NSW Government had been met regarding placement of the battery.  

Narrabri Public School P&C Treasurer Kathleen Denniss, also spoke and addressed concerns for the location of the battery.  

After a lengthy debate and hearing two Councillors speak against the motion with three speaking in support of the recission – Councillors voted with a majority of five to two carrying the Recission Motion.  

Letter to Federal Candidates – Reinstatement of 1% Financial Assistance for Roads 

Councillors approved a motion submitted by Cr Joshua Roberts-Garnsey seeking Councils support to write a Letter to Federal Candidates – for the Reinstatement of 1% Financial Assistance for roads.  

The motion highlights the significant impact the decline in Financial Assistance Grants has had on Council’s ability to maintain its 2,500km road network, particularly amid rising construction costs and increasing traffic pressures. 

Councillors noted that the current funding formula disadvantages rural and remote councils, which often have fewer ratepayers but greater infrastructure demands. The letter will urge candidates to publicly commit to fairer funding for local roads.  

The motion was supported unanimously, with Councillors emphasising the vital role of well-maintained roads in supporting regional communities and local economies. 

Draft 2025/2035 Community Strategic Plan 

Council has endorsed the final 2025/2035 Community Strategic Plan. The draft was endorsed for public exhibition at the 19 February 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting and was made available for community feedback.  

Submissions were considered from the public, across many community engagement sessions, with small amendments made for the final Plan. The CSP serves as the foundation for all future strategies and plans developed by Council on behalf of the community.  

Draft Narrabri Airport Master Plan 2025 

Council has adopted the Narrabri Airport Master Plan 2025 following a 28-day public exhibition period, which ran from 20 February to 20 March 2025. No submissions were received during this time. 

The plan outlines a long-term vision for the development of the airport precinct. Future work will involve staging the plan into groups and phases, with construction expected to be some time away. The item was carried unanimously. 

Acceptance of tenders under delegation 

Council noted the determination of tenders under delegation for the period January to March 2025. 

The Local Government Act enables a council to delegate the determination of tenders as long as the tender does not provide services currently provided by members of staff of a council. 

Council has delegated to the General Manager the ability to determine tenders, under the following conditions: 

1. That the tender not be in excess of a total of $1,500,000 (ex GST); and 

2. That a cyclic report be submitted to Council on a quarterly basis with information relating to tenders determined under the delegation. 

The table below outlines the details of the tenders that was determined during the reporting period: 

Narrabri underground Mine Stage 3 Extension Project – Voluntary Planning Agreement 

Council has approved a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Whitehaven Coal Ltd, following a 28-day public exhibition period that closed on 24 February 2025. No submissions were received during the exhibition period.  

Under the agreement, Whitehaven will provide $2.603 million in two equal payments to Council - 12 and 24 months after development commences. The funds will be used for public purposes in line with the agreement. 

Council resolved to delegate authority to the Interim General Manager to execute the VPA documentation. The agreement will commence once signed by all parties. 

Request for Exemption from Development Contributions under Section 7.12 Contributions Plan - DA2025/0069 

Council approved a request for exemption to the payable contribution levy authorised under section 7.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Narrabri Shire's Section 7.12 Contributions Plan. 

Planning staff have reviewed the application and confirm that the development meets several of the listed criteria to be considered for an exemption under part 4.1 of the plan, including: 

• Appropriate adaptive reuse of an item of environmental heritage, 

• Privately funded public community infrastructure -providing a tenancy for NDCAS an  

important not-for-profit organisation providing vital services to/for the community, 

• Commercial development with no increase to floor space, 

• Heritage preservation of an historic building 

Draft Communications Strategy 2025-26 

Council endorsed the Draft 2025-2026 Narrabri Shire Council Communications strategy to be placed on Public Exhibition for a period of 28 days.  

The Communications Strategy reflects the diverse communications landscape and sets out a robust action plan for 2025-2026, providing tangible steps to enhance Council's communications both internally and externally.  

The strategy is Narrabri Shire Council’s first formal approach to managing communications and huge milestone for Council. While the Strategy is responsive to current needs, it remains flexible and acknowledges that the landscape may change along with priorities in further developed Delivery Plans.