A community battery will be installed in Narrabri’s Town Hall carpark, following endorsement by Council to enter into a licence agreement with local green energy company Geni.Energy.
Council endorsed the following motion at the meeting:
That Council enter into a licence agreement with Geni.Energy Limited on the terms of the attached document, with key terms being:
a. Location - Part Lot 20, Section 4, DP758755, known as 89 Barwan St, Narrabri, NSW 2390, known as the Town Hall Carpark.
b. Permitted use - Installation, operation, repair, and replacement of battery electric storage facilities.
c. Term - 5 years with a 5-year option.
d. Rent - $1.00 per annum.
e. Rates - nil charge to Geni.Energy Limited.
f. Outgoings - Lessee responsibility.
2. That Council delegate the authority to the General Manager to enter into the licence agreement and execute all relevant documentation.
3. Council establish a Renewable Energy community Consultative Committee to receive ongoing updates regarding the community battery as well as renewable energy opportunities.
4. That a clause be inserted into the proposed licence agreement to the effect that in the event of an emergency safety risk or a change in risk profile that cannot be managed to the satisfaction of either party, the licence agreement can be terminated by either party with reasonable notice.
During the Meeting’s Request to Speak in Public Forum, Narrabri LEOCON Robert Dunn and Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Tom Cooper highlighted concerns regarding the location of the battery and associated fire risks.
Geni.Energy Director Sally Hunter also spoke during the Public Forum, addressing the concerns and mitigation undertaken by Geni.Energy around these risks.
During discussion regarding the item, including further mitigation of risk, Councillors amended the original motion to include Clause 3 and Clause 4.
Other outcomes from the March Ordinary Council Meeting included:
Mayor Darrell Tiemens presented several Mayoral Minutes items, including Mayoral Appointments from 3 February to 7 March 2025.
Other Mayoral Minutes items were:
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That Council submit an additional motion to the 2025 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, calling on the Australian Government to introduce measures improve telecommunications reliability and delivery standards, particularly in non-metropolitan areas by:
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(i) requiring co-contributions by all major telecommunications service providers towards the construction and embellishment of new telecommunications infrastructure, including new towers and mobile base stations, to improve coverage;
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(iii) Require telecommunications service providers to progressively install business continuity support infrastructure, including, but not limited to, generators and batteries at critical telecommunications infrastructure locations; and
Proposed date change – May Ordinary Council Meeting
Council approved a motion to move the May Ordinary Council Meeting from 21 May 2025 to 14 May 2025.
The change of date is to ensure public submissions to the Delivery Program and Operational Plan (including the budget) can be received and properly considered before adoption, and avoiding the need for two Council meetings in May.
The Crossing Theatre Concessional Use Application – Australian Cotton Research Conference 2025
Council approved the concessional use rate of 50% of room hire to the Association of Australian Cotton Scientists to hold the 2025 Australian Cotton Research Conference in August 2025.
Aquatic Facilities entry fees waiver
Council approved free entry to Boggabri Memorial Pool, Narrabri Aquatic Centre and Wee Waa Memorial Pool on Saturday, 12 April 2025 – the last day of the 2024/2025 summer swimming season.
On Friday, 27 December 2024, a storm hit Boggabri Memorial Pool, damaging fences, equipment and pool plant. This storm resulted in a two-week closure while teams worked to bring the facility and water back to a safe standard.
Since then, Council has been experiencing staff shortages for pools, including a number of lifeguards leaving the region.
This has resulted in unplanned and unexpected closures at all aquatic facilities to allow the remaining staff to provide lifeguard supervisory duties for larger events, such as school and regional swimming carnivals.
Council staff recognise the importance of the Shire’s aquatic facilities to the community, and will end the season with free entry to thank the community for their participation.
Acceptance of tenders under delegation
Council noted the determination of tenders under delegation for the period October to December 2024.
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:
Tender/Contract Description
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No. Of Tenders (local Tenderers)
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Supply of Tar Patching Unit Asset 0924 - LGP220
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Supply and Delivery of PSA CLASS 3 TRACKED LOADER, Asset 0932 - LGP 419
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Liebherr Australia Pty Ltd
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Supply and Delivery of CCF CLASS 15 GRADER, Asset 0928 - LGP 419
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Supply and Delivery of Compact Crawler, Asset 0931 - LGP 419
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Award of Contract 2024-25/10 - EIS for Greenhill's Quarry Extension
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GeoLink Consulting Pty Ltd
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March community advocacy opportunities
Council noted a report regarding March community advocacy opportunities, including updates around:
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The Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025. The Bill proposes to split the Hunter New England Local Health District into the Hunter Local Health District and the New England North West Local Health District. The Legislative Assembly will be accepting submissions for the inquiry commencing on 20 February, closing on the 17 April 2025.
As per a request for support from Member for Barwon, Mr Roy Butler MP, Council will develop a detailed submission outlining an ideal outcome specifically for Narrabri's respective Local Health District.
Additionally, Council received and noted reports for:
To view the full agenda and reports from the March Ordinary Council Meeting and watch the recording of the meeting, visit Council's website.