Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 November 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 November 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

NRLW Magic Round 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes that the NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced Newcastle as the host city for the inaugural National Women's Rugby League Magic Round to be held at McDonald Jones Stadium in July 2025.

Newcastle's bid to host 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that proposed Council formally expresses its interest to the NSW Government in hosting 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches, offers support and assistance to a NSW Government bid to secure World Cup matches for Newcastle and prepares a detailed event bid for Newcastle as a host city.

Updates from meetings with State and Federal Government 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted that on 29 October 2024 Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joined NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the announcement of the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW's Tighes Hill campus. This demonstrates the strong working relationship between Council and both State and Federal Governments in delivering significant outcomes for our community.

Ordinary business

Adoption of 2025 Council meeting schedule 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the schedule for Council and Committee Meetings to be held in the 2025 calendar year.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 August to 31 October 2024 by the Chief Executive Officer.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program - September Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

Endorsement of the 2023/2024 Annual Report, State of our City Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2023/24 Annual Report and State of Our City Report 2022-2024, which reports on the delivery of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan during the current Council term. Council also adopted City of Newcastle's audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with section 253 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Application for Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show 2025 

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations, seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 28 February 2025 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed as a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Adoption of revised CEO Performance Review Policy

Council voted unanimously to adopt the revised CEO Performance Review Policy.

Merit-based application process - City of Newcastle nominee director/s to Newcastle Airport companies

Council noted that a merit-based application process to enable the selection of a permanent City of Newcastle nominee director to Newcastle Airport companies will be managed by a consultant who has previously managed the recruitment of independent directors to Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2024.

Tender report - Western Corridor - Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue Road Construction

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for construction of the Western Corridor Road Upgrade, consisting of upgrade projects on Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue, Wallsend, and a separable project to upgrade the intersection of Cowper Street and Kokera Street, Wallsend.

Tender report - purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion 

Carrington pedestrian crossings

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that adds the pedestrian crossing on the corner of Cowper Street and Young Street Carrington to the list of crossing priorities unanimously endorsed by Council on 27 June 2023 and requests that additional funding be sought through future budget processes to ensure improved pedestrian infrastructure is prioritised for delivery across the city.