Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 8 October 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 October 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

Congratulating new and returning Councillors

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates all successful candidates and welcomes them to the Chamber as City of Newcastle Councillors.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

A Lord Mayoral Minute was laid on the table that noted that in accordance with personal promises made prior to election, as Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge wants to use the Directors Fees associated with Newcastle Airport positions to establish a personal fund for charitable purposes.

Councillor seating arrangements and community-focused governance

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that notes the impending motion to seat councillors by party affiliation rather than ward groups diverges from the Lord Mayor's election promise, but he will accept the councillors’ decision.

Change to 2024 adopted meeting schedule

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that adopted a change in Council's meeting cycle moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 22 October 2024 to Tuesday 29 October 2024.

Ordinary business

Election of Deputy Lord Mayor

Council voted unanimously to elect Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen and Cr Deahnna Richardson as the Deputy Lord Mayor for a period of one year each during the Council term.

Countback Election

Council voted unanimously to approve, pursuant to section 291A(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993, that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a Councillor within 18  months after the last ordinary election of Councillors for the Council on 14 September 2024 are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election for the office in accordance with section 291A of the Act and authorises the CEO to notify the NSW Electoral Commission of Council’s resolution within seven days of the decision.

Appointment of Councillor members to City of Newcastle committees

Council voted to appoint Councillor members to City of Newcastle Committees.

Appointment of Councillor members to external committees

Council voted unanimously to appoint Councillor members to external Committees.

Adoption of Instruments of Delegation Council to the CEO, Lord Mayor and Development Applications Committee

Council voted to adopt the Instruments of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer, the Lord Mayor, and the Development Applications Committee, maintaining the fact tenders exceeding $1 million will require a decision by Council resolution.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

Council voted to lay on the table the nomination of the Lord Mayor and CEO as City of Newcastle's representatives to Newcastle Airport entities.

Notices of Motion 

Expansion of Newcastle's Footpath Network

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to the expansion of Newcastle's Footpath Network, ensuring safer and more accessible pathways for all residents, by committing to deliver at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council (and up to 30 kilometres over the term if feasible). Council also supports the proactive approach to footpath planning initiated during the last term of Council, moving away from only delivering reactive footpath projects towards a consultative, strategic, and data-driven approach that ensures efficient and equitable delivery of needed accessible walking infrastructure for all Novocastrians.

Expansion of Newcastle's Playground Renewal Program - Stevenson Park

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to expanding Newcastle’s successful playground renewal program which has already seen 35 parks and playgrounds upgraded across the City and commits to delivering the next phase of investment in the playspace at Stevenson Park in Mayfield West during this term of council, ensuring continued collaboration with the Friends of Stevenson Park and local stakeholders.

Minmi Road Western Corridor widening project

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle notes that funding for the widening of Minmi Road was initiated by a Lord Mayoral Minute from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes in February 2022 and recognises the enabling construction work already  completed during the first quarter of this financial year, including the installation of the new  roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, which will support the   flow of diverted traffic during construction. Construction on the Minmi Road widening project is scheduled to commence in early 2025.

Councillor seating arrangements

Council supported a notice of motion that determined the seating arrangements for the new Council term.