First Nations Group Approved, 3 Plans Set for Exhibit

Councillors discussed the draft Community Strategic Plan, which sets out our community's vision for the future, our long term goals and strategies. They noted the importance of encouraging community participation and feedback on the draft, particularly people aged under 40 who are typically under-represented in engagement with Council. The public exhibition of the Plan has been approved by Councillors, where it will be available for 28 days for interested parties to read and provide feedback via our Your Say Macleay website.

The existing Community Strategic Plan, adopted by Council in 2022, has been refreshed for the new term of Council, with an added focus on young people and safer communities. Reflecting the opinions, values and aspirations of our community, the plan is an important part of our Integrated Planning and Reporting suite of documents which help council plan and make decisions over the next four-year term.

Draft Community Engagement and Participation Strategy

The draft Community Engagement and Participation Strategy was also discussed by Councillors, with general support for the draft document. There was some discussion about ways to encourage more community feedback and participation, with some Councillors wanting to do more to share the opportunities for feedback on their own social media pages.

Councillors approved the public exhibition of this document for 28 days on our Your Say Macleay website.

The draft Community Engagement and Participation Strategy combines two documents into one which explains council's approach on how and when we will ask for community participation on our plans and projects, as well as the key principles we use when engaging with the community.

The key principles behind this updated strategy is that Council engages in a way that is authentic, inclusive, timely, and genuine, with a commitment to closing the loop at the end of the process. The community has made it clear that they want a clear approach and simplified information on when and how we engage with them, and how to participate.

Draft Flood Policy

Councillors commended the draft Flood Policy as a timely and thorough document and endorsed it for exhibition and community feedback for 28 days on our Your Say Macleay page.

The new draft policy provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing development on flood-prone lands, making sure that new developments are resilient against floods and impacts of climate change. The Policy integrates local flood studies and best practices to enhance safety, minimise risk, and promote sustainable development.

There was some discussion around the importance of communicating the policy so people who may consider future development on the flood plain are aware of and understand the policy. of the changed planning levels and approvals for development on the flood plain.

Proposed projects for the Disaster Ready Fund

In accordance with Council's recently adopted grants policy, projects that have no adopted budget and are proposed for a grant funding application are required to come to Council for approval.

Councillors considered a proposed application to the NSW Disaster Ready Fund, administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority, which is for projects that build resilience to prepare for, or reduce the risk of, future natural hazard impacts.

Project applications for this round of funding close on 2 April 2025. The funding provided is 50%, and if successful, Council would be required to provide the other 50%.

Councillors agreed that council should apply for the grant funding for all three proposals, including:

1. Integrated Climate Change Preparedness Strategy for better preparedness and resilience to climate change.

2. Shingle Causeway Program: installation of concrete causeways or minor bridges over creeks that do not have a constructed crossing.

3. Significant Cuttings Program: identification of road cuttings that are vulnerable to upslope and downslope failures during flood events, and design upgrades to improve the flow of stormwater and protect areas that receive concentrated flows that typically lead to scour.

There was discussion around the cost effectiveness of the shingle causeway program proposal and if it is an appropriate use of Council funds to benefit a small group of people who choose to live in isolated areas. In defence of this program, it was argued that the proposal reduces the costs of flood repair and includes work that has been planned over the next 10 years, which will be accelerated if the grant is successful. In addition, Councillors put forward the argument that there should be an equitable distribution of funding across the Shire, with all residents benefiting from infrastructure spending and being able to ensure access to their properties.

A new First Nations Advisory Group approved for Kempsey Shire Council

Councillor Lawrence proposed a Notice of Motion that Council establish a First Nations Advisory Group, as a committee of Council. The intent of the group would be to provide advice and raise awareness on matters relating to First Nations communities in the Kempsey Shire Council, increase cultural knowledge and respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, support the delivery of NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week activities, and provide input and share knowledge on social matters such as youth crime, housing and education.

In discussing the proposal, Councillors discussed a broad range of matters including the development of the Terms of Reference for the group and community engagement on this, whether the expression of interest process to invite members to the group could happen sooner than September, that the committee be reviewed after eight meetings within 18 months instead of 24, number of people on the committee, steps to ensure diverse representation, selection of the Chair, the cost to Council of such a group and community awareness of the proposed group.

Councillors agreed that forming a First Nations Advisory Group is an opportunity for Kempsey Shire Council to help correct the wrongs of the past, increase positive opportunities for reconciliation and connection with the Aboriginal community and Council, and is aligned with the actions of several other local councils across the state with significant Aboriginal populations.

Sale of Council-land in West Kempsey for affordable housing

Councillors have taken a proactive step in supporting affordable housing locally by approving, in principle, the sale of four Council-owned lots in West Kempsey to a Community Housing Provider. This decision reflects Council's commitment to addressing housing needs in the region.

As part of the approval, the General Manager was granted delegated authority to manage the tender process for appointing the Community Housing Provider, finalise the sale contract and oversee the necessary agreements. All housing developed on the land will be designated as affordable housing, furthering the Council's dedication to providing housing options for the community.