MINUTES
OF THE
Annual Electors Meeting
15 February 2024
|
These minutes were confirmed at a meeting held and signed below by the Presiding Person, at the meeting these minutes were confirmed.
|
MINUTES
OF THE
Annual Electors Meeting
15 February 2024
|
These minutes were confirmed at a meeting held and signed below by the Presiding Person, at the meeting these minutes were confirmed.
|
Minutes – Annual Electors Meeting 15 February 2024 Page 1 of 2
SHIRE OF BROOME
Annual Electors Meeting
Thursday 15 February 2024
INDEX – Minutes
The Chairperson outlined the process for the Annual Electors Meeting and welcomed members, electors and staff and declared the meeting open at 4:00PM.
The Shire President’s report is contained on page 10 of the Shire’s Annual Report 2022/23.
|
Resolution: Minute No. /0224/001 Moved: Cr Smith Seconded: Cr Matsumoto
That the 2022/23 Shire President’s report be received. |
The Shire of Broome Annual Report for the financial year 2022/23 is available on the Shire of Broome website via this link: Annual Report 2022/23.
Supplementary Information
Minutes from the 2021/22 Annual Electors Meeting held 25 May 2023, are available via this link: Minutes of Annual Electors Meeting. These minutes were received by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting held 29 June 2023.
|
Resolution: Minute No. /0224/002 Moved: Cr Virgo Seconded: Cr Male
That the Shire of Broome Annual Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2023 be received. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Elector Motions:
Kylie Brockenshire submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/003 Moved: K Brockenshire Seconded: L Batt
That Council actively advocate for Tanami Drive to be pushed through to Sanctuary Road ASAP. The road is planned for stage 13 but with the KMS trucks coming through on Gubinge, it is going to be difficult and dangerous turning right coming out of the estate. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
elector motion 2: Minute No. /0224/004 Moved: K Brockenshire Seconded: Cr Male
That Council actively as a state of urgency, advocate state and federal governments for funds to erect and run CCTV cameras in all key thoroughfares throughout Broome townsite to assist police in investigating crime. This is a band aid in the long term of crime fighting in our town. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Christopher Maher Submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/005 Moved: C Maher Seconded: Cr Mamid
To further enhance the Shire's commendable efforts in turtle conservation, initiated in 2009 with the installation of a boom gate at Cable Beach and the implementation of vehicle restrictions during high tides, and significantly advanced in 2022 with the decision to close the beach to vehicles during the critical nesting period of endangered marine turtles from December to January. Extend the annual closure of the Cable Beach vehicle access ramp through to the end of the critical month of February when hundreds of hatchlings make their way from nests to water’s edge. This extension aims to provide an uninterrupted and safe nesting and hatching environment for the turtles during their entire nesting season, reinforcing the Shire’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable local tourism. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Virginia Westwood submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting. Virginia Westwood could not attend the meeting, however the motion was read aloud by Pat Lowe on Virginia’s behalf.
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/006 Moved: V Westwood Seconded: Cr Lewis
To ensure that Council meets the terms of its clearing permit, revegetation and mulching to stabilise the sides of the swale south of Cable Beach with species that were present before the area was cleared, should be completed in the next month ie. by 30 April 2024. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Michelle Teoh submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/007 Moved: M Teoh Seconded: K Simpson
The Shire Council recognises the library needs to be upgraded and that this is considered a priority project In 2025- 2026 Business Plan set out the following timeframe and activities. 2025-2026 1. Assess the building’s condition, limitations, and shortcomings. Consider factors such as space, accessibility, technology, and community needs (ask the community who use it). 2. Conduct a feasibility study to explore the practicality and financial viability of replacing the library. This should include budgetary requirements, potential funding sources, community support, and the overall impact on the community. 3. When completed the Replacement of the Broome Public Library be included in the Shire of Broome ‘Shovel Ready’ projects. 2026 -2027 1. Develop a conceptual plan for the new library. Determine the size, layout, and functionality of the new facility. Architectural design, sustainability, technological infrastructure, and compatibility with the community's vision. 2. Identify potential funding sources. Maybe seek government grants, partner with private organizations or foundations, or exploring fundraising options within the community. Prepare a detailed budget for the construction, furnishings, and ongoing operational costs. 2027 - 2028 1. Engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure their needs are reflected in the new library design. Conduct public consultations, surveys, and meetings to gather feedback and build community support. 2. Identify potential sites for the new library. Consider factors such as accessibility, visibility, proximity to the community, parking, and future expansion possibilities. Conduct feasibility studies for the selected sites to assess suitability. 2028 - 2029 1. Work with architects, engineers, and contractors to develop a detailed design and construction plans for the new library. Obtain the necessary permits and approvals. 2029 - 2030 1. If necessary, work out how to relocate the library services during the construction phase. Consider temporary library spaces or alternative service options to ensure continued access to library resources for the community. 2. Begin the construction monitor and address any issues that arise. Once construction is complete, organize a grand opening community event to celebrate the new library. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Garry Smith Submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/008 Moved: G Smith Seconded: B Borwick
That the Shire of Broome investigate the viability of provision of a bus service for Senior residents of Broome. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Andrew Chambers submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/009 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: D Bennett
That the Shire, in light of the many serious issues, devote both capital and attention to the task of building a fit for purpose venue or modifying the existing Civic Centre such that it: ● Meets the basic needs of this Shire's schools and local performing arts companies. ● Is a fit and proper venue to stage productions by touring national and international companies. ● Has an auditorium that is safe, comfortable and has decent sight lines to the performance stage. ● Incorporates a front of house and reception area that is safe, comfortable and usable year round. ● Is built around Backstage facilities that can, safely, hold the hundreds of participants involved while allowing safe storage and passage of sets, props and other critical theatrical infrastructure. ● Has a holding and reception facility for the care of children and handover to and from parents. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 2: Minute No. /0224/010 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: R Harris
That the Shire reviews its Standards document 5.22 to ensure that new footpaths, particularly those used by school children and tourists, are built to at least comply with recommended minimal widths and, ideally, to desirable widths. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 3: Minute No. /0224/011 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: M Chi
That the issue of pedestrian safety is referred to Broome’s Road Safety Working Group (of which the Shire is a member) with a request that a community education campaign is developed and implemented which raises awareness about the laws around cycling or scootering on footpaths and the need for motorists to give way to any traffic on a footpath when they are crossing over a footpath. There also needs to be an awareness campaign to alert pedestrians to the dangers of using headphones while on shared paths as they are unable to hear warning bells, anything, other than what they are listening to. This is a danger to themselves and other users. The campaign should involve children, their parents and the general community with the aim of improving pedestrian, cyclist and scooter user safety on public footpaths. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 4: Minute No. /0224/012 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: G Smith
That the Shire utilises a clause in the 2016 cyclist legislation which allows Local Government to prohibit bicycles from being ridden on certain sections of a footpath, such as past an alfresco dining area. As there are places in town where it is too crowded for cyclists to ride whilst keeping pedestrians safe, for example the footpaths on both sides of Carnarvon Street from the Roebuck Hotel to the Post Office, a list of possible locations where cyclist prohibitions should be implemented is developed for Council consideration. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 5: Minute No. /0224/013 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: K Brockenshire
That the Shire, to improve user safety, particularly at night, data is gathered on traffic on the footpath from Cable Beach into town along Cable Beach Roads West and East so that an informed decision can be made about when the path must be widened to 3 metres and formally designated as a shared path and consideration be given to improving the lighting on this important arterial path. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 6: Minute No. /0224/014 Moved: A Chambers Seconded: G Smith
That the Shire carry through on the twice promised reinstatement of Give Way signs and painted lines at ALL the crossovers over the footpath at the Broome Senior High School parking area (Frederick St.) and access drives. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Elizabeth Cochrane Submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/015 Moved: E Cochrane Seconded: G Smith That the Shire acts as facilitator to: • Work with seniors to identify ideal characteristics of a retirement village development in Broome eg location, ambience, security, flexibility etc. • Identify land which would be suitable for the development of a retirement village – including re-assessing the Uniting Church land proposal and ensuring any suitable land identified is correctly zoned. • Advocate, advertise for and identify developers who might be interested in building a retirement village in Broome. • Work with the developer and the community of seniors to ensure the project to build a retirement village is completed by mid 2027. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Diana Oliver Submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting:
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/016 Moved: D Oliver Seconded: D Bennett That the Shire table the response to the letter from the Shire to Main Roads WA ,written on 19th September, at the next Council Meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 2: Minute No. /0224/017 Moved: D Oliver Seconded: M Teoh That the Shire contact Main Roads again to ensure that all the issues raised in the letter dated 19th September, have been or will be addressed and table Main Road’s response at a future Council meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Carmel Leahy submitted an Elector Motion prior to the meeting. Carmel Leahy could not attend the meeting, however the motion was read aloud by Michelle Teoh on Carmel’s behalf.
|
ELECTOR MOTION 1: Minute No. /0224/018 Moved: C Leahy Seconded: M Teoh That the Urban Renewal Strategy be made the top priority of the Shire and that staffing and resources reflect this commitment. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 2: Minute No. /0224/019 Moved: C Leahy Seconded: M Teoh That a level of funding be allocated to the Woods Drive, Dora St and Anne Street Precincts equal to that allocated to the Cable Beach Tourist Precinct and that Precinct Structure Plans are developed for these three Precincts of concern. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
|
ELECTOR MOTION 3: Minute No. /0224/020 Moved: C Leahy Seconded: M Teoh That the Shire send one councillor to Japan and use the funds saved to audit, repair and maintain Shire security cameras, particularly in trouble spots. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
Public Questions
Bruce Pennicuik submitted the following questions prior to the meeting:
Question One (1)
What benefit does the Shire of Broome see in opening Cable Beach to vehicles during turtle nesting/hatching season and does this perceived benefit outweigh the damage to the shire’s reputation caused by the avoidable, negative impact on turtle hatchlings?
Answer provided by Deputy Shire President.
Council was requested in 2022 by the Yawuru Parks Council (YPC) to close the ramp providing vehicle access to Cable Beach. This request was based on advice from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and was based on technical analysis of the impact on turtle nests and hatchlings from vehicles, lights and vehicle tracks. Reports prepared by DBCA supported the closure of vehicle access, and the report to the Yawuru Parks Council (YPC) recommended closure for December and January.
The request received by Council from the subsequent YPC decision was to close the ramp for all of December and January, with existing partial closures remaining in place for October, November and February. These existing partial closures of the ramp overnight between 8pm and 6am as well as two hours either side of all tides over 9 metres result in further protection of nests and hatchlings. Advice from DBCA confirms that turtle hatching events occur at night, and night time and high tide vehicle prohibition was established to minimise impacts on nesting and hatching turtles from vehicles and headlight disturbance.
A copy of the report and supporting documents is available on the Shire website. The link to that information will be published in the minutes:
https://broome.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/10/CO_27102022_MIN_3778_AT_WEB.htm
Current ramp closures are therefore in accordance with the request and advice from YPC and DBCA.
The Shire has requested data from the 2023/2024 Turtle Monitoring Program from DBCA that will be considered by the Yawuru Parks Council and subsequently presented to Council for further consideration in due course.
Question Two (2)
Is there an opportunity to present my data which is for the entire turtle nesting/hatching season as opposed to the 2023/24 DBCA data, which only relates to six weeks of the season for consideration with regard to the beach closure by the Shire?
Answer provided by Deputy Shire President.
It’s advised to contact the DBCA to discuss further. It has been reiterated, the Shire do not have the authority to make the decision to close Cable Beach, it is a joint decision between Yawuru, DBCA and the Shire of Broome.
Cr Mamid asked the following question:
The joint managed area, North of the rocks, are decisions made by these groups or is one of them an operating entity and the other two make decisions?
Answer provided by Director Development Services.
It is managed by DBCA, they have the operational management responsibilities. There is three vestees, which consists of DBCA, NBY and the Shire of Broome.
The following question was received from Diana Oliver.
Question One (1)
Regarding the minutes of the September 2023 Council meeting, on 19th September 2023, the Shire wrote to the Regional Manager of Main Roads WA detailing community views regarding Kimberley Mineral Sands plan to use 60 metre quad trucks to transport mineral sands to Broome Port.
Was a reply to this letter received from Main Roads WA ? If yes:
· Was the Shire satisfied with this response?
· How were the 3 specific conditions, specified in the letter (a change to a Logger location, scheduling of trucks, and development of a complaints management system) addressed?
Answer provided by Director Development Services
Separate letters were sent to Main Roads WA, Kimberley Mineral Sands and Kimberley Ports Authority requesting separate issues be addressed, I note there were 13 individual things that were requested of Mian Roads on top of the three that you are referring to, those recommendations consistent with those included in the agenda item to Council that failed to reach quorum. Written replies were received from Kimberley Mineral Sands and Kimberley Ports Authority. These replies confirmed agreement to the these recommendations. Kimberley Mineral Sands confirmed that it has a complaints management system, approvals from Main Roads would consider data about scheduling around school hours, and that the logger location has been shifted in the vehicle management system. Kimberley Ports Authority confirmed that any traffic management approvals would be obtained if required, and that a comprehensive assessment was being undertaken to ensure traffic conflicts in the Port are managed – this is required to manage access to the wharf.
These responses are considered appropriate.
While an initial meeting was held where Main Roads confirmed receipt of the correspondence, no written reply has been received by Main Roads WA committing to any of the recommended outcomes, though officers have followed this up and a commitment has been made to provide a written response. A follow up request has been submitted.
The following question was received from Amanda McInerney.
Will the Shire adopt new policys to ensure footpath safety?
Answer provided by Director Corporate Services
The Shire has engineering standards relating to the installation of footpaths. There is nothing in the program of works to update those standards. A motion has been put forward by A Chambers at this afternoon’s meeting in regards to reviewing the existing planning policy 5.22 which will encapsulate a review of the relevant standards. A response will be drafted for this motion at the next Council Meeting to be held 28 March and a decision will be made regarding any policies that may be required.
The following question was received from Garry Waldron.
Now that paid parking has been introduced for all airport users the questions I put to the current Council are.
Question One (1)
Given the Shire have made some $800000 dollars available to NW Tourism over the years (the Airport would have benefited from this investment along with other operators) it is reasonable to ask what value ratepayers are we getting from paid parking. It is now an embarrassment to pick up and attempt a reasonable goodbye to visitors. A long-term parking charge is reasonable but giving such a short window of “free” parking is doing Broome and the wider Kimberley a dis-service. The airport has a constant struggle with baggage handling.
Has the Shire of Broome approved the charge of paid parking at the Broome airport? If so, have those details been passed onto the Valuers Generals Officer?
Answer provided by Director Development Services
The airport submitted and received approval for a carparking redevelopment. The Shire was notified that paid parking would be implemented, although this does not form a part of the assessment process for issuing planning approval. Paid parking is at the discretion of the land owner.
Notifications are not sent for every development, and Gross Rental Values for townsites are reviewed by the Valuer Generals Office every three years. A review of all GRV properties is due next year.
However, the shire can request an interim valuation and this will be based on the date of issuing the Certificate of Occupancy, so can be back dated. The Shire intends to request the Valuer Generals Office undertakes a revaluation of this and several other properties that have been significantly developed or redeveloped over the past 12 months in time for the 2024/2025 budget process.
Financial support provided to Australia's North West is provided through rates raised from Tourism Differential Rate and is provided to promote visitation to Broome to benefit all local businesses, although it is acknowledged that destination marketing may have benefitted the airport with landing fees or other revenue generation mechanisms.
The commercial activities of the airport are, however, the business of the airport, and while the Deed provides for the application of the Local Law powers to impose a fee, the application of fees is not covered by the Deed.
It is recommended that any dissatisfaction with the airport parking arrangements is discussed with the airport directly.
Virginia Westwood submitted the following questions before the meeting, Virginia Westwood could not attend the meeting and nominated Dianne Bennett to read her questions aloud.
Question One (1)
What is the status of the Weed Management Action Plan? Why has it taken 2+ years to develop and finalise this document?
Answer provided by Director Infrastructure
The Shire’s Weed Management Plan is outstanding and will be brought to Council for consideration once completed.
The Shire acknowledges that the Weed Management Action Plan has been outstanding for some time and that our current approach to deliver the plan internally has not resulted in an endorsed Weed Management Action Plan. It is still the Shire’s intention to present a Weed Management Action Plan to Council.
Question Two (2)
Does the Shire acknowledge their responsibility to stop weeds spreading into Minyirr Park via drains managed by the Shire?
Answer provided by Director Infrastructure
Yes we do acknowledge responsibility and actively treat weeds in the upstream areas which may flow through to Minyirr Park during our weed management programs each year.
Christopher Mahar asked the following question
Question One (1)
Three groups manage Cable Beach, North of the rocks. Can you please confirm who Controls the boom gate?
Answered by Director Development Services
The Shire are the owner of the boom gate.
A Chambers asked the following question
Question One (1)
What are the Shire doing in objection to the proposed development of the police support facility on the PCYC oval, contrary to the intent of the planning scheme of the area. I support the development of the facility, however the location is completely inappropriate.
Answered by Deputy Shire President and Director Development Services
Council completely agree. The Shire and Elected Members have been fighting this specific item for some time.
The Shire have written to Minister Papalia, requesting reconsideration of the decision making of the selection of that site and outlining our concerns and community concerns.
The Shire President, Cr Mitchell and Acting CEO Jeremy Hall are currently in Perth and are scheduled to meet with Premier Cook. The suitability of the proposed location for the Police Support Facility is one of the items on the agenda for discussion.
M Chi asked the following question
Question One (1)
Can a speaker be placed in Council Chambers for the public gallery.
Answered by Deputy Shire President
Shire officers will investigate installing a speaker.
Virginia Westwood submitted the following questions before the meeting, Virginia Westwood could not attend the meeting and nominated Dianne Bennett to read her questions aloud.
Question Three (3)
Despite the lack of rain, 15mm was enough to germinate a huge flush of weeds in the town site.
What specific actions have Shire staff taken in January 2024 to address the flush of new weed growth?
Answer provided by Director Infrastructure
The Shire of Broome is monitoring and treating weeds across the Broome townsite on a daily basis and during all months of the year. Specifically weed treatment has occurred in all public open space reserves, drainage reserves, road reserves and other Council premises.
Question Four (4)
Is it correct that the Shire Weed Officer resigned before Xmas and the contract weed operator is not currently working for the Shire?
Answer provided by Director Infrastructure
This is not accurate. Yes, the Shire are currently recruiting for a Weed Officer but this does not result in the Shire ceasing weed management.
The Shire employs a significant number of operational employees across its Parks, Works and Waste Operations. As a part of this operational workforce the Shire has one full time employee dedicated to weed management. In addition, all gardener operators and horticulture employees are trained to undertake weed management for the areas they manage i.e. parks and reserves, roundabouts, streetscapes etc. The Shire will allocate the resources available at any time and engage experienced contractors according to the priorities at any time while aiming to maintain its level of service to the community in a consistent manner.
As mentioned, the Shire is currently finalising recruitment for the vacant full time Weed Officer role. As such a local contractor has been engaged by the Shire to assist during this period of vacancy while other Parks team members have also undertaken weed management activities during this period.
Question Five (5)
Many ratepayers think that the town looks scruffy. Verges are not mowed frequently enough, there are weeds through vacant bushland and growing out of pavements and curbs, there is even a Neem tree in the centre of Chinatown. Yet one of the Shire’s supporting aspirations in their Corporate Plan 2023-27 is Place. The Plan states “we will grow and develop responsibly, caring for our natural, cultural and built heritage, for everyone”. What then is the Shire’s vision for what the natural heritage of Broome (rather than manicured patches such as Chinatown) should look like?
Answer provided by Director Infrastructure
The Shire’s Vision is "Broome - a future for everyone.” and the Shire aspires to “grow and develop responsibly, caring for our natural, cultural and built heritage, for everyone.”
The Shire is proud of what we deliver across the townsite in the key precincts of Chinatown, Town Beach and Cable Beach plus the remaining Shire managed reserves. We have a challenging role across a broad area and we embrace that challenge.
In the Shire’s Community Scorecard 2022 the Shire’s Playgrounds, Parks and Reserves scored a 92% positive rating with a performance index score of 70/100. This has trended up from 68 in the 2000 scorecard and from 58 in 2015 scorecard. The Shire of Broome score is above the local government industry’s average performance index score.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 5.24pm.