Ordinary Council Meeting preview, Monday 26 August 2024

Published on 22 August 2024

Council’s next meeting will take place at the Administrative Centre at Speers Point on Monday 26 August 2024, with an ordinary meeting starting from 6:30pm.

Members of the public have the option to watch the proceedings live online at webcast.lakemac.com.au.

Below are some of the items listed for discussion.

You can view the full agenda online.

Swansea Channel dredging

Council will consider noting that staff are working with relevant agencies to generate agreements with the federal and state governments to continue dredging the Swansea Channel.

Economic modelling suggests a permanently navigable channel could unlock $176 million worth of new construction with direct and flow-on economic impacts of more than $350 million during the construction phase.

This investment includes new marina berths and residential and tourism accommodation, generating up to 364 direct new jobs and 883 indirect and flow-on jobs.

This investment would have a total direct and flow-on wages benefit of more than $65 million during construction.  

Community Engagement Strategy for public exhibition

Council will consider approving the draft Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan for public exhibition for 28 days.

The draft plan identifies Council’s stakeholder groups within the community and outlines when, how and why each group will be able to provide input into Council’s long-term planning and decision-making activities.

Financial Hardship Policy review

Councillors will consider adopting a new Financial Hardship Policy, following a Councillor workshop in which they reviewed the updated document.

The policy supports ratepayers and customers who are facing financial difficulties to pay their rates or other charges.

Mayor’s farewell

In her last Council meeting as Mayor, Cr Kay Fraser will raise a Mayoral Minute to thank Councillors for their service and contribution over the last term.

Cr Fraser will highlight several achievements throughout the term, lauding the ‘heads-down-bums-up’ approach of Councillors to achieve outcomes for the city.

Highlights include the planning for the North West Catalyst Area, Black Rock Motor Resort and Cedar Mill projects and support for a diverse range of events and infrastructure projects.

Cr Fraser will note more than $1.2 billion in development applications had been supported and more than 22,000 jobs created despite a downturn in major industries such as mining and manufacturing.