Several meaty issues are on the agenda when the newly elected Goulburn Mulwaree Council meets for the first time on Tuesday.
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Cr Jason Shepherd's notice of motion to revisit the Wakefield Park raceway issue heads up the evening. He is asking that councillors receive a briefing from the operators and residents concerned about noise. Cr Shepherd said he hoped a compromise could be struck to avoid 'costly' legal action.
Public controversy over heavy siltation of the Goulburn wetlands from a 31-lot residential subdivision at Eastgrove, has also sparked a report.
Torrential rainfall in recent months has washed dirty water into the wetland off May Street, prompting complaints and calls for action.
ALSO READ: Come and check out the Goulburn Wetlands
Environment and Planning director Scott Martin stated that while the development had consent, the developers had not met conditions surrounding stormwater management. In November, the council issued stop-work and clean-up infringement notices which carried a total $14,000 in fines.
But a further eight 'pollution incidents' occurred between November 7, 2021 and January 15, 2022, Mr Martin said. A penalty infringement notice (PIN) had only been issued for the first one.
"It is important to note that if the council were to issue PINs for any offence, no further action could be taken in relation to that particular (matter)," Mr Martin reported.
"Given the widespread impact that has been experienced, it is recommended that the council continue to refrain from issuing PINs on the matter until such time as a direction on litigation has been determined."
Legal advice is being sought. A report is expected to be presented to councillors at their next meeting.
Also on Tuesday, councillors will be asked to endorse a planning proposal providing for a fast food restaurant at 14 George Street, Marulan, motel accommodation, pub and bottle shop at 16 George Street, and a house and 74 hectare minimum lot size at 159 Rifle Range Road, Goulburn. Development applications are yet to be lodged.
Another planning proposal to rezone part of the Tenerife subdivision at Marys Mount is awaiting sign-off. It aims to rezone a portion from RU6 transition, with its accompanying 20 hectare minimum lot size, to R2 low density residential, which carries a 700 square metre minimum block size.
In other items, operations staff recommend that all six tenders for new amenities at the new Goulburn Hockey Complex be declined. A report stated that all were above the $600,000 budget.
"(This) may be due to a number of factors including the current high demand in the construction market, materials shortage, increase in raw material costs and possible scope creep in the final version of the design plans issued with the (tender) documentation," staff wrote.
The report recommends the scope of works be reviewed with the architect and Goulburn District Hockey in an effort to reduce costs.
A new tender could be issued, also including construction of North Park amenities.
Councillors will also be asked to consider a tender for construction of the Wollondilly Riverwalk's next phase, the Cullulla Road causeway's replacement and 16km of Windellama Road's rehabilitation between Lumley Road and Muffets Lane.
In addition, membership of new mayor Peter Walker's initiative, a night-time working party, will be finalised.
Tuesday's meeting starts at 6pm and is open to the public.
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