The first Council meeting for 2026 was held on Tuesday 17 February at 9am in the Council Chambers. Councillors considered a wide range of matters, including rising antisocial behaviour, priority projects for the next Operational Plan and Council's corporate progress.
Mayoral Minute – Acknowledging the passing of Aunty Mary‑Lou Buck
Mayor Ring acknowledged the passing of Aunty Mary‑Lou Buck, a proud Dunghutti woman and respected Aboriginal elder whose life's work made an extraordinary contribution to Aboriginal education, land rights, women's leadership and community development. Council will fly its flags at half‑mast on the day of her funeral, 19 February, in honour of her legacy and service to community.
Mayoral Minute - Antisocial behaviour
Mayor Ring tabled a mayoral minute on rising antisocial behaviour in Kempsey, which Council supported unanimously. The minute calls for increased government resourcing and coordinated intervention to address the underlying causes of the behaviour and deliver long‑term, sustainable solutions.
The Mayor acknowledged the CEO's leadership, the professionalism of Council staff in managing these challenges while prioritising staff and community safety, and the support of partner agencies working collaboratively with Council.
The minute also highlights that councils are often required to manage complex social issues without matching funding. It requests that the CEO write to the local State Member of Parliament seeking additional support and advocacy to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour.
Corporate Performance Report - Quarter 2
Council endorsed the Quarter 2 Corporate Performance Report for 2025–26. This report notes progress across the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, as well as the impact of disaster recovery efforts on some planned works.
Also included is the achievements to date and ongoing challenges as well as demonstrating progress under the Financial Sustainability Program.
To view the Corporate Performance report, please visit Council meeting agendas & minutes
Priority projects for 2026-27
Council endorsed several priority projects for the draft 2026–27 Operational Plan, including Stage 2 of the Horseshoe Bay Foreshore Master Plan, contaminated land remediation and detailed design work for the Crescent Head Foreshore Master Plan.
Council also supported investigating the purchase of land in South West Rocks for future sporting fields, funded through Developer Contributions and initiating an Expression of Interest for potential mixed‑use development at 18–22 Landsborough Street.
Council noted that any land purchase will require a further report and that Local Infrastructure Contributions must be used in line with the adopted plan. The CEO will convene a workshop to guide a report on future Holiday Park concept planning and upcoming works at Hat Head and Horseshoe Bay Caravan Parks.
Council also endorsed further consideration of refurbishing the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park Eastside Amenities Block as a more cost‑effective alternative to demolition and rebuild.
Kempsey Sporting Car Club events at Kempsey Airport
Council granted consent for eight sports driving events per year at Kempsey Airport, subject to specific conditions. This approval includes six Khanacross events and two junior Khanacross development days.
Notice of Motions
A number of Notices of Motion were put forward by Councillors and were carried.
You can read the detailed agenda and reports in the business papers.
You can view the meeting on Council's YouTube page.
