Council held its May meeting on Tuesday 19 May, with Councillors considering a range of key items including the Community Grants Program – Round 2, telecommunications upgrades, the Crown Lands Management Amendment Bill, and a Mayoral Minute honouring Shane Stedman OAM.
The meeting opened with the Mayor acknowledging May as Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, National Volunteer Week, and Wear Orange Wednesday in support of the SES.
Vale Shane Stedman OAM
Council opened with a Mayoral Minute acknowledging the passing of Shane Stedman OAM, recognising his significant contributions to the surf industry, businesses and the Crescent Head community. A minute's silence was observed. A celebration of his life will be held at Crescent Head Surf Club on 30 May 2026.
West Kempsey Civic Centre site — preliminary evaluation
Council unanimously approved the CEO Andrew Meddle to carry out early investigations into a proposal to redevelop the Civic Centre site at 22 Tozer Street, West Kempsey.
This authorisation is subject to seven conditions, including that any project be delivered at no net cost to ratepayers, that Council's strategic and civic objectives are protected, and that no agreement can proceed without a further Council resolution.
A community and stakeholder engagement plan must also be developed before progressing beyond the preliminary evaluation stage. Council retains the discretion to cease evaluation at any time.
Telecommunications facility, North Street West Kempsey
Council approved a development application from Optus for a telecommunications facility at 76 North Street, West Kempsey. The motion was carried 7–2.
Community Grants Program — Round 2
Council endorsed Round 2 of the 2025–2026 Community Grants Program, with two amendments:
- Successful recipients may be invited to present outcomes to Council
- An end-of-term report will be prepared to showcase the cumulative community impact of the program
Loan borrowings
Council approved its 2025–2026 loan borrowings program. The majority of funding will support Cell 5 at the Crescent Head Road Waste Management Centre, with remaining funds allocated to water and sewer infrastructure works across the Shire.
Crown Lands Management Amendment Bill
Following a Notice of Motion from Councillor Bain, Council resolved to write to the Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Lands and Property, and the local Member. Council is calling for any cost-shifting to local government under the proposed amendments to be excluded or appropriately funded, in line with LGNSW's advocacy position.
Greater transparency for councillor information
Council unanimously supported a Notice of Motion from Councillor Coburn requesting the CEO develop a framework to improve public transparency around councillor briefings and information-sharing.
The framework will align with the NSW Office of Local Government's 2025 Model Meeting Code, with a report to be presented to Council in the coming months
Other business
Council received the Q3 Corporate Performance Report, the Development Activity and LEP Variations report.
Several items were adopted under an Items Passed by Exception block including the Unsolicited Proposals Policy, Child Safety Framework, Sewage Treatment Plant Buffer Zone Policy, Councillor Fees for 2026–27, Statement of Cash and Investments, and the Mayor's and CEO's calendars.
A Notice of Motion on the NSW EPA Microplastic Assessment Report 2026 was deferred to the next Ordinary Meeting due to time constraints.
To read about all items discussed in May, please see the business papers and minutes at Council meeting agendas & minutes.
