This month's Council meeting had a shorter than usual agenda but still lots of important discussion and decisions. Here are a few of the highlights:
Recognition & special guests
The Mayor spoke to and provided some important recognition, presenting Councillor Annette Lawrence with her Pat Dixon Scholarship certificate and recognising staff member, Vicki Thomas, who was recently named Administrator of the Year at the NSW Surf Life Saving Awards.
Councillors then welcomed presentations by student leaders from Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) and St Paul's College (via video presentation). KAS leaders spoke to their vision for improving road and student safety around the school and in its connection to South Kempsey. Students from St Paul's College proposed a two-day Youth Festival aimed at fostering connection, pride and creativity among young people aged 13–18.
Corporate Performance Report
Council endorsed the Corporate Performance Report for the final quarter of the 2024–25 financial year. Councillors discussed financial sustainability, reviewing achievements, challenges and the delivery of major capital works. The report highlighted Council's strong external funding position and continued progress under the Financial Sustainability Strategy.
Car parking enforcement at beaches
Council discussed a Notice of Motion from Councillor Wyatt regarding car parking enforcement at coastal locations. There were several community speakers relating to the Motion at the public forum before the meeting and conversation noted it is a complex challenge. Council resolved that staff will prepare a report for consideration at the September 2025 meeting, including a costed action plan to strengthen enforcement in coastal towns.
Crescent Head Water Treatment Plan tender awarded
Council awarded the $12.7m tender to Eire Constructions for the design and construction of a new Crescent Head Water Treatment Plant. This infrastructure is critical to ensure safe drinking water for the Crescent Head population and visitors.
To view all items considered at the meeting, please see the August 2025 business papers at Council meeting agendas & minutes.
A recording of the meeting is available on Council's YouTube page.
