Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date:     Monday, 22 February 2021

Location:            Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   4.11pm

The following members were present:

Clr Patricia White

Clr Nina Digiglio

Clr John Levett

Charlie Ashby

Sharlene Cruickshank

Jared Brown

Janet Atkins

Nowra LALC - Nicole Moore – (remotely) left at 5.15pm

Others present:

Ray Massie

Gordon Clark

Michael Paine

Colin Wood

Kristy O’Sullivan

Charlie Ashby was nominated and elected as Interim Chairperson for the meeting until Item AA21.1 Election of Chairperson.

A minute’s silence in Respect of Aboriginal Elders, Past and Present.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Caryn Carpenter and Valda Corrigan.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Janet Atkins / Clr White)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Monday 07 December 2020 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

AA21.1       Election of Chairperson	HPERM Ref: D20/561974
Nominations were received for Charlie Ashby, Nicole Moore and Janet Atkins, who all declined. A nomination was received for Jared Brown, who accepted the nomination.
Recommendation That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect (insert name) as Chairperson for the period until the 2021 Local Government Elections.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect Jared Brown as Chairperson for the period until the 2021 Local Government Elections. CARRIED

AA21.2       Suburb Naming Options - Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas	HPERM Ref: D21/59290
Gordon Clark (Manager, Strategic Planning) clarified that the list of proposed names has been bought to the Committee ensure that no potentially problematic names will be taken forward to the Geographic Naming Board (GNB). The endorsement of both the Committee and the Nowra LALC is required. Kristy O’Sullivan (Strategic Planner) explained how the proposed names had been sourced, including a process of cross-referencing to establish correctness. An important stipulation is that the name should not sound too similar to existing names, to ensure clarity for emergency services. The Committee raised no objections to the names on the list, but asked whether the timeframe would accommodate consultation with the community, whose broader knowledge would result in further names being proposed. The need to follow the timeframe was stressed, as the name needs to be approved by the GNB and in place before people start moving to the area, within next 12 months. Nicole Moore advised she is presenting the Council proposals to the Nowra LALC Board and will take suggestions from the community. Charlie Ashby will reach out to people in the community and feed back to Nicole.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That: 1.   The Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) provide feedback on the proposed names for a new suburb encompassing the Moss Vale Road North and South Urban Release Areas. 2.   Pending endorsement from the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), the AAC offer ‘in-principle’ support for the following proposed shortlisted names if appropriate: (delete as required): a.   Badagarang b.   Buru / Booroo c.   Calboonya d.   Gumbeengang / Janbeegang 3.   If accepted by the AAC and Nowra LALC, the shortlist of proposed names be reported to an upcoming Council Ordinary Meeting to seek endorsement to proceed to public exhibition.
RESOLVED (By consent) That: 1.   The Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) provide feedback on the proposed names for a new suburb encompassing the Moss Vale Road North and South Urban Release Areas. 2.   Pending endorsement from the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), the AAC offer ‘in-principle’ support for the following proposed shortlisted names if appropriate: (delete as required): a.   Badagarang b.   Buru / Booroo c.   Calboonya d.   Gumbeengang / Janbeegang 3.   If accepted by the AAC and Nowra LALC, the shortlist of proposed names be reported to an upcoming Council Ordinary Meeting to seek endorsement to proceed to public exhibition. CARRIED

AA21.3       Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Action Report	HPERM Ref: D21/11996
Colin Wood (Manager, Building & Compliance) gave an update on AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management. He advised the viewing platform and its materials at the summit of the mountain have been removed. The land owner advised they will not use concrete again but will use shale and road base. Jared Brown asked when the DA / consent runs out, and whether the owner would consider a more sympathetic use for the land. Colin Wood advised Rose O’Sullivan (NPWS) had been due to investigate this issue, but confirmed there is no end date to a Development Consent, and that it remains with the land, transferring between successors of title. Similarly, any issue of notices stays with the land. The Consent can be surrendered by any future owner. Charlie Ashby expressed concern that the damage may still continue even though the platform structures have been removed, e.g. damage to tree root systems or rocks? Colin Wood advised Council retains the power to enforce compliance with noise, water and air pollution controls, and to require rectification of damage. Council can also advise the owner on culturally significant areas that should be avoided if the community can provide information about them. The community would require legal access to the private property to obtain photographic evidence to ensure preservation. Clr Levett noted that, as NPWS are custodians of Aboriginal heritage, Rose O’Sullivan could broker a meeting with the owner to discuss the importance of the land. Gordon Clarke noted the property is, or was, on the market, and that the current owners may not wish to run Bigfoot for long.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) 1.    That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the updated December 2020 Status  report for information. 2.    The following action be noted as completed and removed from the Action table. a.    AA18.23 Uluru Statement from the Heart b.    AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Invite Rose O’Sullivan (DPIE) – Compliance concerns report request.
RESOLVED (By consent) 1.    That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the updated December 2020 Status  report for information. 2.    The following action be noted as completed and removed from the Action table. a.    AA18.23 Uluru Statement from the Heart b.    AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Invite Rose O’Sullivan (DPIE) – Compliance concerns report request. CARRIED

General Business

AA21.4       Workshop Dates	HPERM Ref: D21/49575
This item was not addressed.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.15pm.

Jared Brown

CHAIRPERSON