March Council Meeting Round Up

Published on 31 March 2026

Here is a quick summary of the main topics discussed at this month’s Council’s meeting:

Commercial Hotel, Comur St (Yass): Council endorsed the DA for the three-storey building featuring a bar, bistro, function room/restaurant, gaming area on the ground floor, and hotel accommodation on the two upper levels.

Bookham Windfarm Geotechnical Investigation Review of Determination: Conditional Development Approval was granted for the proposed geotechnical investigations in the vicinity of the proposed Bookham Wind Farm with significant conditions imposed to protect flora, fauna, groundwater and aboriginal heritage.

Discovery Drive (Yass): Council agreed to sell Lots 1 & 2 as part of the Stage 3 development.

Water Restrictions: have now been lifted and Council notes a big vote of thanks to our community for their efforts to conserve water.

Yass Rotary Lookout: Rotary Club of Yass secured $82,000 through the Community Investment Benefit Program (CIBP) to fully fund construction of a Lookout at Irvine Drive, Yass. Council agreed to take on responsibility for the ongoing asset management of the new viewing platform once it’s built.

Murrumbateman Pump Track Update: Council noted the revised project plan for the concept design stage and agreed that a site selection will be brought to Council by July 2026.

Planting of shade trees in Miles Franklin Park ‘Learn to Ride’ Facility: Council agreed to prioritise planting in the 2026/27 budget in co-ordination with the Tree Management Strategy and Parks and Play Strategy.

The Southeast and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan: Council noted the SETSRITP and agreed to continue to proactively advocate for Yass Valley community transport needs including the duplication of the Barton Highway, the Murrumbateman Bypass, safety upgrades on our roads, improvements to the Shingle Hill Way and Federal Highway intersection, and identification of Yass as a strategic transport centre.

Financial Sustainability, Efficiency and Business Improvement Report: Council committed to implementing the business improvement initiatives including the Financial Sustainability Roadmap, Property Strategy, pricing of externally restricted funds (waste, water and sewer), and Service Reviews. A report will be presented to the April meeting on the estimated financial impacts of these initiatives on operating deficits and will also include consideration of a reduced (i.e. <40%) potential revised SRV application.

Office of Local Government - Joint Organisations: Council committed to remaining a member of the Canberra Regional Joint Organisation.

Advisory Committees: Council appointed the members of the Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee and Sport and Open Space Advisory Committee.

Australian Local Government Association - National General Assembly 2025: Council agreed to submit an urgent motion to ALGA conference about the removal of income testing for war widow/widowers to ensure concession equity. Council also agreed staff attendance at the ALGA Conference and one day Regional Forum.

Finance Reports: Crago Mill Precinct Borrowings, Monthly Financial Report, Investment and Borrowing Report, Long Term Financial Plan 2025 – 35 Update, Financial Sustainability Roadmap Update.

Minutes: Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund Advisory Committee (January 2026) were noted.

Have your say on the latest projects out for public consultation:

Yass Rail Trail – complete our survey on the proposed 4.5km walking and cycling path along the Yass Tramway Corridor. Closes 24 April.

The full set of minutes are available on the Council Meeting Agenda and Minutes Page.