The Bathurst Regional Council has decided not to provide financial support to Hynash for the construction of essential stormwater infrastructure. During the ordinary council meeting on December 10, 2025, councillors rejected a staff recommendation to enter into a works-in-kind arrangement for the development of stormwater detention basins and landscaping near Marsden Lane. This decision follows a previous deferral in November, reflecting ongoing concerns about the potential flooding of properties in the vicinity.
The staff’s recommendation had proposed allocating over $3.2 million towards construction costs, which would have been funded through the council’s Section 7.11 Developer Contributions Plan for Raglan Creek Stormwater Management as well as borrowings from stormwater drainage levies included in the adopted 2025-26 budget. This arrangement would have resulted in the detention basin becoming a council asset upon completion, consistent with previous agreements the council had entered into.
Despite the recommendation, some councillors expressed concern about committing council funds amidst ongoing financial difficulties. Cr Sophie Wright emphasized that it would be financially irresponsible for a council facing a cash-flow crisis to assist a private developer. “To tie up the council’s funds with this project would border on gross financial negligence,” she stated.
In response to the criticisms, General Manager David Sherley defended the council’s approach, asserting that the proposed arrangement was in line with traditional practices for such projects. He highlighted the long-term benefits of the proposal, stating, “We’re acting as we have traditionally done in these sorts of projects.”
Deputy Mayor Ben Fry acknowledged the importance of getting the detention basin right the first time but noted that the council’s financial constraints made it impossible to proceed. He warned that not entering the agreement could have repercussions in the future, particularly during significant storm events.
When the council voted on the motion, only councillors Nick Packham and Elaine West supported the works-in-kind arrangement, while the mayor, deputy mayor, and councillors Warren Aubin, Natalie Cranston, Tony Gullifer, and Sophie Wright voted against it. Cr Jac Underwood was absent during the vote.
Following this decision, Hynash may consider seeking a variation on the development consent conditions, potentially leading to a smaller-scale construction project. According to Neil Southorn, the Director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, any modifications would still need to meet the requirements necessary to support the development.
The council’s rejection of Hynash’s proposal underscores the ongoing challenges local governments face in balancing development needs with financial sustainability. As Bathurst navigates its fiscal landscape, the implications of this decision may resonate for years to come, particularly in light of projected increases in extreme weather events.
