Renmark Paringa Council Meeting Update – December

Renmark Paringa Council held its monthly general meeting this week, with a number of decisions made.

Support and condolences for Waverley Council

Elected Members passed a motion to send a letter of support and condolences to Waverley Council in the wake of the Bondi attacks.

Greek history monument

Council endorsed in-principle support for the Greek Orthodox Community of Renmark’s proposal to construct a monument recognising Greek history in the Riverland, subject to development approval, a suitable location, and agreed ownership and maintenance arrangements.

Council noted the project presents a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and significant contribution of the Greek community to the Renmark Paringa District over nearly a century.

The proposed monument aligns strongly with the Community Plan by honouring shared history, fostering pride of place, strengthening cultural connections, and supporting the Liveable pillar through enhancing public spaces with meaningful storytelling that reflects the diversity and identity of the community.

The monument would serve as a lasting acknowledgment of the Greek community’s role in shaping the region’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.

Transfer of Encumbrance, 159 Fourteenth Street Renmark

Council endorsed the transfer of the car-parking encumbrance on 159 Fourteenth Street Renmark from Cole & Woodham Pty Ltd to Melric Pty Ltd and Domure Pty Ltd, on the same terms, and authorised use of the common seal if required.

The transfer clarifies ownership of the encumbrance, which restricts the land to public car parking, and supports future decision-making as Council continues to consider disposal of the non-essential asset.

Liba-Liba Houseboats

Council endorsed the write-off of debts owed by Liba-Liba Houseboats Pty Ltd following the company’s liquidation, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 (SA).

This includes:

• $159,506.70 in sundry debts, as there is no reasonable prospect of recovery.
• $21,373.75 in rating debts for Council and Crown land properties that cannot be sold for rate recovery.

Council noted legal costs of $36,600, with $32,850 reimbursed by insurance, and a final settlement of $5,798.68 received from the administrator.

The report also outlined actions to reduce future risk, including stricter debt recovery processes, stronger lease termination clauses for non-payment, and improved assessment of debtor financial capacity.

Waste disposal fee

Elected Members endorsed a special fee of $550 per truck for Discovery Parks compactor trucks using the Renmark Waste Transfer Station.

The decision addresses an identified inequity where commercial compactor trucks were being charged a maximum of $260, well below Council’s actual disposal and handling costs of $430-$548 per load. This shortfall was being subsidised by ratepayers at an estimated $7,000-$10,000 per year.

The new fee supports Council’s user-pays approach, ensures cost recovery, and improves the financial management of the Waste Transfer Station.