ROAD naming and budget reviews were on the agenda at Dungog Shire Council’s latest ordinary meeting on Wednesday 20 May. Following is a summary of some of the key matters discussed.
Quarterly planning and development
Council received its Quarterly Planning and Development Report for the January to March 2026 period, highlighting continued development activity and strong assessment performance across the region.
During the quarter, Council determined 59 Development Applications with a total approved value exceeding $12.6 million.
The approvals included 15 new dwellings and nine new lots, while Dungog Shire Council recorded the highest number of DA determinations among NSW Group 10 Large Rural Councils during the reporting period.
Council also continued to meet its seven-day lodgement target, averaging six days for application lodgement across the quarter.
The report identified increased development activity in the Dungog and Martins Creek 2420 postcode area and noted ongoing work to improve assessment timeframes and application quality.
Road naming at Martins Creek
Council considered proposed road naming options for a new residential subdivision at 94 Cory Street, Martins Creek.
Following assessment against NSW Geographical Names Board requirements and Council’s Street Naming Policy, Council endorsed two names for submission to the NSW Place and Road Naming Proposal System, including:
– Gostwyck Crescent
– Beirnfels Crescent
The proposed names recognise the historical significance of the Martins Creek and Paterson River district and acknowledge local heritage associated with early settlement and historic landholdings.
The preferred name will be publicly exhibited for community comment following concurrence from the Geographical Names Board.
Road naming at Clarence Town
Council also considered road naming proposals associated with a 30-lot residential subdivision at 231 Glen William Road, Clarence Town.
Six proposed names were endorsed for submission to the Geographical Names Board, with final naming subject to public exhibition and community feedback.
The endorsed options include:
Road 1: Windmill Way; Homestead Drive; and Evergreen Drive.
Road 2: Wildflower Close; Saddlers Close; and Valley Close.
The proposed names reflect local agricultural history and environmental characteristics of the Clarence Town area.
The preferred name will be publicly exhibited for community comment following concurrence from the Geographical Names Board.
Quarterly budget review
Council adopted the March 2026 Quarterly Budget Review, which outlined Council’s current financial position and ongoing investment in major infrastructure projects.
The review reported year-to-date capital expenditure of more than $21 million, with Council’s largest project being the new Clarence Town Bridge and its associated road approaches.
Council’s projected year-end operating deficit before capital grants is forecast at $8.925 million, reflecting depreciation of infrastructure assets and accounting adjustments relating to asset disposals.
The report also highlighted continued pressure on Council’s unrestricted cash reserves, while noting that Council remains compliant with its financial reporting obligations and is undertaking further work to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Delivery program 2025-2029, quarterly review
Council received the quarterly review of the 2025–2029 Delivery Program and 2025–2026 Operational Plan.
The report showed that 83 per cent of actions are either completed or on track for completion by 30 June 2026, representing strong progress against Council’s strategic priorities.
Key achievements during the reporting period included:
– Adoption of the Dungog Shire Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan
– Advancement of Council’s staged IT systems modernisation project
– Regional advocacy work with the Hunter Joint Organisation
– Adoption of a new Grants Management Policy
– Progression of the Clarence Town Flood Study 2026
– Investigation of tourism and visitor infrastructure opportunities
Council noted that some projects remain subject to funding and resourcing constraints, and may require carry-forward into the 2026–27 Operational Plan.
Tender of new Gresford Bridge
In Closed Council, Councillors considered Tender 1/2026 for the construction of the New Gresford Bridge which is to be constructed on Gabulah Road.
Council resolved to accept a tender from Bridge Marine and Engineering Pty Ltd for the construction of the bridge following assessment against price, technical capability, experience, safety systems, environmental management and project delivery criteria.
Construction of the new bridge is required to be completed prior to March 2027 in line with grant funding conditions.
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