401 meetings on the record
Council budget, rates and governance decisions
Highlights
- The changes alter Council’s financial position and fund additional capital works, while leaving a smaller forecast operating surplus.
- The project is intended to improve safety, accessibility and amenity for people walking through Enmore Park, although construction funding beyond design remains subject to the future budget.
- The projects remain active and will affect access, facilities and construction activity in Leichhardt, with completion of the oval forecast for early 2028.
- The sale could fund future public open space improvements, including playground works, while remaining proceeds would support open space enhancements in Leederville, Mount Hawthorn and elsewhere in the City.
- The change would replace the existing election-period policy with governance framework provisions governing Council activity during election caretaker periods.
- Provides an early-year update on Council’s service delivery, budget position and capital works program.
Decisions
Quarter 1 budget review adopted
Council adopted the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Review Statement, including a $0.1 million reduction in the forecast surplus from $3.5 million to $3.4 million and a $6.0 million increase in the capital budget, partly funded by $3.8 million in additional projected capital grants.
The changes alter Council’s financial position and fund additional capital works, while leaving a smaller forecast operating surplus.
Enmore Park pathway lighting approved
Council endorsed an upgrade to pathway lighting between Enmore Road, Victoria Road and the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre. Detailed design will occur in 2026/27, with $30,000 included in the Quarter 2 budget review; a further $470,000 is to be considered in the 2027/28 budget.
The project is intended to improve safety, accessibility and amenity for people walking through Enmore Park, although construction funding beyond design remains subject to the future budget.
Leichhardt Oval and aquatic-centre projects remain on track
Council noted that Leichhardt Oval site establishment was complete, with the project within its approved budget and expected to finish in early 2028. At Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, major demolition and bulk earthworks were complete and piling for the 50-metre pool had finished.
The projects remain active and will affect access, facilities and construction activity in Leichhardt, with completion of the oval forecast for early 2028.
Proposed sale of 26 Brentham Street, Leederville
Council authorised steps to negotiate and conclude a contract of sale, authorised execution of sale documents, and directed net proceeds to the Public Open Space Reserve. A further $500,000 is proposed for the 2027/28 Budget for a new playground and other improvements in the Brentham Street reserve.
The sale could fund future public open space improvements, including playground works, while remaining proceeds would support open space enhancements in Leederville, Mount Hawthorn and elsewhere in the City.
Election Period Policy proposed for repeal
Council supported repealing the Council Election Period Policy and adding caretaker-period conventions to the Governance Framework.
The change would replace the existing election-period policy with governance framework provisions governing Council activity during election caretaker periods.
Quarter 1 operational plan and budget review
The committee recommended adoption of the Quarter 1 Operational Plan Performance Report and the September 2026 Quarterly Budget Review Statement, including budget amendments and changes to the 2026-27 Capital Works Program. Changes affecting the longer-term financial plan are to be addressed in its next update.
Provides an early-year update on Council’s service delivery, budget position and capital works program.
CCTV Policy
The committee noted amendments to the Closed-Circuit Television Policy and recommended that Council adopt the draft policy.
May affect the governance and use of Council-operated closed-circuit television systems.
Protection of the Environment Trust management committee
The committee recommended referring the POET management committee report to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and endorsed Environment and Planning Committee members to form the management committee under clause 22 of the Trust Deed. An amendment proposing consultation with former POET members was lost.
Determines the proposed governance arrangements for the Protection of the Environment Trust and records a public disagreement about consultation with former members.
2026/27 Operational Plan quarterly report
The committee recommended that Council note organisational performance to 30 September 2026 and adopt the recommended change to the 2026/27 Operational Plan.
Provides a public check on Council’s progress, service delivery and budget performance during the current financial year.
St Georges Road neighbourhood playspace progression
The committee recommended progressing site investigations and concept design for a consolidated neighbourhood playspace at St Georges Road, including parking, traffic and access assessments. The capital budget would be rephased to $50,000 in FY2026/27 and $750,000 in FY2027/28.
Residents will have further opportunities to comment on the design, while the St Georges Road and Forest Road play areas are considered as an integrated recreational network.
Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan adopted
The committee adopted the amended Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan and associated studies following public exhibition. Changes include reviewing a proposed pedestrian connection affecting Homes NSW land at 17–27 Hardwicke Street, correcting mapping and built-form guidance, and clarifying that proposed public spaces, active-transport links and recreational facilities remain indicative and depend on future planning, funding and approvals.
The plan will guide future development, transport, public spaces and infrastructure in Riverwood, but implementation will depend on later planning processes, infrastructure funding and budget decisions.
2026/27 budget amendments supported
The committee recommended adopting proposed operating and capital budget variations detailed in Attachment 1 and noted that Council's projected financial position remained satisfactory.
The amendments may affect Council spending and service delivery during 2026/27, although the supplied extract does not specify individual variations.
Shared micromobility operator fee introduced
The committee recommended a fee of $0.20 per eligible journey for shared micromobility operators operating within the Georges River local government area, under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021, with the fee incorporated into Council's 2026/27 Fees and Charges.
Operators of shared bikes, scooters or similar services may pass this cost through commercially, while Council will receive a new per-journey fee.
Financial position and budget variations noted
The committee noted advice that the projected financial position at 30 June 2027 remains satisfactory and adopted recommended 2026–2027 budget variations, resulting in a net operating surplus before capital grants and contributions of $1.462 million.
The decision sets the current financial position and operating result for Council’s 2026–2027 budget.
Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee terms of reference
Council adopted the attached terms of reference for its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
The terms govern an important council oversight and accountability committee.
Ipswich Athletics rehabilitation option selected for further development
Council endorsed Option 2, an Enhanced Maintenance, Soil Recovery and Turf Improvement Program, for completion by the end of March 2027, subject to funding, detailed scoping and procurement. Estimated rehabilitation costs were noted at approximately $300,000 to $400,000, with no current approved funding allocation.
The athletics facility may require future budget funding and temporary field closures or operational changes during works.
Security support for councillors prioritised
Council agreed to provide appropriate safety and security measures to councillors on a substantially similar basis to Queensland Members of Parliament, and to provide continuing advice, guidance and assistance regarding councillor safety and security.
The decision may lead to new Council security arrangements and future budget or policy proposals.
Financial statements referred for audit
Council authorised the Mayor, Chairperson of the Finance Policy Committee, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to sign the Statement by Councillors and Management for the General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Statements. The statements were referred to the Audit Office of NSW, and Council’s auditor is to be invited to present the Audit Report to Council.
The audit is a formal check of Council’s financial statements and will provide public assurance about the accuracy and validity of the reported finances.
2026–2027 budget carry-forwards adopted
Council adopted the 2026–2027 Budget Review for Carry Forwards, including revised financial statements and financial sustainability measures for 2026–2027 to 2028–2029.
The decision updates Council’s multi-year budget and financial forecasts, including projects and funds carried into the current financial year.
Community Grants Program funding approved
Council approved 32 applications under Community Grants Program Round 1 2026/2027, allocating $196,098 from the program budget. The General Manager was authorised to execute grant documentation, and unsuccessful applicants are to receive feedback and assistance.
Funds will support local community organisations and activities during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Topics
Financial position and capital works
The first-quarter review forecasts a $3.4 million surplus and adds $6.0 million to the capital budget, supported partly by $3.8 million in projected grants.
The review affects Council’s capacity to deliver infrastructure and future services.
Brentham Street sale costs and reserve allocation
Estimated sale costs of about $365,000 include agent selling fees, legal and settlement fees, Landgate fees and GST. Net proceeds are intended for the Public Open Space Reserve, with $500,000 proposed in 2027/28 for playground and other reserve improvements.
Residents may see future playground and open-space improvements, subject to the sale and future budget approval.
2026-27 budget and capital works
The Quarter 1 operational plan and budget review included proposed budget amendments and changes to the capital works program, with implications for indicative works in later years.
Residents can use the review to track Council’s financial position, services and planned works.
Environmental trust governance
Environment and Planning Committee members were endorsed to form the POET Clause 22 Management Committee, while a proposed workshop with former trust members was not supported.
The decision affects oversight of the Protection of the Environment Trust and its future operations.
Governance and information policies
The committee adopted or advanced policies covering intellectual property, unsolicited proposals, CCTV, land transactions and the Agency Information Guide.
These policies shape Council transparency, property dealings, surveillance governance and interactions with external proponents.
Public transport initiatives
Council is working with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and Translink on improved regional public transport. Additional Carnival of Flowers bus services were provided, while the Clifton bus trial and weekend Flexilink services linking Goombungee, Highfields and Clifton were released to market.
The initiatives may improve access to public transport for residents in Clifton, Goombungee, Highfields and surrounding areas, subject to procurement and service arrangements.
Service and budget performance
Most services were reported as operating at or near established levels and within adopted budgets. Fleet and Logistics expenditure was 6% under year-to-date budget, while Information, Communication and Technology resolved 92% of 7,348 tickets within agreed timeframes.
The report indicates generally stable Council services, with some areas experiencing workload, staffing or resourcing pressures.
Quarterly financial position
The committee received and noted the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the period ending 30 September 2026 and the Responsible Accounting Officer's assessment that the projected financial position remained satisfactory.
Residents can monitor Council's financial position and budget performance through the quarterly review process.
Audit and risk oversight
Confirmed minutes from the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting on 3 September 2026 and unconfirmed minutes from 22 October 2026 were received and noted.
The committee's work supports Council accountability, internal controls and risk management.
Budget review and financial reporting
The committee received the quarterly budget review for the period ending 30 September 2026, noted the October monthly financial report and considered capital works progress for the same quarter.
These reports provide public oversight of Council’s financial performance, budget position and delivery of capital projects.
Urban Utilities board appointments
Council endorsed the reappointments of Andrea Kenafake, Peter Hyland and Paul Vincent as Urban Utilities board members for four-year terms beginning 30 June 2027.
The appointments relate to governance of the regional water and wastewater utility serving the area.
Rates concession
Council granted a 100 per cent concession on the differential general rate for one property, backdated to the relevant application date. The address was confidentially withheld.
The decision concerns an individual confidential concession and does not identify a broader change to rates.
Workplace health and safety data
The Chief Executive Officer was asked to provide councillors with examples of raw data underlying graphs on workplace health and safety injury rates.
The follow-up may improve transparency and scrutiny of Council workplace safety performance.
Timing and process of the financial statements
Council was advised that the previous financial year was delayed and presented in March. The Finance team completed 12 months of work within five months, leaving insufficient time to provide the statements to Council before the 31 October 2026 submission deadline. The auditor advised the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee that there were no material changes to the statements at that point.
Residents may see the statements and audit outcome later than ideal, while Council works to bring its financial reporting timetable up to date.
Mt Tamborine Gallery Walk project
The independent review identified a cost increase of approximately $1.6 million, from $4.2 million, funded by Council. Council received the September 2026 financial report and Gallery Walk management response update.
The additional cost was borne by Council’s budget, making project governance, delays and accountability a matter of public financial interest.
Financial oversight and internal audit
Council received the 2025–2026 Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report and approved the 2026–2027 Annual Internal Audit Plan.
These measures support oversight of Council’s finances, risks, controls and major projects.