92 meetings · 232 source notes
Council community service and facility decisions
Highlights
- Improves after-dark use of a local recreation facility.
- Sets the framework for accessibility and inclusion improvements for residents with disability.
- May influence aquatic centre amenities and recreation facilities in Cleveland.
- Affects future land-use planning, job land supply and development expectations in Mount Cotton and surrounding areas.
- Provides small local recreation improvements in Redbank Plains and Marburg.
- Administrative confirmation only; no direct change for residents.
Decisions
Hogben Park basketball court lighting approved
Council endorsed installing lighting at Hogben Park basketball court for recreational purposes only after noting community consultation results.
Improves after-dark use of a local recreation facility.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan adopted
Council adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 and approved it for submission to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice by 30 June 2026.
Sets the framework for accessibility and inclusion improvements for residents with disability.
Children's slide petition referred to CEO
Council accepted the Division 2 petition about prioritising Cleveland Aquatic Centre works and replacing the children’s slide, and referred it to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
May influence aquatic centre amenities and recreation facilities in Cleveland.
Mount Cotton Investigation Area supported in principle
Council resolved to authorise the Acting Mayor to write to the Deputy Premier supporting, in principle, investigation of the general Mount Cotton area for inclusion in the Urban Footprint, subject to conditions including employment, tourism, sport and recreation uses only, no suburban-scale residential development, and developer-funded infrastructure.
Affects future land-use planning, job land supply and development expectations in Mount Cotton and surrounding areas.
Two provisional community projects approved for delivery
Council approved provisional projects to progress to design and construction: a concrete slab for the skate park at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve and a basketball hoop assembly at Marburg Community Oval.
Provides small local recreation improvements in Redbank Plains and Marburg.
Community and Sport Committee minutes confirmed
The minutes of the 19 May 2026 meeting were confirmed.
Administrative confirmation only; no direct change for residents.
Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee recommendations adopted
Council adopted the recommendations of the Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee No. 2026(03) of 28 May 2026.
Supports ongoing decisions on sport and recreation matters affecting local facilities and pricing.
Fee and charges presentation received and noted
The committee received and noted the presentation on fees and charges for community and school sport, including comparison work and planned consultation.
May affect what schools and sporting groups pay to use sporting facilities.
River Heart bank stabilisation project awarded
Council resolved to award Tender 5857 for the River Heart Bank Stabilisation Project, enter a contract with the successful supplier, and delegate implementation powers to the CEO within the approved amount.
Important for riverbank stability, flood resilience and public safety around the River Heart area.
Community sport and recreation club tenure model progressed
Councillors were briefed on a proposed tenure model framework for community sport and recreation clubs. It is intended to guide staged transition over time, not immediately change tenure or fees. Next steps include consultation with sporting groups and a report to the Community and Sport Committee.
Could change long-term lease/tenure arrangements for local clubs.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 adopted for submission
The committee recommended that Council receive the public exhibition findings, adopt the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030, and submit it to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice by 30 June 2026.
Sets the strategic direction for disability access and inclusion services across the local area.
Sports Advisory Committee recommendations adopted
The committee recommended that Council adopt Sports Advisory Committee items SAC007-26 to SAC011-26, and note the update on the Carss Park Aquatic Facility.
May affect local sporting facilities, recreation planning and related community use.
Sports precinct lighting contract and staging approved in Closed Meeting
Council authorised the CEO to contract Zauner Constructions for Orange Sports Precinct lighting components, including athletics track lighting and sports field lighting, and approved additional footings/cabling for John Davis Stadium to support 1,400 lux at extra cost.
Directly affects a major sporting facility and future lighting standard, with implications for community sport and council spending.
Sport & Recreation Community Committee minutes adopted
Council acknowledged the reports from the 6 May 2026 meeting and adopted those minutes, including an amendment noting discussion and advice about carpark lighting on Huntley Road.
Confirms committee business and records a local lighting issue affecting access and safety.
Additional consultation and information to be provided
Council resolved to publish a video explanation within 10 days, prepare FAQs and process summaries, hold an additional community consultation session hosted by the Mayor, and place four colour printed copies of the Master Plan at Waverley Library.
Improves access to planning information and gives the community more ways to understand and respond to the proposal.
Wellesley Park engagement outcomes noted
Members discussed community feedback on the proposed fenced off-lead dog exercise area at Lower Wellesley Park and acknowledged strong opposition from respondents.
Relevant to residents near Lower Wellesley Park and dog park users because it indicates the proposal faces significant public opposition.
Adopted revised Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan
Council adopted the revised Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan after defeating an amendment that sought further reporting on residential housing feasibility for land west of the proposed Youth Activity Area and Pathway.
Shapes future open space and recreation planning at Spoonbill Reserve and rules out further delay at this stage.
Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan put on public exhibition
Council approved public exhibition of the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 for 28 days; if no changes are needed afterwards it can be adopted, otherwise staff must return with a further report.
Residents and advocacy groups can review and comment on accessibility and inclusion priorities before the plan is finalised.
Major tenders awarded
Council approved several contracts, including Granville Swim Centre pool re-lining, multifunction devices and print management, floodlighting upgrades at Peter Hislop and Granville Park fields, and roofing works for seniors units.
Delivers upgrades to sport, digital services and housing assets, with direct spending on local infrastructure.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan placed on exhibition
The Draft DIAP 2026-2030 was placed on public exhibition for 28 days, to return to Council after consultation.
Residents and advocacy groups can comment on accessibility priorities before the plan is adopted.
Topics
Charles Bean Oval surface decision deferred pending costing
Rather than deciding between synthetic or natural turf, Council required independent cost comparison advice first.
Affects recreation facilities and how the oval will be rebuilt.
Community and school sport fees and charges
The committee discussed proposed differences in fees and charges for schools using sport facilities, with comparative council fee information and further consultation to follow.
May affect school sport costs and access to council-managed sporting venues.
Loftus Recreation Centre performance review
Council noted the review of operational and financial performance for Belgravia Health and Leisure Group Ltd Pty in respect of Loftus Recreation Centre.
Relevant to users of the leisure centre and residents watching service performance and contract outcomes.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030
The draft plan was presented for adoption after public exhibition, indicating the Council is finalising its next multi-year disability inclusion framework.
Residents with disability, carers and advocacy groups may see changes in accessibility priorities and service planning.
Sports Advisory Committee report
Council was asked to adopt recommendations from the Sports Advisory Committee and noted an update on the Carss Park Aquatic Facility.
Relevant to sporting clubs, facility users and residents interested in recreation infrastructure.
Highfields park land acquisition
Council authorised the CEO to negotiate for the acquisition of land for park purposes at Highfields and to fund it from the Park and Bushland Levy Reserve if negotiations succeed.
Potentially adds open space and parkland in Highfields and uses reserve funding for the purchase.
Community donation round
The committee handled a series of small grants and donations for local events, cultural celebrations, youth sport, brain-health awareness, and school science activity support.
Residents may see these funds translate into more community events and participation opportunities.
Sporting Precinct field drainage
Staff said the fields have improved and are draining well, following concerns after a heavy rain event.
Affects sporting groups, field availability and the condition of recreation facilities.
Blue-green algae control options still under review
Staff said they are still working through options after an earlier council resolution to investigate control measures.
Potentially affects waterways, recreation and water quality management.
Active Transport and Open Spaces & Recreation strategies delayed for further review
Cr Mallard asked when the strategies would go on exhibition. The CEO said both had been reviewed by ELT, changes were required, and they were expected to return to Council on 16 June 2026.
Residents interested in parks, walking and cycling planning should expect a revised version before exhibition.
Committee recommendations adopted in blocks
Council adopted several committee reports in block motions, including audit and risk, infrastructure/planning/assets, finance and governance, community and sport, economic and cultural development, and environment and sustainability.
A number of operational and budget items were approved together.
Palmview intersection safety request
A petition asked for a dedicated left-turn arrow at Recreation Drive and Flintwood Crescent, Palmview, and was referred to the CEO.
May lead to traffic engineering review and possible changes to turning movements and safety at the intersection.
Public exhibition for disability inclusion planning
Councillors discussed work experience links with Anson Street School and a possible chamber text screen; staff said a hearing loop already exists and a screen could be considered if needed.
Shows Council is considering practical accessibility improvements for residents and visitors with disability.
Federal Budget 2026-27 funding disappointment
The Mayor reported Council had sought Federal funding for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project, Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct Stage 1, and Inland Rail Border to Gowrie, but none of the submitted projects received direct funding.
Impacts expectations for major regional infrastructure and sport investments.
Norman Griffiths Oval Upgrade - Project Update
The project’s budget had escalated from an original estimate of $3.1 million in 2021 to $20.2 million by April 2026. Council debated alternative surface options, cost comparisons, and compliance with Office of Local Government capital expenditure review requirements.
A major sporting facility project is under review, with possible impacts on local recreation, field availability, and council spending priorities.
New Town Sports Hub / multi-sport hub expansion
A presentation outlined the move from the original Selfs Point Road / Marine Parade concept after investigations found site constraints, and discussed the possible use of the current rugby site for a multi-sport hub. Members emphasised resident engagement, traffic management, parking analysis, accessibility, and cost reporting before any approval comes back to Council.
This could affect sport facilities, traffic, parking and neighbourhood impacts around the proposed hub area.
Meetings