198 meetings on the record
Council community service and facility decisions
Highlights
- Sports clubs and residents seeking memorial trees may face new fees if Council adopts the proposals after consultation.
- The facility would receive a permanent community name if Council approves the recommendation.
- The waiver removes the $57,535.20 charge, subject to the arrangements required to implement the decision. The facility is intended to support emergency response, disaster preparedness and community safety.
- Residents will be able to comment on the proposed direction for local library services before a final plan is presented to Council.
- The investigation could lead to a new paid health and recreation service for aquatic centre users.
- The plan sets Council’s four-year direction for improving inclusion and access for people with disability across Burwood.
Decisions
New open space and recreation fees
The committee recommended public exhibition of a Cricket Wicket Support Outside Council’s Standard Working Hours Fee and a Public Memorial Tree Fee. A further report is to consider submissions before adoption.
Sports clubs and residents seeking memorial trees may face new fees if Council adopts the proposals after consultation.
Proposed naming of Peter Cavanagh Oval
The committee considered a recommendation to name Oval 2 at Clifton Recreation Reserve “Peter Cavanagh Oval” in recognition of Peter Cavanagh’s contribution to rugby league, junior sport and the wider community. Community consultation recorded 140 of 144 submissions in support.
The facility would receive a permanent community name if Council approves the recommendation.
Infrastructure charges waived for SES facility
Council resolved to waive all infrastructure charges for the Queensland State Emergency Service facility approved under MCUC/2026/3278 at 489-491 South Street, Harristown, and delegated implementation to the Chief Executive Officer, including an Infrastructure Agreement.
The waiver removes the $57,535.20 charge, subject to the arrangements required to implement the decision. The facility is intended to support emergency response, disaster preparedness and community safety.
Draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan approved for public exhibition
The committee approved the amended draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan 2027–2030 for public exhibition during December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027. Amendments include a revised vision, shorter timeframes for selected actions, references to Woollahra Gallery, and exploring customer service facilities in libraries.
Residents will be able to comment on the proposed direction for local library services before a final plan is presented to Council.
Sauna feasibility investigation approved
Council agreed to investigate the feasibility, cost, funding options, operating costs and potential revenue from installing a sauna at the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, also referred to in the motion as Lidcombe Swimming Centre.
The investigation could lead to a new paid health and recreation service for aquatic centre users.
Inclusive Burwood 2026–2030 adopted
Council adopted Inclusive Burwood 2026–2030, its new Disability Inclusion Action Plan, revoked the 2022–2026 plan and authorised minor typographical corrections. A copy will be submitted to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
The plan sets Council’s four-year direction for improving inclusion and access for people with disability across Burwood.
Public sewage overflow alerts requested
Council unanimously resolved to ask Sydney Water to provide real-time notifications of relevant sewage overflow events affecting waterways that may impact Randwick beaches, including timing, location and potential impacts, and to provide information suitable for Council’s public beach and water-quality dashboard.
Earlier public warnings could help residents and visitors make safer decisions about swimming and water recreation.
Community and local projects supported
Council supported a suitable bench for the Green Seat Project, noted a $1,000 Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond contribution, supported the Ballina Music Festival concept and grant application, requested a report on turf at Pop Denison Park, and endorsed a report on relocating playground equipment from Meldrum Park to Commemoration Park.
These decisions progress community facilities, cultural activity, recreation and memorial initiatives.
New Ashfield–Leichhardt SES facility supported in principle
Council supported progressing a long-term lease at Callan Park, subject to due diligence, a memorandum of understanding, concept designs and further investigations.
A consolidated facility is intended to improve emergency-response capacity for the Inner West.
Parks and Leisure Australia conference attendance approved
Up to four councillors were approved to attend the Parks and Leisure Australia National Conference in Melbourne from 29 November to 2 December 2026.
Enables councillor participation in a sector conference relevant to parks, recreation and leisure services.
Hogben Park Landscape Master Plan
Council will further investigate adding an additional basketball half court to the draft master plan. A skate park and fenced dog park will not be explored further. The motion passed 8–4.
Residents may see a future proposal for additional basketball facilities, while the two other facilities will not progress in the current master-planning process.
Woollahra Libraries annual report received
The committee received and noted the Woollahra Libraries Annual Report for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and the Public Library Evaluation Network annual survey outcomes. It also congratulated Council staff on the library services, programs and events delivered during the year.
Provides a formal update on local library services and programming, although no service changes or new funding were resolved.
Enfield Aquatic Centre redevelopment approved
Development Application DA.2026.45 was approved for demolition, alterations and additions to the existing aquatic centre, including a gymnasium, library pod, civil works, landscaping, car park changes and on-street parking changes. The approval is subject to revised draft conditions circulated by Council on 1 October 2026.
The project will replace ageing infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and add recreational and community facilities.
Merrylands Park sporting and recreation destination
Council endorsed the Mayoral Minute and requested detailed design and approvals for revitalising the Merrylands Pool and Oval precinct, including modernising the Merrylands Swimming Centre, introducing a synthetic playing field and installing a fenced off-leash dog park. The projects are to be included in the Capital Works Program, with opportunities to accelerate delivery through the budget process, including possible allocation of $10 million from the Infrastructure Reserve. Council will also pursue State and Federal Government and other funding.
Residents may gain upgraded swimming, sports and dog-exercise facilities, but timing and final funding remain subject to design, approvals and budget decisions.
Community and sporting facility leases progressed
Council approved a new five-year market-rent lease of the King Street Lease Area to Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club, subject to public advertising, and progressed tenure arrangements for Alstonville Racquet Club subject to statutory notification. Council also supported discussions to optimise use of Wigmore Hall.
The decisions affect access to community and sporting facilities and provide opportunities for public submissions on proposed land arrangements.
Marrickville Library hours to be extended on trial
Council approved a 12-month trial of longer staffed hours at Marrickville Library, including evening hours to 10pm on Thursdays and extended weekend service, commencing in October 2026. Progress reports are due at six and 12 months.
Library users will have more staffed access outside standard business hours. Council will also investigate 24/7 self-service book lockers in areas including Newtown, Summer Hill and Lewisham.
Draft Inclusive Burwood Plan placed on public exhibition
Council endorsed the Draft Inclusive Burwood Plan 2026-2030 for public exhibition. If no submissions are received, the plan may be adopted and the 2022-2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan revoked.
Residents, particularly people with disability and carers, will have an opportunity to comment on Council’s four-year accessibility and inclusion roadmap.
Redundant Council policies revoked
Council formally revoked the Burwood Library and Community Hub Statement on Access to Information, Burwood Library Community Noticeboards Policy and User Fees for Council Services Policy.
These documents will no longer operate as current Council policies; the extracted minutes do not specify replacement arrangements or fee changes.
Addison Park petition to receive a future report
A petition seeking reclassification of Addison Park from Neighbourhood Sport to Neighbourhood Recreation was tabled. Administration will investigate the petition and present a response at a future Ordinary Council Meeting.
Residents will have to wait for a later Council decision on the park’s classification and future management.
Alcohol-free zone suspensions approved for Christmas events
Council authorised suspension of alcohol-free zones covering Gaskill Street, Canowindra and Bank Street, Molong, including adjoining road reserves and footpaths, for the 2026 Christmas shopping events. A request was made to extend the Molong area past Shields Lane to include Edward Street, but the recorded motion specifies Bank Street.
Alcohol restrictions will be temporarily suspended in the specified event areas; residents should expect event-related activity and apply normal public-safety precautions.
Topics
Access to services and cultural programs
Council supported investigation of bicycle recycling expansion, a possible zine collection in Inner West libraries, and a potential self-service library book-locker trial.
The initiatives could improve access to recycling, library collections and library services.
Proposed recreation and memorial tree charges
Two new fees are to be publicly exhibited before a final decision: support for cricket wickets outside standard working hours and public memorial trees.
Affected users will have an opportunity to make submissions before any charges are adopted.
Clifton recreation facility naming
Council received a request to name Oval 2 within Clifton Recreation Reserve after Peter Cavanagh. Consultation showed 97.2% support among respondents.
The proposed name recognises a local sporting contribution and would affect how the oval is identified in community and sporting use.
SES infrastructure-charge concession
Council used its discretion outside the existing not-for-profit development incentive policy to waive the full infrastructure charge for the SES facility. The adopted policy does not ordinarily provide infrastructure-charge discounts for emergency services.
The decision supports a community emergency-services facility but represents a departure from the usual policy settings and reduces charge revenue by $57,535.20 before indexation considerations.
Community-led playspace location
Consultation identified the St Georges Road playspace as the preferred site for a consolidated neighbourhood playspace, with Forest Road to be considered concurrently for future repurposing.
The project will shape local recreation facilities, access arrangements and the future role of two existing playspaces.
Library service planning
The draft 2027–2030 libraries strategy will go on public exhibition after committee amendments.
Residents can provide feedback on proposed library priorities and service improvements.
Disability inclusion planning
Inclusive Burwood 2026–2030 was developed with Council’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Panel and replaces the previous 2022–2026 plan.
The plan may guide Council services, facilities and engagement affecting people with disability and their carers.
Community facility investment
The Green amenities project, a proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium and an additional basketball half court at Hogben Park all advanced through Council decisions. A skate park and fenced dog park will not be pursued in the Hogben Park draft plan.
Sporting facilities and recreation options will change across several suburbs, subject to later consultation and approvals.
Recreation and community facilities
Council progressed works and planning for Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, Annandale Town Hall heating, Balmain civic spaces, Wicks Park and Gladstone Park handball courts.
These projects may affect facility access, local amenity and future recreation opportunities.
Veterans’ concessions
A motion recognised veterans and proposed free access to Council sport, recreation and aquatic programs for eligible DVA Gold and White Card holders, with a report to amend the Fees and Charges framework due in December 2026.
Eligible veterans may receive expanded access concessions if the proposed amendments are approved.
Public investment in sporting facilities
Questions addressed the cost of works at the Robertson Park Tennis Centre and surrounding Robertson Park, reported as $4.5 million in total, including $3.1 million funded by the City and $1.4 million externally funded. Questions also raised the need for toilets and changerooms at Beatty Park Reserve.
Residents may be affected by future facility upgrades, renewal priorities and spending decisions for sports and recreation assets.
Hogben Park facilities
The committee supported further investigation of an additional basketball half court but rejected further exploration of a skate park and fenced dog park in the draft plan.
This affects the mix of recreational facilities that may be considered at Hogben Park.
Library service reporting
The committee received the annual Woollahra Libraries report and associated public library survey outcomes for 2025–26.
The report records the performance and activities of local library services over the past year.
Community recreation and infrastructure renewal
The Panel found the redevelopment consistent with the RE1 Public Recreation zone and considered it to provide a significant public benefit.
Residents are expected to gain a modernised aquatic centre, expanded services and additional facilities including a gymnasium and library pod.
Committee recommendations adopted
Council adopted blocks of recommendations from the Audit and Risk Management; Infrastructure, Planning and Assets; Finance and Governance; Community and Sport; Economic and Cultural Development; and Environment and Sustainability committees, with some items handled separately.
Several committee decisions became Council resolutions, although the extracted content does not identify every underlying item.
North Turramurra Recreation Area project change
An amendment seeking to defer the matter for consultation with the Northern Suburbs Football Association and analysis of termination costs and public value was lost. The substantive motion then passed.
Council proceeded with terminating the agreement rather than waiting for the proposed consultation report.