446 meetings on the record
Council project and capital works 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 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.
- Future planning decisions for the southern precinct may affect development, infrastructure and nearby residents.
- The decision sets the basis for the interim executive salary and contract arrangements.
- 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.
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.
Southern precinct structure plan follow-up
Council is to clarify the structure plan for the southern precinct area to the Cumbalum Residents Association. A report on the structure plan and public exhibition submissions is expected at the November or December 2026 ordinary council meeting.
Future planning decisions for the southern precinct may affect development, infrastructure and nearby residents.
Acting General Manager remuneration and contract support approved
Ms Brown’s remuneration as Acting General Manager is to be based on the total remuneration previously payable to the General Manager, calculated pro rata. The Mayor may seek assistance from Local Government NSW to prepare her temporary employment contract.
The decision sets the basis for the interim executive salary and contract arrangements.
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.
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.
Lime Kiln Bay wetlands funding increase
Council was asked to approve an additional $3.374 million from the Asset Management Reserve for reconstruction of the Lime Kiln Bay Constructed Wetlands system, following a revised construction cost estimate.
The decision addresses a major environmental infrastructure cost increase and will fund reconstruction works at Lime Kiln Bay.
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.
Direct licence negotiations proposed for Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club
The committee recommended exclusive direct negotiations for a new licence over the clubhouse premises at Woollahra Park, potentially for up to 21 years including options. Negotiations are to seek an independently assessed market fee or equivalent demonstrable value through approved capital works.
The outcome could determine the club’s long-term use of the Woollahra Park clubhouse and the value returned to Council.
Toongabbie Bridge Intersection Upgrade tender awarded
Council awarded the contract to CA&I Pty Ltd for $4,256,867 excluding GST, including provisional sums, and authorised the General Manager to execute the contract.
The project will deliver an upgrade to the Toongabbie Bridge intersection, with potential construction and traffic impacts in the project area.
Regents Park Amy Street Precinct Upgrade tender awarded
Council awarded the contract to CA&I Pty Ltd for $5,464,087 excluding GST, including a provisional sum, and authorised the General Manager to execute the contract.
Residents and businesses in Regents Park may experience construction activity and benefit from precinct improvements.
Street lighting audit and priority upgrade plan requested
Council requested a comprehensive audit of street lighting across Cumberland, a priority upgrade schedule, engagement with WSROC, Endeavour Energy and Ausgrid through the Light Years Ahead program, and a report within 90 days.
The work is intended to identify unsafe, inadequate or non-functioning lighting near locations such as schools, stations and town centres.
Road humps proposed for Peakhurst and Lugarno
Flat-top road humps, signage, line marking and pedestrian fencing were proposed near 28 Belmore Road, Peakhurst, and near 875 and 1140 Forest Road, Lugarno. A further hump near 78 Belmore Road, Peakhurst, is subject to no substantial objections during consultation.
The works are intended to address local speeding and road-safety concerns. Funding is included in the current capital works program, with delivery expected before the end of the 2026/27 financial year, subject to design and consultation matters.
Vulnerable Community Assets and Resilience report requested
Council requested a report for the February 2027 meeting on options for a consolidated, risk-based register, dashboard or reporting framework covering community assets exposed to flooding, bushfire, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and other climate hazards.
Could improve how Council prioritises protection, maintenance and spending on at-risk community infrastructure.
Section 7.12 infrastructure contributions plan to go on exhibition
Council endorsed the draft Central Coast Section 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2026 for public exhibition for at least 28 days.
Developers and residents can comment on how development contributions may fund local infrastructure and works.
Ophir Road traffic bridge contract to proceed through negotiation
Council rejected all tenders for Contract 2025998 for the design and construction of the Ophir Road, Ophir traffic bridge, while delegating authority to the General Manager to enter into a contract with preferred tenderer Central Industries after negotiations conclude.
The bridge project remains active, but its final contract and price will depend on negotiations and the available project budget.
Five factory tippers purchased from Orange supplier
Council awarded Contract 2018129 to Tracserv Pty Ltd of Orange for five 3–5 tonne factory tippers: four Isuzu NMR units at $104,270 each including GST and one Isuzu NMS all-wheel-drive unit at $107,779 including GST.
Updates Council's operational vehicle fleet and involves a regional supplier, with a total approved purchase value of $524,859 including GST.
September monthly financial statement received
Council received the Monthly Financial Performance Statement for the period ending 30 September 2026. Operating income was $6.3 million above budget, capital expenditure was $7.56 million below budget, and unrestricted cash was reported at $344.9 million with 14.88 months of expense cover.
The figures indicate Council is currently financially stable, while capital works spending is progressing below the adopted timing and budget profile.
Lease tenure matters resolved after confidential discussion
Council resolved that specified exceptions under section 236(1)(c)(iii) and (vii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 applied to the disposal of interests in land listed in the confidential report, other than by tender or auction. Delegates were authorised to negotiate and sign relevant tenure documents.
The decision allows Council to progress lease and other tenure arrangements over identified Council-owned or controlled properties. The specific properties were contained in a confidential attachment.
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.
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.
Planning scheme and infrastructure planning
Work continued on the new Toowoomba Planning Scheme, targeted for completion in the 2027/28 financial year, alongside State and technical advisory engagement. A new Local Government Infrastructure Plan is being developed, with an expected November 2026 milestone for the planning scheme.
Planning scheme and infrastructure-plan changes can affect future development, land use, infrastructure charges and growth across the region.
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.
Riverwood implementation and infrastructure
Implementation work may include an infrastructure Works Schedule, possible amendments to Council’s Contributions Plan, transport and active-transport assessment, and coordination with government agencies. These steps are subject to future planning, funding and separate Council decisions.
Future roads, pedestrian links, public spaces and community infrastructure are not yet fully funded or guaranteed.
Commercial property portfolio
The committee received and noted the quarterly Commercial Property Portfolio report for 1 July to 30 September 2026, with additional action focused on the Penshurst Station land licence proposal.
Council property decisions can affect local facilities, land use and future infrastructure opportunities.
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.
Responsibility for parking infrastructure costs
The privately owned car park’s operator, the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club, will fund and maintain the required signage and linemarking.
The decision clarifies who is responsible for implementing and maintaining the parking changes.
Accessible parking and kerb ramp audit
Council supported a comprehensive audit of accessible parking spaces and associated kerb ramps, followed by a priority upgrade schedule near medical, education, retail, community and transport facilities.
The work may improve access for people with disability, older residents and people using mobility aids.
Public recycling bins
Council agreed to investigate installing public recycling bins alongside general waste bins at key locations including parks and main roads.
The proposal could make recycling more convenient in public places and affect waste infrastructure planning.
Deferred confidential agenda items
The Letter of Offer for 2–6 Gladstone Street, Merrylands and the Merrylands Chambers Audio Visual Systems Upgrade tender were deferred to the next Ordinary Council Meeting.
No final public decision was made on these items at this meeting.
Water and sewer services
The agenda included the 2025–26 Water and Sewer Annual Performance Report and the January–June 2026 delivery plan progress report.
Reports on the performance and delivery of essential water and sewer services.
Financial sustainability and capital program
The 2026/27 budget provides for a $5.4 million operating surplus and a $236 million capital works program. At 30 September, the operating surplus ratio was reported as 39.5%, the leverage ratio as 1.56, and the asset sustainability ratio was below target.
Council reported capacity to meet current commitments, but the below-target asset sustainability measure may indicate longer-term pressure if new and upgrade works continue to outpace renewals.
Rates, concessions and charges
The meeting material records pensioner general-rate and water-infrastructure rebates, concessions for unapparent plumbing failures and home haemodialysis, and hardship concessions. Water rates and levies were scheduled to be issued in October 2026, and the card surcharge ceased after 30 September 2026.
Eligible pensioners, households experiencing serious financial hardship, and residents meeting the water-concession criteria may be able to reduce their charges.
Cressbrook Dam safety project
Construction of the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project had commenced. Changes to environmental arrangements meant the project was not required to address fish passage under the new arrangements, with an expected saving of at least $5 million while environmental protections remain in place.
The change is expected to reduce project costs and support delivery of infrastructure linked to regional water security.
Shared e-bike parking rollout
The initial 20-location tranche was estimated at approximately $175,000, excluding ongoing maintenance. Council reported sufficient current budget and expected NSW sharing-scheme grant funding to implement the first 100 designated parking bays.
Residents may see designated e-bike parking infrastructure, signage and related streetscape works as the program progresses.