378 meetings on the record
Council project and capital works decisions
Highlights
- The decision secures waste services for Council facilities and commits Council to a substantial multi-year operational contract.
- The change may affect Council leadership, administration and future service priorities.
- The plan and advocacy may influence future transport infrastructure, development contributions, travel reliability, cycling access and emergency routes.
- The project is intended to deliver an upgraded community and sports facility at Pratten Park, subject to future funding decisions.
- The contract funds works intended to activate and upgrade Eugowra’s central business area.
- The project will provide a synthetic sports surface and commit almost $24.4 million from Council’s infrastructure reserve.
Decisions
Waste collection contract awarded
Council awarded Eljo Pty Ltd and The Trustee for Rico Family Trust trading as Richmond Waste Services a five-year contract for waste collection and disposal at Council facilities worth $518,062.59 excluding GST. The General Manager was authorised to sign the contract.
The decision secures waste services for Council facilities and commits Council to a substantial multi-year operational contract.
New General Manager recruitment to begin
Council resolved not to renew the current General Manager’s contract and to commence planning and recruitment for a replacement, with a proposed commencement date to be negotiated. The Mayor was authorised to seek proposals from Local Government NSW and other experienced recruitment consultants.
The change may affect Council leadership, administration and future service priorities.
Strategic road contributions plan to be amended
Council directed preparation of an amended Ballina Shire Roads Contributions Plan reflecting revised works schedules and cost estimates. Council will continue advocating for Bruxner Highway upgrades, including the Wollongbar–Goonellabah deviation, duplication towards the Pacific Highway, shared paths and south-facing ramps at the Cumbalum interchange.
The plan and advocacy may influence future transport infrastructure, development contributions, travel reliability, cycling access and emergency routes.
Pratten Park club upgrade advanced
Council noted the feasibility design and cost estimate for the Pratten Park Community Sports and Bowling Club, requested an immediate Development Application and committed to completing the upgraded facility by mid-2028, with funding to be determined through a quarterly budget review.
The project is intended to deliver an upgraded community and sports facility at Pratten Park, subject to future funding decisions.
Eugowra CBD activation contract awarded
In confidential session, Council awarded Contract 1992227 for Eugowra CBD Activation to Conseth Solutions Pty Ltd for $671,975.90 excluding GST and authorised the General Manager to execute the contract.
The contract funds works intended to activate and upgrade Eugowra’s central business area.
Norman Griffiths Oval synthetic-turf upgrade approved
Council determined that the Norman Griffiths Oval upgrade will use a synthetic playing surface and adopted a total project budget of $24,408,912, funded from the Infrastructure and Facilities Reserve.
The project will provide a synthetic sports surface and commit almost $24.4 million from Council’s infrastructure reserve.
Further project delivery report required
A report is to return to Council with a project delivery plan, pre-tender estimate and procurement plan before the project proceeds to the next procurement stage.
Final delivery arrangements and updated cost and procurement information must be considered before the project advances.
2026–2027 carryover budget adopted
Council adopted a revised 2026–2027 budget incorporating projects carried over from 2025–2026, including updated comprehensive income, financial position, cash-flow and City Water and City Waste operating statements. Officers will continue monitoring the capital program and project delivery.
Carryover funding allows delayed capital works to continue, although the meeting extract does not identify the full project-by-project allocations.
Capital works program reset
Council endorsed a delivery reset strategy, additional resourcing and a revised 2026–27 capital works program under the Special Rate Variation infrastructure uplift. Councillors are to receive a briefing by 15 October 2026 on the delivery strategy and possible acceleration priorities.
May change the timing and delivery of local infrastructure projects and provides a follow-up opportunity for councillors to review priorities.
Lindfield clubhouse nominated for grant program
Council nominated a major upgrade of the Lindfield Soldiers Memorial Clubhouse and amenities for Round 2 of the Faster Assessments Incentive Program and confirmed $1,003,500 from the draft special rates variation program. Bannockburn Oval Little Athletics Clubhouse was identified for consideration in a future round.
Provides a substantial funding pathway for upgrades to a local community facility and starts a process for other projects.
Leichhardt Oval refurbishment tender approved
In closed session, Council endorsed the evaluation panel’s recommendation to appoint Kane Constructions Pty Ltd to deliver the Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment Project, subject to finalising contractual terms. The General Manager was authorised to execute the contract and approve variations within Council-approved funding.
The project will proceed with additional scope including a new amenities building, an additional lift, upgraded lighting and rebuilding the oval surface.
School Road Upgrade land acquisitions supported
Council resolved to purchase or acquire land identified in a confidential attachment for the INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project. Agreement with affected landowners is to be pursued first, with compulsory acquisition available if agreement cannot be reached.
The project is intended to improve road safety, traffic capacity, cycling and walking connections, public transport access and emergency-vehicle access.
Replacement drainage easement supported
Council supported surrendering an existing drainage easement and acquiring a replacement easement for stormwater infrastructure associated with the School Road Upgrade Project. Agreement with affected landowners is to be attempted first, with statutory acquisition available if required.
The easement arrangements are intended to secure future access and maintenance rights for stormwater infrastructure.
August financial performance received
Council received the Monthly Financial Performance Statement for the period ending 31 August 2026. The report recorded $282.6 million in unrestricted cash, $180.8 million in debt, a 13.75-month unrestricted cash expense cover ratio and a 1.37 leverage ratio. The 2026/27 budget includes a $236 million capital works program and a $5.4 million operating surplus.
The figures indicate strong short-term liquidity, but the report also warns that the asset sustainability ratio is below target and that spending is weighted towards new and upgrade works rather than renewals.
Greenmount Water Treatment Plant contract and fluoridation scope approved
Council approved awarding the Four Communities Project Greenmount Water Treatment Plant contract to the preferred tenderer and authorised the Chief Executive Officer to execute the contract. It also approved adding a fluoride dosing plant and fluoridating treated water supplied to Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton, with Queensland Health to be advised and the decision published as required by the Water Fluoridation Act 2008.
The project and decision will affect the treatment and composition of the reticulated water supply in four communities. The contract value and tenderer were contained in confidential material and were not provided in the extract.
Southern Water Treatment Plant procurement process approved
Council resolved that it is in the public interest to invite expressions of interest from shortlisted proponents before written tenders, enabling an Early Contractor Involvement process leading to a design and construction contract for the Southern Water Treatment Plant.
This is a procurement milestone for a major future water infrastructure project, but it is not yet an award of the construction contract.
Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme progress noted
Council noted progress on the planning scheme project for 18 May to 14 August 2026. The project was reported as on track for State Interest Review in October 2026, public consultation in early 2027 and formal adoption in November 2027.
Future planning controls will affect development applications, land use and infrastructure planning across the region. Public consultation is expected in early 2027.
Infor Pathway cloud software procurement approved
In closed session, Council approved an exemption from tender to move its existing Infor Pathway licence to Infor Pathway CloudSuite Software as a Service from 31 August 2026 to 30 June 2031, on the basis that Infor Global Solutions (ANZ) Pty Ltd is the sole supplier. The General Manager or delegate was authorised to finalise the agreement.
The decision commits Council to a long-term technology service arrangement, although the public minutes do not disclose the contract value.
Hurstville Road and Judd Street safety works
The proposed speed hump, kerb blisters, signage and associated safety improvements on Hurstville Road west of Ada Street, Oatley, were endorsed for detailed design subject to Traffic Program capital funding. Proposed line markings at Hurstville Road and Judd Street were approved for installation.
Residents may see new traffic-calming infrastructure and line-marking changes, subject to funding and design.
Solar-panel disposal requirements
The solar project contract is to require functional panels to be stored for possible community use or sale, with remaining panels sent to a commercial solar-panel recycling facility. The project tender had already been awarded at the August Council meeting.
Sets an environmental and reuse requirement for panels removed or replaced through the project.
Topics
Bus stops and shelters policy
A draft policy will be exhibited for 28 days, alongside the street-furniture tender, followed by a priority list informed by consultation.
Residents can comment on how bus-stop and shelter upgrades should be prioritised.
Matraville RSL car park partnership
Council endorsed joint funding with Matraville RSL Club and Sydney Catholic Schools to upgrade the car park at 1P Norfolk Parade, Matraville, with funding available in the 2026/27 capital works budget.
The upgrade may improve parking and access for the RSL, school and surrounding community.
Snape Park amenities and carpark construction
RELD Group Pty Ltd was accepted as the successful tenderer for Stage 1 of the Snape Park Amenities and Carpark project, with the General Manager authorised to enter the contract.
The project can proceed to construction under the approved capital works arrangements.
Muraborah Reserve dog-area fencing
Council officers will prepare a report investigating a fully secure fence around the off-leash dog area at Muraborah Reserve.
Dog owners and nearby residents will receive a further proposal before any upgrade decision.
Capital works and budget carryovers
Council’s revised budget continues the 2026–2027 capital program and carries forward incomplete 2025–2026 projects. The capital budget envelope was described as $138.2 million, with delivery subject to ongoing monitoring.
Residents may see delayed or previously committed infrastructure projects continue during 2026–2027.
Financial sustainability
Council reported strong liquidity and debt within sustainability targets. The Asset Consumption Ratio was 59.95%, just below the 60% target, while the Asset Sustainability Ratio was below target after $4.3 million in infrastructure renewals compared with $13.4 million in depreciation year to date.
The figures indicate a need to monitor whether infrastructure renewal spending keeps pace with asset ageing and depreciation.
Beveridge Road flooding follow-up
The meeting agenda recorded an earlier resolution requiring a report on flooding and drainage problems around Beveridge Road, Thornlands, including development impacts, infrastructure deficiencies, mitigation options and consultation with affected residents.
Residents and road users in the Beveridge Road catchment are expected to be considered in future drainage investigations and consultation.
Leichhardt Oval refurbishment
A construction tender was approved for the refurbishment project, with scope covering amenities, accessibility, lighting and the playing surface.
The works are expected to improve facilities and the usability of Leichhardt Oval, although the final project sum was not stated in the public extract.
Financial sustainability and capital works
August results showed favourable operating income and expenditure variances, including additional disaster recovery revenue and lower-timed contract expenditure. Capital expenditure was $8.99 million below budget, while the capital works mix was reported as 18% renewals and 82% new or upgrade works against a 60% renewals target.
The cash position is strong, but the low renewal share may create longer-term asset maintenance and sustainability pressures.
Brisbane 2032 equine opportunities
An equine industry forum at Clifford Park Racecourse considered economic, infrastructure and legacy opportunities associated with Toowoomba as the proposed host region for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events.
The initiative may create future opportunities and infrastructure impacts for the region's equine industry, although no funding decision was identified.
Bondi Junction master plan
Council’s revised progress-report wording describes a proposed master plan involving additional housing, a revitalised mall with a plaza, more public space and community infrastructure. It acknowledges resident concerns and says further engagement with community and business groups is intended.
The wording signals that the master plan remains subject to refinement and continued consultation.
Infrastructure tree replacement and revegetation
The committee discussed who is responsible when plantings fail and whether native planting palettes are required in infrastructure tenders. Staff said responsibility depends on contract arrangements; native species are typically specified, but non-native species may occur in some circumstances.
The issue affects the quality, maintenance and accountability of tree replacement linked to Council infrastructure projects.
Potential purchase of No. 177 Scarborough Beach Road
Council was advised that purchasing the adjoining site could be contemplated, but it is not included in the adopted Budget or Long-Term Financial Plan. Funding could require borrowing, higher future rates, reprioritised capital works, use of reserves or reintroduced paid parking, subject to detailed analysis and a separate Absolute Majority decision.
A purchase could create future pressure on rates, parking charges, reserves or planned projects.
Asset-management funding gaps
Parks and Buildings asset-management plans will identify service and funding gaps. The plans are expected before the 2027/28 Budget, alongside consolidated funding requirements across asset classes.
The process may identify future capital works and funding needs affecting Council spending priorities.
Transport infrastructure briefing
The Department of Transport and Main Roads briefed Councillors on current and emerging transport matters, including bridge works, highway interchanges, development-area access and the Goodna bus interchange.
The projects could affect travel times, road safety, freight movement, public transport access and development access across Ipswich.
Ripley Valley PDA update
Councillors received an update on the current status of the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area and discussed related challenges and opportunities.
The update may inform future planning, infrastructure and development decisions in the Ripley Valley growth area.