Council Meeting - 30 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Burwood adopts 2026-27 budget, fees and spending plan
  Council locks in next year’s budget, revenue policy and fees and charges after public exhibition.
  This sets what residents pay and how Council will fund services, projects and operations over 2026-27.
• Burwood approves LGA-wide FOGO rollout for single-unit homes
  Single-unit dwellings across Burwood will get a Food Organics and Garden Organics service in 2026/27.
  The change will alter household waste sorting, landfill diversion and collection services for thousands of residents.
• Major buildings face new design excellence test under planning change proposal
  Council moves to amend the LEP so big mixed-use and residential flat buildings over 55 metres must go through a design competition process.
  The proposal could influence the look, cost and approval pathway for major developments in Burwood.

Decisions

• Adopted 2026-27 budget and integrated planning documents
  Council adopted the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 (Year 2), Operational Plan 2026-2027, Draft Budget 2026-2027, Draft Statement of Revenue Policy 2026-2027, updated Long-Term Financial Plan and Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2026-2027.
  Sets Council’s spending, priorities, fees and service direction for the coming financial year.
• Approved LGA-wide FOGO rollout for single-unit dwellings
  Council approved a single-stage rollout of Food Organics and Garden Organics collection for single-unit dwellings across Burwood during 2026/27, with community education and a follow-up report due within 12 months of commencement.
  Affects waste collection services, kitchen waste diversion and household recycling behaviour.
• Endorsed Gateway request for design excellence planning amendment
  Council approved submission of a Gateway Determination request to amend clause 6.5 of the Burwood LEP 2012 so significant developments over 55 metres would require a competitive design excellence process.
  Could affect how major apartment and mixed-use developments are designed and assessed.
• Confirmed mayoral and councillor fees at maximum levels
  Council set annual fees for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 at the maximum permissible levels of $52,520 for the Mayor and $24,080 for councillors.
  Affects council governance costs and public scrutiny of elected member payments.
• Extended Licence to Play place activation trial
  Council extended the Licence to Play Interim Place Activation Policy for 12 months to 30 June 2027 and requested a further report at the end of the trial.
  Continues temporary place activation arrangements that may affect local public spaces and community use.
• Sought discounted fees for heritage conservation works
  Council asked staff to explore discounted fees and charges for heritage conservation works and report back on ways to reduce financial barriers for residents.
  Could lower the cost of maintaining or restoring heritage-listed homes and conservation-area properties.

Discussion

• Public school shared-use framework
  Council resolved to write to NSW ministers and the local member seeking discussions to expand community access to public school infrastructure through a shared-use framework without requiring councils to fund capital upgrades.
  Could improve access to sports and community facilities, especially in high-growth areas.
• Library of Things expansion
  Council supported investigating a progressive expansion of the Library of Things at Burwood Library and Community Hub, alongside community engagement and a communications strategy.
  May increase access to shared household items and reduce cost-of-living pressure for residents.
• Recognition of Sarah Nelson in Paisley Road Beautification Project
  Council supported investigating formal recognition of Burwood’s earliest colonial settler, Sarah Nelson, through the Paisley Road Beautification Project.
  May influence local heritage interpretation and public place-making.
• Policy housekeeping
  Council reviewed active policies and retired a number of outdated policies, codes and plans that were no longer in use.
  Improves governance clarity and removes outdated rules from Council’s policy register.
• Investment report received
  Council received and endorsed the investment report for 31 May 2026 and noted the Responsible Accounting Officer’s certificate.
  Confirms Council’s financial management and investment oversight.

Impacts

• Households in Burwood will see a new FOGO waste collection service rolled out for single-unit dwellings in 2026/27.
• Residents and developers may face updated planning requirements for major buildings under the proposed design excellence amendment.
• Homeowners pursuing heritage conservation works may benefit if Council adopts discounted fees or waivers after further review.
• Local ratepayers will be affected by the adopted 2026-27 budget, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.
• Community groups and library users may gain access to more borrowable items if the Library of Things program expands.

Places

• Burwood (local government area)
  Council area covered by the meeting decisions, including waste, planning and budget settings.
• Burwood Heights (suburb/trial area)
  Location of the existing FOGO trial referenced in the rollout report.
• Paisley Road (road/project area)
  Beautification project area linked to the recognition proposal for Sarah Nelson.
• Burwood Library and Community Hub (facility)
  Site proposed for expansion of the Library of Things program.
• Burwood LEP 2012 area (planning area)
  Local environmental planning framework to be amended for design excellence requirements.

Next

• Implement the 2026/27 budget, operational plan and fees and charges
  From 1 July 2026
• Begin planning and delivery for the LGA-wide FOGO rollout for single-unit dwellings
  During the 2026/27 financial year
• Prepare community education for the FOGO service launch
  Ahead of rollout and during implementation
• Submit Gateway Determination request for the design excellence planning proposal
  Following Council approval
• Bring back a report on discounted heritage conservation fees
  At a future Council meeting
• Provide a FOGO rollout outcomes report to Council
  Within 12 months of commencement
• Report on the extended Licence to Play trial
  By 30 June 2027

Extract

This is of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Burwood Council Meeting held on 30 June 2026 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF BURWOOD held in the Conference Room, Level 1, 2 Conder Street, Burwood on Tuesday 30 June 2026 commencing at 6:00 PM. Attendance Councillor John Faker (Mayor) Councillor George Mannah (Deputy Mayor) Councillor Sukirti Bhatta Councillor Pascale Esber Councillor David Hull Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott Councillor Alex Yang Opening of Meeting by the Mayor The Mayor opened the meeting with a prayer and Acknowledgement of Country. Apologies There were no apologies. Declarations of Interest Mayor Faker declared a pecuniary interest in Item NM2/26 due to his family owning property...