Council - 30 Sep 2026

Topics

• Merrylands Park upgrade package moves into design and funding phase
  Council has backed plans for a modernised swimming centre, synthetic playing field and fenced off-leash dog park, with up to $10 million from the Infrastructure Reserve to be considered.
  The package could reshape a major local recreation precinct and affect residents, sporting groups, swimmers and dog owners.
• Joseph Rahme elected Mayor and Michael Zaiter Deputy Mayor
  Council’s leadership changed after councillors elected Joseph Rahme as Mayor through September 2028 and Michael Zaiter as Deputy Mayor through September 2027.
  The leadership team will shape Council’s priorities, advocacy and budget decisions during the Merrylands project and other future debates.
• Council appoints representatives to transport, property and regional bodies
  Councillors were assigned to oversight and external bodies including the Cumberland Local Transport Forum, Property Committee, WSROC Board and Parramatta Park Community Trustee Board.
  The appointments determine who represents local interests on transport, property, regional advocacy, parks and risk issues.

Decisions

• 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.
• Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected
  Councillor Joseph Rahme was elected Mayor for a term ending 8 September 2028. Councillor Michael Zaiter was elected Deputy Mayor for a term ending September 2027.
  The leadership change affects Council representation, priorities and decision-making for the coming terms.
• 2025/26 draft financial statements noted
  Council noted that the 2025/26 Annual Financial Statements and Special Purpose Financial Statements were prepared under the Local Government Act 1993, applicable regulations, Australian Accounting Standards and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting.
  The statements form part of Council’s public financial accountability and reporting process.
• Council committee and external-body appointments
  Council confirmed appointments to bodies including the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, Cumberland Local Transport Forum, Property Committee, Parramatta Park Community Trustee Board, WSROC Board and CivicRisk Mutual Members Assembly.
  These appointments determine councillor representation on oversight, transport, property, parks, regional-government and risk-management bodies.

Discussion

• Merrylands Park precinct investment
  A proposed package of pool, oval, synthetic-field and dog-park improvements is to progress through design, approvals, capital-works planning and funding discussions.
  Merrylands residents and sporting, swimming and dog-owner communities are the main affected groups.
• Financial reporting
  Council considered its draft financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2026 and recorded the required compliance declarations.
  Residents can use the annual statements to assess Council’s financial position and performance.
• Council leadership and representation
  The meeting concluded elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor and assigned councillors to key committees and external organisations.
  The new leadership and committee allocations may influence future policy and project decisions.
• Council investment and legal reports
  Council received the August 2026 Investment Report and Legal Report under an exception motion.
  These reports contribute to public oversight of Council’s investments and legal matters, although no additional detail was provided in the extract.

Impacts

• Potential future construction and disruption in the Merrylands Park precinct if the proposed upgrades proceed.
• Improved swimming, sports-field and off-leash dog facilities may be delivered, subject to approvals and funding.
• Up to $10 million may be considered from the Infrastructure Reserve for the Merrylands projects; the extract does not confirm a final allocation.
• Council’s new Mayor and Deputy Mayor will lead civic decision-making for the specified terms.
• The 2025/26 financial statements will support public scrutiny of Council’s finances.

Places

• Merrylands Park Precinct (park and project area)
  Site of the proposed sporting and recreation destination.
• Merrylands Swimming Centre (swimming facility)
  Identified for modernisation as part of the precinct upgrade.
• Merrylands (suburb)
  Location of the swimming, oval, synthetic-field and dog-park projects.
• Cumberland (local government area and transport forum area)
  Relevant to the Cumberland Local Transport Forum appointment.
• Parramatta Park (park)
  Relevant to the Parramatta Park Community Trustee Board appointment.
• Western Sydney (region)
  Relevant to the WSROC Board appointment.

Next

• Prepare detailed designs and obtain approvals for the Merrylands Pool and Oval precinct revitalisation.
  By the November 2026 Council meeting, according to the extracted motion.
• Include the Merrylands projects in the Capital Works Program and consider accelerating delivery through the budget process.
  During the forthcoming budget process.
• Pursue State and Federal Government and other funding for the Merrylands projects.
  Ongoing.
• Continue the statutory process for the 2025/26 financial statements.
  Following Council’s noting of the statements; exact timetable not stated.

Extract

Council Meeting 30 September 2026 Minutes of the Council Meeting 30 September 2026 Present: Councillors Ola Hamed (Mayor) Councillor Nadima Kafrouni-Saba (Deputy Mayor) Councillor Steve Christou Councillor Dr Diane Colman Councillor Glenn Elmore Councillor Paul Garrard Councillor Helen Hughes Councillor Ahmed Ouf Councillor (arrived 6:41pm) (Exited 8:32pm) Joseph Rahme Councillor Suman Saha Councillor Eddy Sarkis Councillor (via Audio-Visual – joined at 6:40pm) Sujan Selventhiran Councillor Steve Yang Councillor Enver Yasar Councillor Michael Zaiter Councillor Officers Peter Fitzgerald General Manager Tony Chahine Acting Director Corporate Performance Daniel Cavallo Director Environment & P...