Council Meeting - 22 Jun 2026

Topics

• Council adopts 2026/27 budget, with several major projects rephased
  Council locked in next year’s spending plan while pushing a number of capital projects into later years.
  This affects when residents will see upgrades, how services are funded, and which projects move first.
• Gifford Park upgrade and Hogben Park lighting progress
  Council endorsed a park upgrade design and approved lighting for a basketball court after community consultation.
  These decisions shape local recreation facilities and how residents can use them after dark.
• Planning controls tightened for biodiversity and foreshore protection areas
  Council pushed a biodiversity and foreshore scenic protection planning proposal to finalisation and adopted updated development controls.
  The changes can affect future development assessments, land-use rules and environmental protections.

Decisions

• 2026/27 Operational Plan, Budget and Resourcing Strategy adopted
  Council adopted the revised Delivery Program 2025-2029, the 2026/27 Operational Plan, Budget, Revenue Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges, with several project rephasing changes and a financial surplus target of $2-3 million.
  Sets Council spending, services, fees and project timing for the coming financial year.
• Gifford Park sporting and public amenity concept endorsed
  Council noted community engagement outcomes and endorsed the final concept design to proceed to detailed design and construction.
  Moves a local park upgrade closer to construction and delivery.
• Hogben Park basketball court lighting approved
  Council endorsed installing lighting at Hogben Park basketball court for recreational purposes only after noting community consultation results.
  Improves after-dark use of a local recreation facility.
• Biodiversity and Foreshore Scenic Protection planning proposal progressed
  Council endorsed the planning proposal for finalisation, amended the supporting DCP controls, and adopted the amended DCP to take effect when the LEP amendment is gazetted.
  Affects planning controls and land-use assessment for environmentally sensitive areas.
• Heritage study moved to first-stage thematic history review
  Council resolved to start with a thematic history review using existing 2026/27 budget, while also reaffirming its Aboriginal Heritage Study commitment and seeking funding for later stages.
  Influences future heritage protections and planning evidence across the area.
• Disability Inclusion Action Plan adopted
  Council adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 and approved it for submission to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice by 30 June 2026.
  Sets the framework for accessibility and inclusion improvements for residents with disability.

Discussion

• Playspace Strategy Implementation program endorsed
  Council approved the 2026/27 works program, but an amendment to exclude Pole Depot Park and defer consultation there was lost.
  Determines where playground and playspace upgrades will proceed next financial year.
• Jubilee Stadium eastern toilet block scope change noted
  Council noted a scope change and budget adjustment for the Jubilee Stadium eastern toilet block replacement and updated the 4-year capital works program.
  Changes timing and cost for a stadium amenity upgrade.
• Cooks River Alliance membership not reconsidered
  Council decided not to reconsider membership until the Alliance finalises its business plan and legal entity status.
  Delays potential regional environment partnership involvement.
• Local government fees unchanged for Mayor and Councillors
  Council resolved there would be no change to remuneration for the Mayor and Councillors for 2026/27.
  Administrative decision with no direct resident service impact.
• Event grant guideline refinements flagged
  Council noted increasing demand under the Event Grant Program and upcoming refinements to guideline consistency and community engagement.
  May affect community groups applying for event funding.
• Hurstville Golf Course clubhouse planning proposal advanced
  Council forwarded the planning proposal for finalisation and adopted related generic plans of management for sportsgrounds and general community use.
  Affects future land use and management arrangements in the area.

Impacts

• Council spending priorities and project timing were updated for 2026/27.
• Some capital works were rephased into later financial years, potentially delaying delivery.
• New or improved facilities are progressing at Gifford Park, Hogben Park and Jubilee Stadium.
• Planning controls for biodiversity, foreshore protection and housing-related proposals may affect future development assessments.
• Accessibility and disability inclusion priorities were formally adopted for 2026-2030.
• Heritage work will begin with a thematic history review, while broader Aboriginal heritage funding is still being sought.

Places

• Gifford Park (park)
  Concept design endorsed for sporting and public amenity improvements.
• Hogben Park (park)
  Lighting for the basketball court was approved for recreational use.
• Jubilee Stadium (stadium)
  Eastern toilet block replacement project had a scope change and budget adjustment.
• Pole Depot Park (park)
  An amendment sought to defer works pending community consultation, but was lost.
• Hurstville Golf Course (golf course)
  Planning proposal for a clubhouse was forwarded for finalisation.
• East Street, Blakehurst (road/locality)
  Mentioned in the committee item title for a proposed footpath.
• Hurstville (suburb)
  Referenced in the Hurstville Public School 150th anniversary item and golf course proposal context.
• Georges River Local Government Area (local government area)
  Council-wide planning, budget, heritage and environmental decisions apply across the LGA.

Next

• Publish adopted 2026/27 budget and operational plan documents
  After meeting, subject to minor editorial changes and any resolved budgetary amendments
• Exhibit proposed additional fees and charges amendments for at least 28 days
  Following adoption of the Operational Plan
• Forward the Hurstville Golf Course clubhouse planning proposal to DPHI for finalisation
  Immediately after Council resolution
• Submit the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
  By 30 June 2026
• Proceed to detailed design for Gifford Park sporting and public amenity
  Following Council endorsement
• Seek funding and report back on the Aboriginal Heritage Study and Management Strategy
  During the Heritage Scoping Study process and 2026-27 financial year

Extract

MINUTES Council Meeting Monday, 22 June 2026 7:00 PM Dragon Room Civic Centre Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Council Meeting - 22 June 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, Councillor Tom Arthur, Councillor Oliver Dimoski, Councillor Thomas Gao, Councillor Gerard Hayes, Councillor Christina Jamieson, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry, Councillor Nancy Liu, Councillor Peter Mahoney, Councillor Natalie Mort, Councillor Leon Pun, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, and Councillor Ben Wang. COUNCIL STAFF General Manager – David Tuxford, Director Assets and Infrastructure – Bryce Spelta, Direct...