Environment and Planning Committee - 9 Mar 2026

Key decisions

• Moore Park land reclassification advanced
  Council recommended adopting amended Planning Proposal PP2024/0006 to reclassify the northwestern portion of Moore Park at 33 Lobb Crescent, Beverley Park from community land to operational land, then send it to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation and gazettal.
  This changes the planning status of part of council-owned park land and may affect how that parcel can be managed or used in future.
• MSE Pipeline Hazard Analysis planning proposal sent for Gateway
  Council recommended forwarding Planning Proposal No. 2026/0002 for the Moomba to Sydney Ethane Pipeline Hazard Analysis to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination, with public exhibition to follow if approved.
  Residents may be able to comment during exhibition on planning controls linked to pipeline hazard analysis in affected areas.
• Asbestos Management Policy 2026 adopted
  Council recommended adopting the draft Asbestos Management Policy 2026 following public exhibition.
  This sets council's policy approach to asbestos management, affecting compliance, safety, and handling expectations.
• Wildlife Protection Area Policy 2025 endorsed
  Council recommended endorsing the Georges River Wildlife Protection Area Policy 2025 and allowing minor administrative amendments, with future review reporting to include data on documented breaches.
  This shapes protections in wildlife protection areas and signals future monitoring of compliance.

Important topics

• Tree canopy target progress
  Council noted progress toward the adopted target of 40% tree canopy by 2038 and endorsed consideration of a future $120,000 budget bid from the Tree Preservation Reserve for an LGA-wide tree planting strategy and costing schedule.
  This may influence future planting programs, greening priorities, and budget decisions across the Georges River area.
• Advocacy for stronger tree protections
  Council recommended continuing to advocate to the NSW Government for stronger tree protection through state legislation.
  State-level rule changes could affect tree removal and protection across the local government area.
• Development and building performance update
  Council noted the Development and Building Team quarterly metrics report for October to December 2025.
  This gives residents a snapshot of council development and building service activity and performance.

Resident impacts

• Part of Moore Park in Beverley Park is proposed to move from community to operational land status.
• The MSE pipeline hazard planning proposal is expected to go to public exhibition after Gateway, creating a future opportunity for submissions.
• A new asbestos management policy has been adopted for council operations and regulatory practice.
• Wildlife protection policy settings have been endorsed, with future reporting to include breach data.
• Council is considering future funding for an LGA-wide tree planting strategy to help reach a 40% canopy target by 2038.

Places affected

• Moore Park (park)
  Part of the park is proposed for reclassification from community land to operational land.
• 33 Lobb Crescent, Beverley Park (council-owned land)
  Site reference for the Moore Park planning proposal.
• Beverley Park (suburb)
  Suburb affected by the Moore Park reclassification proposal.
• Georges River LGA (local government area)
  Area covered by tree canopy targets, wildlife policy, asbestos policy, and development metrics.

Next steps

• Forward amended Planning Proposal PP2024/0006 to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation and gazettal.
  Next formal planning step
• Advise all submitters of Council's decision on the Moore Park planning proposal.
  After council decision
• Seek Gateway Determination for Planning Proposal No. 2026/0002 from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
  Next formal planning step
• Publicly exhibit the MSE Pipeline Hazard Analysis planning proposal in line with any Gateway Determination.
  After Gateway approval
• Provide a further report to Council on submissions received for the MSE pipeline planning proposal.
  After public exhibition
• Consider a future budget bid of $120,000 from the Tree Preservation Reserve for an LGA-wide tree planting strategy.
  Future budget process

Extracted minutes text

MINUTES Environment and Planning Committee Monday, 09 March 2026 Dragon Room Georges River Civic Centre, Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Environment and Planning Committee Meeting - 9 March 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Peter Mahoney (Chair), Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, Councillor Oliver Dimoski, Councillor Thomas Gao, Councillor Gerard Hayes, Councillor Christina Jamieson, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry, Councillor Nancy Liu, Councillor Natalie Mort, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos and Councillor Ben Wang. COUNCIL STAFF General Manager – David Tuxford, Director Assets and Infrastructure – Bry...