Council - 4 Feb 2026

Topics

• Liverpool Council accepts deputy mayor resignation and calls by-election
  Council moved immediately to fill a casual vacancy after Dr Betty Green’s resignation, with a by-election arrangement now in train.
  Affects local representation and may shift Council’s political balance.
• Woodward Park unsolicited proposal dropped, EOI process to start
  Council ended the unsolicited proposal pathway for Woodward Park and switched to an open EOI process while reaffirming event use.
  Signals a reset for a major local precinct and could attract new developers or operators.
• Council approves fresh community funding round
  Several local groups received grant and sponsorship support from Council.
  Direct funding can support community programs and local events.

Decisions

• Deputy Mayor resignation accepted and by-election arranged
  Council accepted the resignation of Clr Dr Betty Green, thanked her for her service, agreed to enter an election arrangement with the NSW Electoral Commissioner for a by-election, requested the election be held as soon as possible, and allocated the by-election cost from general funds.
  Affects local governance, the timing of a by-election, and how the vacancy will be filled.
• Deputy Mayor elected
  With no further nominations, Councillor Harle was elected Deputy Mayor for the term 4 February 2026 to September 2026, and Council’s Register of Delegations will be amended.
  Confirms the leadership arrangement for Council business and decision-making.
• Woodward Park proposal changes
  Council noted the unsolicited proposal for Woodward Park will not proceed, agreed to run an Expression of Interest process, and reaffirmed support for the precinct as an entertainment location including New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations.
  Shapes the future use and activation of Woodward Park and may affect events and redevelopment interest.
• Community grants and sponsorship funding approved
  Council endorsed $15,145 in community grant funding and $20,000 in community sponsorship funding for named local projects.
  Provides direct funding support for community organisations and local activities.
• NGA conference and meeting dates adjusted
  Council asked interested councillors to register for the National General Assembly conference, set motions for the next meeting, and rescheduled the June Council and Governance Committee meeting dates.
  Changes future meeting timing and Council participation in national local government advocacy.
• Payments equivalent to rates project funded
  Council agreed to engage a contractor, allocated $120,000 from general funds, and authorised negotiations with WSIA for payments equivalent to rates, with a further report to come back.
  Could affect Council revenue arrangements and future financial outcomes.

Discussion

• Condolence motion for Dame Marie Bashir
  Council recorded condolences for Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir and authorised a letter to the Bashir family.
  Ceremonial but publicly recognises a significant state figure.
• Draft Memorials Policy deferred
  Council deferred the draft policy so it can be referred to the Civic Advisory Committee before returning for further consideration.
  Delays any policy change affecting memorial applications or memorial management.
• NSW Treasury Corporation loan refinancing
  Council authorised the CEO or delegate to begin negotiations with TCorp to refinance the existing $23 million loan for the Liverpool Civic Place Development Project.
  Important for Council’s debt management and potentially future borrowing costs.
• Notice of Motion on civic identity at Liverpool Civic Place adopted
  Council adopted a motion for a report on options for a civic crest or similar identity element in the Liverpool Civic Place forecourt.
  Could influence the look and civic function of the city centre landmark.
• Notice of Motion on overseas travel compliance deferred
  The notice of motion was deferred to the next meeting because the mover was absent.
  Keeps governance scrutiny of councillor travel policy on the agenda.

Impacts

• A by-election process will be arranged to fill the vacant councillor position.
• Council leadership changes following the election of a new Deputy Mayor.
• Community groups will receive grant and sponsorship funding.
• Woodward Park’s future use will move through an EOI process rather than the unsolicited proposal.
• Council is spending $120,000 to investigate and negotiate payments equivalent to rates with WSIA.
• Council may refinance a $23 million loan linked to Liverpool Civic Place, which could affect long-term finances.

Places

• Liverpool City Council area (local government area)
  Council-wide decisions on leadership, funding, governance and finance.
• Woodward Park (park/precinct)
  Subject of a rejected unsolicited proposal and planned EOI process.
• Edmondson Park (suburb)
  Community notified of VPAs and planning progress for local facilities.
• Liverpool Civic Place (civic centre / development)
  Linked to loan refinancing and a proposed civic identity element.
• Macquarie Street Mall (shopping precinct)
  Raised in a notice of motion about vehicle access and retail activity.
• Niland Way (street)
  Raised in a notice of motion about traffic and parking impacts.
• 22 Box Road, Casula (property)
  Referenced in closed session as a sale item.

Next

• Enter into electoral arrangements for the Liverpool City Council by-election
  As soon as possible, with the Electoral Commissioner to fix the date
• Electorally notify the Minister and NSW Electoral Commissioner of the vacancy
  Immediately after resignation notification
• Return a post-exhibition report or proceed with execution for the Edmondson Park planning agreement if required
  After the public exhibition period
• Run an Expression of Interest process for Woodward Park and report back on responses
  Before any future development agreement process
• Bring the deferred Draft Memorials Policy back to Council after Civic Advisory Committee comment
  Future meeting date not specified
• Provide a further report on payments equivalent to rates with WSIA
  Future Council report
• Continue refinancing negotiations with TCorp for the $23 million Civic Place loan
  Ongoing

Extract

1 Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 and confirmed on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 ........................................... Chairperson MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 4 FEBRUARY 2026 PRESENT: Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Harle Councillor Adjei Councillor Ammoun Councillor Harte Deputy Mayor Harle Councillor Macnaught Mr Jason Breton, Chief Executive Officer Mr Farooq Portelli, Director Corporate Support Ms Clara McGuirk, Acting Director Community & Lifestyle Ms Lina Kakish, Director Planning & Compliance Mr Peter Scicluna, Director Operations Mr David Galpin, General Counsel Mr Vishwa Nadan, Chief Financial Officer Ms M’Leigh Brunetta, Ma...