Governance Committee Meetings - 10 Feb 2026

Topics

• Austral indoor recreation use proposal cleared for next planning step
  Council backed a planning proposal in principle to allow an indoor recreation facility at 495 Fourth Avenue, Austral, moving it towards state planning assessment.
  Could lead to a land use change in a growing suburb and trigger public exhibition and community submissions.
• Council commits $100,000 to circular economy entity study
  Council approved funding for a case study into how to commercialise circular economy activities, including whether a new entity model is suitable.
  This can shape future waste, recycling and resource-recovery delivery models and may lead to a new council-controlled structure.
• George Street and Moore Street streetscape design delayed
  The next stage of the Liverpool streetscape design has been deferred to a future committee meeting.
  Delays can affect project timing, construction planning and expectations for local streetscape upgrades.

Decisions

• 495 Fourth Avenue, Austral planning proposal endorsed in principle
  The committee endorsed, in principle, a proponent-initiated planning proposal to allow a recreation facility (indoor) as an additional permitted use at 495 Fourth Avenue, Austral. It also resolved to forward the proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination, then exhibit it publicly if approved, and receive a post-exhibition report.
  Could change future land use and development options in Austral, with public exhibition giving residents a chance to comment.
• $100,000 allocated for circular economy entity case study
  Council agreed to undertake a case study and options analysis on the best operating model for commercialising circular economy activities, including possible entity formation. It approved $100,000 from General Funds for the project, while noting no separate entity will be established without further approvals.
  May influence how recycling or circular-economy services are delivered and funded in future.
• Strategic financial workshop requested
  The committee received and noted the December 2025 finance report and requested a workshop on strategic financial decisions in March, preferably aligned with existing training.
  Signals further councillor review of financial priorities, which can affect future budgets and services.
• George Street and Moore Street detailed design deferred
  The committee received the streetscape project update and engagement report, but deferred progress of the detailed design for George Street and Moore Street, Liverpool to the next Governance Committee meeting.
  Delays the next stage of streetscape works, which may affect timing of construction and local access changes.

Discussion

• Woodward Park Masterplan
  The committee received and noted the report on the Woodward Park Masterplan.
  An active parks/planning project, but no substantive decision was recorded in the excerpt.
• Community consultation pathway for Austral planning proposal
  If Gateway Determination is granted, the proposal will be placed on public exhibition and a further report will come back after consultation.
  Residents and nearby land users may be able to comment before any planning change is finalised.
• Local Government entity formation case study
  The case study will assess whether a separate structure is appropriate for commercialising circular economy activities, but it does not itself authorise formation.
  Could affect future governance and delivery model for waste/resource recovery-related activity.

Impacts

• Potential new indoor recreation use at 495 Fourth Avenue, Austral if the planning proposal progresses.
• Public exhibition may allow community feedback on the Austral proposal.
• Future council approach to circular economy activities may change, with possible service or commercial implications.
• Streetscape improvements for George Street and Moore Street are delayed pending a future meeting.
• A March workshop on financial strategy may shape future budget choices and council priorities.

Places

• Austral (suburb)
  Location of the planning proposal for 495 Fourth Avenue.
• 495 Fourth Avenue (site/address)
  Site proposed for an additional permitted indoor recreation facility use.
• Liverpool (local government area / centre)
  Referenced in the streetscape project update and meeting context.
• George Street (street)
  Part of the deferred streetscape design project.
• Moore Street (street)
  Part of the deferred streetscape design project.
• Woodward Park (park)
  Subject of a masterplan report received by the committee.

Next

• Forward the 495 Fourth Avenue planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.
  After the committee decision
• If Gateway is granted, place the Austral planning proposal on public exhibition and undertake community consultation.
  Subject to Gateway Determination
• Prepare and report back on the circular economy entity case study and options analysis.
  Future report to Council
• Hold a workshop on strategic financial decisions.
  March 2026
• Return the George Street and Moore Street detailed design to the next Governance Committee meeting.
  Next committee meeting

Extract

1 Minutes of the Governance Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 and confirmed on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 ........................................... Chairperson MINUTES OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 10 FEBRUARY 2026 PRESENT: Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Harle Councillor Adjei (online) Councillor Ammoun Councillor Harte (online and in-person) Councillor Macnaught Mr Jason Breton, Chief Executive Officer Mr Farooq Portelli, Director Corporate Support Ms Tina Bono, 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 Julie S...