Governance Committee Meetings - 15 Sep 2026

Topics

• Carnes Hill aquatic centre project cost rises by $4.47 million
  Council endorsed a revised budget and funding strategy after the major recreation project’s cost increased by $4.47 million.
  The increase affects the cost and financial planning of a significant community facility project.
• Light Horse Park community hub moves towards construction with ‘Celebration Tent’ design
  Council selected the saturated ‘Celebration Tent’ colour scheme for the new Light Horse Park Community Hub and will carry it into construction documentation.
  The decision marks a visible design milestone for a new community facility and establishes its public-facing appearance.
• Lismore Street traffic study nears recommendations as volumes exceed threshold
  Council’s traffic study is in its final stages after finding Lismore Street traffic volumes are above the road’s environmental threshold capacity.
  Recommended traffic-demand measures could change travel conditions for residents, businesses and road users.

Decisions

• Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre budget increase
  The committee noted a revised project budget and associated $4.47 million increase in project cost, and endorsed the proposed funding strategy. The detailed report was confidential on commercial-advantage grounds.
  The decision increases the cost of a major aquatic and recreation project and may affect project funding and delivery.
• Light Horse Park Community Hub colour scheme
  The committee noted the colour concept prepared by Lymesmith with Collins & Turner Architects and endorsed the ‘Celebration Tent’ scheme as the preferred external colour treatment for detailed design and construction documentation.
  The design decision affects the appearance and wayfinding of a new community facility in Liverpool.
• Monthly Finance & Risk Report received
  The committee received and noted the July 2026 finance and risk report. Operating revenue was $30.7 million and operating expenditure was $24.5 million as at 31 July 2026; employee costs were above benchmark and recruitment controls were being used for selected vacancies.
  The report indicates that Council finances were broadly tracking to expectations, while staffing costs were being actively managed.
• Lismore Street Traffic Study update
  The committee received and noted a progress report stating that the traffic study was in its final stages. The study is examining traffic-demand management measures because Lismore Street is carrying volumes above its environmental threshold capacity.
  Future traffic-management measures may affect people living, travelling or operating businesses on Lismore Street.

Discussion

• Local Heritage Study
  Council assessed 136 potential local heritage items, including new nominations and items carried over from earlier studies. Sixty-one items were identified to progress to owner consultation, subject to endorsement.
  Owners and communities connected with the identified places may be consulted before any future heritage-listing decisions.
• Community facility design
  The Light Horse Park Community Hub is planned as a single-storey building in parkland on the western bank of the Georges River at Liverpool. The preferred colour concept will proceed into detailed design and construction documentation.
  The decision provides a visible project milestone for a future community facility and its surrounding parkland.
• Early-year financial performance
  July operating revenue was below the straight-line annual benchmark mainly because of the timing of rates, grants and seasonal revenue, while expenditure was broadly aligned with expected patterns. No material financial sustainability or budget-compliance risks were identified.
  Residents receive an indication of Council’s financial position at the start of the 2026–27 financial year.

Impacts

• The Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre project cost is increasing by $4.47 million, with Council endorsing a revised funding strategy.
• The Light Horse Park Community Hub will use the preferred ‘Celebration Tent’ external colour scheme.
• Lismore Street may be subject to future traffic-demand management measures after the study is completed.
• Owners of properties or places among the 61 heritage items progressing to owner consultation may be contacted as the study advances.

Places

• Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre (facility/project)
  Aquatic and recreation centre project subject to a revised budget and $4.47 million cost increase.
• Light Horse Park Community Hub (facility/project)
  New community building in Liverpool; preferred external colour scheme was endorsed.
• Liverpool (locality)
  Location of the Light Horse Park Community Hub and the western bank of the Georges River project area.
• Lismore Street (road)
  Traffic study nearing completion because traffic volumes exceed the road’s environmental threshold capacity.
• Georges River (river/project area)
  The Light Horse Park Community Hub is located on its western bank.

Next

• Carry the ‘Celebration Tent’ colour concept into detailed design and construction documentation for the Light Horse Park Community Hub.
  Next design and documentation stages
• Progress the 61 identified heritage items to owner consultation, subject to the required endorsement.
  Next stage of the heritage study
• Complete the Lismore Street Traffic Study and report recommended traffic-demand management measures.
  Final stages of the study
• Implement the endorsed funding strategy and revised budget for the Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre project.
  Project delivery period

Extract

1 Minutes of the Governance Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 and confirmed on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 ........................................... Chairperson MINUTES OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Harle (Acting Chair) Councillor Ammoun Councillor Harte (Online) Councillor Macnaught Mr Jason Breton, Chief Executive Officer Mr Farooq Portelli, Director Corporate Services Ms Tina Bono, Director Community & Lifestyle Ms Lina Kakish, Director Planning & Design Mr Peter Scicluna, Director Operations Mr Vishwa Nadan, Chief Financial Officer Ms Justine Young, Acting Manager Civic and Executive Services Ms Clare Mongjaay, Acti...