Council - 17 Feb 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council backs new solar farm siting work for Orange LGA
  Council has ordered an options paper on where large-scale renewable energy infrastructure should go and what controls should apply.
  This could influence future solar farm proposals, planning controls and community debate over renewable energy sites.
• Council seeks ways to cut blue-green algae closures at Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek
  A report is being prepared on options and costs to reduce the time popular reserves are shut because of blue-green algae.
  This could affect access to local recreation sites and future water-quality management spending.
• Small Donations Program moved to quarterly rounds
  Council has changed its small grants program so community groups will apply in four rounds a year instead of ongoing monthly applications.
  Local groups may need to adjust timing and planning for funding bids, and the review could tighten governance rules.

Decisions

• Solar farm locations options paper
  Council asked staff to prepare an options paper on suitable locations and controls for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure in the Orange LGA.
  Could shape where future solar farms may be allowed and what rules apply to them.
• Blue-green algae risk reduction report
  Council requested a report on options and costs to reduce lake closures caused by blue-green algae at Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek Reserve.
  May improve access to popular recreation areas and reduce water-quality related closures.
• Sun Safety Expo support
  Council agreed to support a proposal to host a Sun Safety Expo in Orange in mid-2026 to coincide with World Skin Health Day.
  Supports a public health and community education event.
• Small Donations Program changed to four rounds
  Council amended the Small Donations Program so it will run in four application rounds per financial year from 2026/27, and requested a governance and assessment review.
  Changes how local groups apply for small grants and may affect timing and competition for funding.
• Pump Track community-led delivery
  Council asked staff to work with Mr Mark Britt on a community-led and community-funded delivery model for the pump track project, including fundraising, in-kind support and risk considerations.
  Could bring the project forward and change how it is funded and delivered.
• Transport forum recommendations partly deferred
  Council endorsed the Rainbow Walk conditional approval for 7 March 2026, but deferred the rest of the Local Transport Forum recommendations to the 3 March 2026 meeting.
  Affects traffic and event approvals, with several road safety changes left pending.
• Shiralee Sewer Pump Station upgrades tender accepted in closed meeting
  In closed session, Council authorised a contract with Ironbuilt Infrastructure Pty Ltd for Shiralee Sewer Pump Station 1 and 2 upgrades for $2,573,213 excl. GST plus contingency.
  Major sewer infrastructure spending that may affect utility reliability and construction activity.

Discussion

• Conflicts of interest declared
  Cr Mallard declared a non-significant non-pecuniary interest in the solar farm item because of an investment in a related solar farm project.
  Relevant to transparency around renewable energy decisions.
• Local Transport Forum recommendations
  The forum minutes included road and parking changes at Buckland Drive, Summer Street East/Park Street, Park Street/Icely Road, Hamer Street, Cox Avenue and Canobolas School, plus approvals for the Rainbow Festival Street Walk and Tour of Orange cycling event; Council deferred most of these items.
  May affect parking, school access, traffic safety and event traffic management.
• Closed meeting contract report deferred
  Council deferred a closed-session contract report to the 3 March 2026 meeting.
  Some procurement matters remain unresolved and will return for further decision.

Impacts

• Potential future rules and siting for large-scale solar projects in the Orange LGA.
• Possible measures to reduce blue-green algae closures at Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek Reserve.
• More structured and frequent grant rounds for local community organisations.
• Potential earlier delivery of the pump track through community fundraising and support.
• Traffic and parking changes near Buckland Drive, Summer Street East, Park Street, Icely Road, Hamer Street and Canobolas School, pending final consideration of some items.

Places

• Orange LGA (local government area)
  Potential siting and controls for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
• Lake Canobolas (reserve/lake)
  Blue-green algae closure reduction options and possible water treatment measures.
• Gosling Creek Reserve (reserve)
  Blue-green algae closure reduction options.
• Buckland Drive (road)
  Proposed extension of a no parking/no standing zone from the Local Transport Forum.
• Summer Street East (road)
  Proposed no stopping controls at intersection with Park Street.
• Park Street (road)
  Proposed no stopping controls at intersections and local traffic management.
• Icely Road (road)
  Proposed no stopping controls at intersection with Park Street.
• Canobolas School (school)
  Proposed school-timed no parking zone with kiss-and-drop signage.

Next

• Staff to prepare an options paper on renewable energy siting and controls.
  Future report to Council
• Staff to report on blue-green algae reduction options and costs.
  Future report to Council
• Staff to implement and review the revised Small Donations Program.
  From 2026/27 financial year
• Staff to engage with Mr Mark Britt on pump track delivery models and report back.
  Future report to Council
• Council to consider deferred Local Transport Forum recommendations on 3 March 2026.
  3 March 2026 meeting
• Council to consider the deferred contract report on 3 March 2026.
  3 March 2026 meeting

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 17 FEBRUARY 2026 COMMENCING AT 6:00 PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr D Mallard, Cr S Peterson, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Acting Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services (Stanford), Acting Director Technical Services (Theakstone), Manager Corporate Governance, Chief Financial Officer, Manager Communications & Engagement, Governance Officer (Allan) 1.1 APOLOGIES RESOLVED - 26/057 Cr G...