Council - 21 Apr 2026 6:00 PM

Article-worthy topics

• Draft 2026-27 budget placed on public exhibition
  Council resolved to place the Operational Plan - Draft Budget 2026-2027 on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
  Residents will be able to review and comment on Council’s proposed budget, spending and services for 2026-27.

Key decisions

• Draft 2026-27 budget placed on public exhibition
  Council resolved to place the Operational Plan - Draft Budget 2026-2027 on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
  Residents will be able to review and comment on Council’s proposed budget, spending and services for 2026-27.
• Procurement policy review moved to exhibition
  Council deleted Strategic Policy ST109 - Buy Local and incorporated its intent into ST47 - Procurement, then placed revised ST47 on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
  This may affect how Council purchases goods and services, including how local purchasing is considered.
• Two strategic policies adopted
  Council adopted ST58 - Photographic Recording of Heritage Items and ST59 - Feral & Infant Animal Management.
  These policies affect heritage documentation practices and animal management arrangements in the city.
• Accessibility works approved for Bastick Cottage
  Council approved a design concept for platform steps at the main entrance of Bastick Cottage, will consider funding in the 2026-27 budget, and approved up to $350 from the accessibility ramp rebate budget for a portable side-entry ramp.
  This supports improved access to a public heritage facility in Cook Park.
• Tree safety works funded near go-kart facility
  Council allocated $15,625 from the tree maintenance budget for safety tree maintenance along the driveway to the go-kart facility on Perc Griffith Way.
  This is a public safety and site access measure affecting a local recreation area.
• Airport-area road land to be classified and registered
  Council agreed to proceed with subdivision plan registration for roads affected by the airport runway extension and to classify all newly created lots as Operational Land.
  This supports land administration linked to airport infrastructure changes.
• Orange Sports Precinct field lighting tender deferred
  In closed session, Council deferred consideration of Tender F4502-1 for field lighting at the Orange Sports Precinct.
  This may delay part of the sports precinct project timeline.
• Variation approved for Lot 402 DP 1292031
  Council approved entering into a Deed of Variation for up to 12 months and authorised sealing of required documents.
  This is a land-related legal decision affecting a specific property arrangement.

Important topics

• Orange Sports Precinct and Conservatorium/Planetarium update
  Council acknowledged an update report. The CEO advised the conservatorium cannot open separately while the planetarium remains incomplete because the whole building requires an occupation certificate.
  Residents waiting for these facilities should expect opening to depend on completion of the entire building.
• Cadia Community Consultative Committee
  Council acknowledged the committee report and minutes. The CEO said Cadia has supported Council through a voluntary planning agreement, road contributions and grants, estimated at about $5 million over 10 years.
  Cadia’s contributions may affect funding for local roads and community projects.
• Statement of Investments for March 2026
  Council noted the March 2026 investment statement and adopted the Responsible Accounting Officer certification.
  This provides oversight of Council’s financial position and investment management.
• Responses to questions taken on notice
  Council acknowledged the report containing responses to previously asked questions.
  This helps track follow-up on issues raised by councillors that may affect residents.

Resident impacts

• Residents can make submissions on the draft 2026-27 budget during the public exhibition period.
• Changes to procurement policy may influence how Council balances local purchasing with broader procurement requirements.
• Accessibility at Bastick Cottage in Cook Park will improve through approved access works and a portable ramp.
• Safety maintenance will be carried out on trees along the Perc Griffith Way go-kart facility driveway.
• Land and road classification changes will progress around Orange Airport as part of runway extension impacts.
• A decision on sports precinct field lighting was deferred, which may affect project delivery timing.

Places affected

• Orange (city)
  Council-wide budget, policy and service decisions.
• Bastick Cottage (facility)
  Accessibility improvements approved, including entrance works and a portable ramp.
• Cook Park (park)
  Location of Bastick Cottage and the approved accessibility works.
• Perc Griffith Way (road)
  Tree safety works funded along the driveway to the go-kart facility.
• Go-Kart facility on Perc Griffith Way (facility)
  Access route will receive tree maintenance for safety.
• Orange Airport (infrastructure area)
  Road and land classification changes linked to the runway extension.
• Orange Sports Precinct (project/facility)
  Update noted and field lighting tender deferred.
• Orange Conservatorium and Planetarium (project/facility)
  Opening remains tied to completion of the whole building.

Next steps

• Publicly exhibit revised ST47 - Procurement policy
  Minimum 28 days
• Publicly exhibit the Operational Plan - Draft Budget 2026-2027
  Minimum 28 days
• Consider funding for Bastick Cottage entrance works in the 2026-27 budget
  During 2026-27 budget process
• Purchase a portable access ramp for Bastick Cottage side entrance
  After approval, within existing budget up to $350
• Undertake tree safety maintenance along the go-kart facility driveway on Perc Griffith Way
  Following budget allocation
• Register subdivision plans and classify newly created airport-area lots as Operational Land
  Next administrative stage following Council resolution
• Bring back or otherwise reconsider Tender F4502-1 Orange Sports Precinct - Field Lighting after deferral
  Future Council consideration
• Execute Deed of Variation for Lot 402 DP 1292031
  For a period of up to 12 months

Extracted minutes text

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 21 APRIL 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 F Kinghorne, Cr D Mallard, Cr M McDonell, Cr S Peterson, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services (Arnold), Acting Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services (Stanford), Acting Director Technical Services (Davis), Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Development Assessment, Coordinator Strategic Planning, Senior Planner (Yates), Communications Lead...