Council - 21 Jul 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Orange Sports Precinct faces possible excavation cost blowout as cricket season approaches
  Orange Sports Precinct works are expected to be operational for the upcoming cricket season, but excavation costs beneath the athletics track may exceed the budget and landscaping remains a consent condition.
  Residents and sporting users need to know how construction will affect access, amenities and the project budget.
• Orange council explores referendum on the number of councillors
  Council will investigate the cost and timing of a referendum on the number of Orange councillors, including whether it can be held with the 2028 election.
  The process could lead to a community vote and create a significant election-related cost for ratepayers.
• Orange adopts investigation and enforcement policy amid woodsmoke concerns
  Council adopted Strategic Policy ST62 on investigation and enforcement, while staff outlined a complaint-led approach to woodfire smoke and possible education campaigns.
  The policy and enforcement explanation clarify how residents’ complaints may be handled and what regulatory action is available.

Decisions

• Advice sought on councillor-number referendum
  Council resolved to seek NSW Electoral Commission and Office of Local Government advice on holding a referendum about the number of councillors, including costs, timing, advertising and compulsory voting.
  This is an initial step towards a possible community vote and does not itself approve a referendum.
• Investigation and Enforcement policy adopted
  Council adopted Strategic Policy ST62 – Investigation & Enforcement.
  The policy provides a formal basis for Council’s investigation and enforcement work.
• Sports precinct project update noted
  Council noted the Orange Sports Precinct and Orange Regional Aquatic Centre project update, including expected cricket-season operations and possible additional excavation costs.
  The project will continue while some areas and amenities remain under construction.
• Hardship reduction approved for water charge
  In a confidential personal-hardship matter, Council reduced a recalculated fourth-quarter water charge from $6,517.98 to $3,910.79, a 40% reduction.
  The decision affects a specific resident account; the personal circumstances and supporting documents remain confidential.

Discussion

• Orange Sports Precinct construction and cricket-season access
  The Orange Sports Precinct project update indicated that facilities will be operational for the upcoming cricket season, with work areas fenced off and access to fields retained. Amenities and some facilities will remain under construction.
  Sporting users may experience construction impacts while retaining access to playing fields.
• Sports precinct budget and landscaping risks
  Council was told excavation costs beneath the athletics track could increase if unexpected ground conditions are found. Landscaping is a Heritage NSW-related consent condition and will proceed.
  Potential cost pressure may affect the project budget and delivery.
• Investigation and enforcement policy
  Council adopted Strategic Policy ST62 – Investigation & Enforcement.
  The policy sets the framework for Council’s investigations and enforcement activities.
• Possible referendum on councillor numbers
  Council will seek external advice about the cost, timing and voting requirements for a referendum on the number of councillors.
  Residents may eventually be asked to vote on Council’s composition.
• Homelessness response expenditure
  A report was requested on Council expenditure related to homelessness issues at Orange Railway Station, including item removal and relocation support.
  The follow-up may clarify how public funds are being used to respond to homelessness.
• Reusable menstrual product rebate trial
  Council acknowledged a report on the Reusable Menstrual Product Rebate Trial.
  The trial concerns access to a rebate for eligible reusable menstrual products.
• McPhillamy’s Gold Project community consultation
  Council acknowledged the McPhillamy’s Gold Mine Community Consultative Committee minutes and presentation.
  The project remains a matter of community and environmental interest for the Orange region.

Impacts

• A possible referendum on the number of councillors will be investigated, with a standalone vote estimated at about $400,000.
• Sports precinct users should retain access to fields for the upcoming cricket season, but some amenities and facilities will remain under construction.
• Unexpected ground conditions could increase excavation costs at the sports precinct.
• Council’s new investigation and enforcement policy may affect how complaints and regulatory matters are handled.
• Council will examine expenditure on homelessness-related responses at Orange Railway Station.
• A specific resident’s recalculated water charge was reduced from $6,517.98 to $3,910.79 under a confidential hardship decision.

Places

• 16 Georgia Oak Avenue (property)
  Resident water-consumption charge addressed in a confidential hardship matter.
• Orange Sports Precinct (project area)
  Site of the sports precinct project and planned landscaping, athletics and cricket facilities.
• Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange (facility)
  Council chamber and civic administration location for the meeting.
• Orange Railway Station (facility)
  Railway station identified in a follow-up request about homelessness-related expenditure.
• Orange (local government area)
  Local government area affected by Council policies, services and possible changes to councillor numbers.

Next

• Write to the NSW Electoral Commission seeking referendum costs, timing, advertising requirements and compulsory-voting information.
  Before Council determines whether to proceed with a referendum; no specific date stated.
• Seek comment from the Office of Local Government on the possible referendum.
  Before Council determines whether to proceed; no specific date stated.
• Prepare a report on Council expenditure associated with homelessness-related issues at Orange Railway Station.
  Future Council report; no specific date stated.
• Continue Orange Sports Precinct construction, including required landscaping and works around the athletics precinct and main stadium.
  Works to continue through the upcoming cricket season.

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 21 JULY 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 J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Chief Financial Officer, Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Development Assessments, Manager Communications & Engagement, Governance Officer (Allan) 1.1 APOLOGIES RESOLVED - 26/376 Cr J Whitton/Cr F Kinghorne T...