Council - 5 May 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council backs $50,000 push for indoor playground fitout
  Council agreed to co-contribute up to $50,000 to support a grant application for an indoor playground fitout with Reach Sporting Association.
  Could unlock a new indoor recreation space if the grant is successful.
• Draft budget and fees go on public exhibition
  Residents will be able to inspect and comment on Council’s draft 2026/2027 budget, long-term financial plan, fees and charges, and delivery documents.
  This is the main annual opportunity to influence Council spending and service costs.
• Major athletics track contract awarded in closed session
  Council approved a $4.55 million-plus GST contract for the athletics track and field design and construction project, subject to a financial check.
  Advances a significant sporting infrastructure project and indicates construction is moving ahead.

Decisions

• Indoor playground fitout co-contribution
  Council committed to a maximum $50,000 co-contribution with Reach Sporting Association for a NSW Community Building Partnership grant application, subject to further information before Stage 2.
  May support a new community recreation facility if the grant application proceeds.
• Draft budget and plans on public exhibition
  Council resolved to place the Draft Operational Plan 2026/2027, Delivery Program 2025-2029, Draft Asset Management Strategy, Draft Long Term Financial Plan, Draft Workforce Management Strategy, Draft Budget 2026/2027, Draft Fees and Charges 2026/2027, and related strategic policies on exhibition for at least 28 days.
  Residents will be able to review and comment on Council’s spending, fees and service priorities before adoption.
• Strategic policies adopted
  Council adopted Strategic Policies ST21 Child Safe, ST32 Donations & Grants, ST34 Water Carting, and ST61 Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program.
  Sets the rules Council will use for child safety, grants, water carting and pool barrier inspections.
• Athletics track and field contract awarded
  In closed session, Council authorised the Chief Executive Officer to enter into a contract with Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd for the athletics track and field design and construction project, subject to a satisfactory financial check, at $4,550,195.30 excluding GST.
  Moves forward a major sports infrastructure project that will affect local athletics users and contractors.

Discussion

• AED replacement and hire options
  Council deferred consideration of temporary hire or purchase arrangements for defibrillators to gather more information after a world-wide AED recall, and staff reported communication to the community and signage had been put in place.
  Impacts access to defibrillators at affected Council locations until replacement arrangements are settled.
• IPART rate peg submission
  Council decided to make a submission to IPART stating that the rate peg methodology does not account for tourism numbers.
  Could affect future rates advocacy and revenue settings for a tourism-based local economy.
• Withholding tax from councillor remuneration
  Council noted a report on withholding tax from councillor remuneration, with discussion about payroll and reconciliation issues if councillors choose different tax settings.
  Administrative governance matter affecting councillor payment processing, not direct resident service delivery.
• Airport hangar ground land rental
  In closed session, Council resolved to continue charging rental for airport hangar ground land under the current Fees and Charges.
  Affects airport tenants and commercial users at Orange Airport.

Impacts

• Potential new indoor playground funding if the grant application succeeds.
• Public exhibition of draft budget, operational plan, long-term financial plan, fees and charges, and workforce strategy gives residents a chance to comment.
• AED availability may change while Council responds to the defibrillator recall and explores replacement options.
• Athletics facilities are advancing to contract stage, with likely benefits for local sport users.
• Airport hangar land rental remains unchanged under current fees and charges.

Places

• Orange (city)
  The meeting concerned Orange City Council and city-wide budget, policy and infrastructure decisions.
• Orange Airport (airport)
  Closed-session decision to keep charging rental for airport hangar ground land.
• Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange (facility)
  Venue where the meeting was held.
• Athletics track and field project (project area)
  Major sports infrastructure contract awarded in closed session.
• Local sporting grounds (service area)
  Referenced in the ministerial response about compensation for sporting ground land.

Next

• Place the draft operational and financial documents on public exhibition and receive submissions
  Minimum 28 days
• Seek additional information before progressing the indoor playground grant application to Stage 2
  Before next stage of application
• Return later with further information on AED temporary hire or purchase
  Future meeting
• Lodge submission to IPART on rate peg methodology
  Following the resolution
• Finalise contract execution with Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd after financial check
  Before contract commencement

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 5 MAY 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 Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Waste Services & Technical Support, Manager Community Services, Manager Communications & Engagement, Legal & Property Officer, Governa...