Council - 7 Apr 2026 6:00 PM

Key decisions

• Gnoo Blas museum proposal to proceed to planning stage
  Council agreed to begin the process to amend the Plan of Management for part of Sir Jack Brabham Park from 'Public Recreation' to 'Community Purpose' for the proposed Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club museum, with the club to prepare and fund the required planning proposal and reports.
  This could change future use of part of Sir Jack Brabham Park and may affect recreation space and local facilities.
• Driveway modification approved at 26 Woodward Street
  Council approved the requested driveway modification at 26 Woodward Street and stated Council will bear the full cost because prior configuration and line-marking changes affected the parking lane.
  This is a direct local access and streetscape change for Woodward Street and confirms Council will fund the work.
• Pole-mounted EV charger trial authorised
  Council delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate an agreement with EVX to install pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers at recommended locations, with line marking and signage for EV-only parking areas.
  Residents may see new public EV charging infrastructure and some parking spaces converted to EV-only use.
• Withholding tax on councillor pay to be investigated
  Council asked staff to investigate withholding tax from councillor remuneration and report back on budget impacts and legislative requirements.
  This is mainly an internal governance matter with limited direct effect on residents.
• McPhillamy’s Gold Mine consultative committee report acknowledged
  Council acknowledged the report and attached minutes of the McPhillamy’s Gold Mine Community Consultative Committee.
  Residents interested in mine-related community issues received no new decision, but the matter remained under Council review.
• Up to 8 councillors approved to attend National General Assembly
  In closed session, Council approved attendance by up to eight councillors at the National General Assembly in Canberra from 23 to 25 June 2026.
  This affects councillor travel and representation at a national local government forum.
• No councillors to attend Floodplain Management Australia conference
  In closed session, Council resolved that no councillor representatives attend the 2026 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference.
  This avoids conference attendance costs but may limit direct councillor participation in that event.
• Easement approved over council-owned land
  In closed session, Council consented to registration of an easement on Lot 1 DP 995733 and approved use of the Common Seal on necessary documents.
  This is a land administration decision affecting a specific parcel of council-owned land.
• Legal services contracts extended
  In closed session, Council extended the contracts of its current panel lawyers to provide legal advice until 1 January 2027.
  This maintains Council’s legal services arrangements without changing public services directly.

Important topics

• Affordable housing consultant funding update
  Council acknowledged responses about the history and remaining balance of a $50,000 operational allocation originally set aside to engage an affordable housing consultant.
  This relates to how previously allocated affordable housing policy funds have been used or remain available.
• Questions on replacement tree planting
  A further question taken on notice requested data on replacement trees planted and tree planting project results since the last 2022 reporting.
  Residents interested in urban canopy and greening works may see more detailed reporting later.
• Local Housing Strategy endorsement delay queried
  A further question taken on notice asked why Department of Housing endorsement of the Local Housing Strategy took so long and why endorsement was initially said to be unavailable.
  This may inform future housing planning and policy implementation.
• Consultation requested for Moulder Street EV charger site
  A question taken on notice sought details of consultation undertaken for the proposed Moulder Street EV charger location.
  Residents near Moulder Street may want clarity on engagement before installation proceeds.

Resident impacts

• Part of Sir Jack Brabham Park may be considered for a community-purpose museum proposal, subject to planning steps.
• A driveway at 26 Woodward Street will be modified at Council's cost.
• New pole-mounted EV chargers may be installed at selected locations, with some parking spaces reserved for EVs only.
• Affordable housing funding history and any remaining allocation were publicly addressed.
• Council approved travel for the National General Assembly but declined councillor attendance at the Floodplain Management Australia conference.

Places affected

• Sir Jack Brabham Park (park)
  Site of the proposed Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club museum land use change.
• 26 Woodward Street (street address)
  Location of the approved driveway modification.
• Woodward Street (street)
  Street affected by the driveway change and parking lane issue.
• Moulder Street (street)
  One of the EV charger trial locations referenced in questions.
• Orange (town/city)
  Council area affected by the meeting's decisions and projects.
• Lot 1 DP 995733 (land parcel)
  Council-owned land subject to an easement approval.

Next steps

• Begin the process to amend the Plan of Management for the relevant part of Sir Jack Brabham Park from Public Recreation to Community Purpose.
  To commence following the resolution.
• Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club to prepare and fund the planning proposal and any supporting reports needed for the Plan of Management amendment.
  Next stage of the proposal process.
• Chief Executive Officer to negotiate an agreement with EVX and arrange signage and line marking for EV-only parking spaces.
  Following Council approval.
• Council staff to report on withholding tax from councillor remuneration, including budget and legislative implications.
  Future Council report.
• Provide further information taken on notice on tree planting, Local Housing Strategy endorsement delays, and consultation for the Moulder Street EV charger location.
  Future responses to questions on notice.

Extracted minutes text

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 7 APRIL 2026 COMMENCING AT 6.02PM 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 G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services (Arnold), Acting Director Technical Services (Davis), Governance Lead (Wright), Governance Officer (Allan), Risk Lead (Robinson), Manager Development Assessment (Johnston), Senior Strategic Planner (Mariot), Communications Lead (Townsend) 1.1 APOLOGIES RESOLVED -...