Recreation & Culture Policy Committee - 2 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Orange strategies for active transport and open spaces pushed back for revisions
  Council says both strategy documents need changes before they go on exhibition, with a return to Council expected on 16 June.
  These strategies can shape walking, cycling and open-space priorities across the city.
• Huntley Road carpark lighting idea under consideration
  Councillors raised an interim lighting fix near Bernie Stedman Field to improve lighting for the Huntley Road carpark.
  A relatively small infrastructure change could affect safety and access for people using nearby sports facilities and parking areas.
• Orange advances bid to host visiting Rugby Union World Cup team
  The Mayor and CEO have already attended a Sydney event, with organisers now expected to visit Orange and meet staff.
  If successful, the city could gain tourism, hospitality and community exposure from a world cup-linked team base.

Decisions

• Apologies accepted and leave of absence granted
  Council accepted the apology from Cr J Whitton and granted leave of absence for the meeting.
  No direct resident impact; administrative housekeeping only.
• Sport & Recreation Community Committee minutes adopted
  Council acknowledged the reports from the 6 May 2026 meeting and adopted those minutes, including an amendment noting discussion and advice about carpark lighting on Huntley Road.
  Confirms committee business and records a local lighting issue affecting access and safety.

Discussion

• Active Transport and Open Spaces & Recreation strategies delayed for further review
  Cr Mallard asked when the strategies would go on exhibition. The CEO said both had been reviewed by ELT, changes were required, and they were expected to return to Council on 16 June 2026.
  Residents interested in parks, walking and cycling planning should expect a revised version before exhibition.
• Huntley Road carpark lighting as an interim option
  Members discussed installing lighting on the back of the pole at the south-east corner of Bernie Stedman Field to improve lighting for the Huntley Road carpark. The CEO said this option could be considered, and confirmed Council still has access to old lighting from the Wade Park upgrade.
  Could improve safety and convenience for people using the carpark and nearby sports facilities.
• Possible Orange base for visiting Rugby Union World Cup team
  The CEO said the Mayor and CEO attended a Sydney event and the next step is for event organisers to visit Orange and meet Council staff.
  May bring visiting teams and associated activity to Orange, with local venue and tourism implications.

Impacts

• Potential changes to parks, recreation and active transport planning before public exhibition.
• Possible interim lighting improvements near Bernie Stedman Field and the Huntley Road carpark.
• Further progress on attracting a Rugby Union World Cup visiting team to Orange, which could benefit local sport and visitor activity.

Places

• Orange (city)
  Council area covered by the meeting and future strategy work.
• Huntley Road (road)
  Location of the carpark lighting discussion.
• Bernie Stedman Field (sports facility)
  Site mentioned as a possible location for interim lighting.
• Wade Park (sports facility)
  Source of old lighting equipment that may still be available for reuse.
• Sydney (city)
  Location of the event attended by the Mayor and CEO regarding the Rugby Union World Cup opportunity.

Next

• Return the Active Transport and Open Spaces & Recreation strategies to Council after revisions
  Expected at the 16 June 2026 Council meeting
• Consider an interim lighting option near Bernie Stedman Field for Huntley Road carpark lighting
  To be considered following the meeting
• Arrange a visit by event organisers to Orange to meet Council staff
  Next stage in the Rugby Union World Cup hosting process

Extract

MINUTES OF THE RECREATION & CULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 2 JUNE 2026 COMMENCING AT 6.53PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor)(Chairperson), Cr T Mileto (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 Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Acting Manager Communications & Engagement (Townsend), Governance Officer (Allan) 1.1 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE RESOLVED - 26/27...