Ordinary Council - 22 Sep 2026

Topics

• Council opens debate on new urban forest targets
  Randwick Council will publicly exhibit a 2026-2040 urban forest strategy with a 19% canopy target by 2060, prompting comparison with stronger previous and state benchmarks.
  The strategy could shape future tree planting, canopy protection and public-space planning across the city.
• New traffic study to examine rat-running, parking and possible 40 km/h limits
  A consultant will investigate traffic and pedestrian safety across the Kingsford East and nearby Randwick precincts, including rat-running and a possible 40 km/h speed limit.
  The study could lead to changes affecting drivers, residents, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
• Council funds 44 additional places in youth intervention programs
  Council approved more than $420,000 across new agreements with Weave Youth and Souths Cares to expand local youth intervention and mentoring.
  The programs target young people who may need early support, diversion or mentoring, with services restricted to Randwick LGA residents.

Decisions

• Draft Urban Forest Strategy exhibited
  Council endorsed public exhibition of the Draft Urban Forest Strategy 2026-2040 for at least 28 days and requested clearer comparisons between its 19% canopy target by 2060, the previous 22% by 2040 target and the NSW Government's 40% by 2040 benchmark.
  Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed long-term tree-canopy strategy and targets.
• Updated Register of Significant Trees endorsed
  Council endorsed the updated Register of Significant Trees 2026. An amendment proposing broader biodiversity criteria, ongoing nominations and stronger protection was lost.
  Listed trees will continue to receive the protections provided by the register, but proposed additional protections were not adopted.
• Traffic and parking changes progressed
  Council endorsed a revised formalised parking area in the Anzac Parade median at Budd Avenue, commissioned a Local Area Traffic Management study for the Kingsford East and nearby precincts, and retained three traffic-calming devices on Tunstall Avenue while allowing a later review.
  The decisions may affect parking, traffic safety, pedestrian access and speed-management options in Kensington, Kingsford and Randwick.
• New community youth services funded
  Council approved a two-year agreement with Weave Youth and Community Services worth $150,449 per year plus CPI to expand Kool Kids by 20 places, and a one-year $120,000 agreement with Souths Cares to add 24 referrals to the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program.
  Eligible young people in the Randwick local government area may gain access to additional early-intervention, mentoring and diversionary places.
• Community Investment Program changes adopted
  Council endorsed Stage 1 review recommendations, including updated grant guidelines, reducing Community Connect and Community Creative rounds from three to two annually, retaining one Partnerships round and increasing the Partnerships stream allocation by $120,000. Stage 2 will begin in early 2027.
  Community organisations will face revised grant timing and requirements, with additional funding available for local partnerships.
• Social priorities updated
  Council noted the Social Study 2026 and identified priorities covering social isolation, financial wellbeing and housing affordability, domestic and family violence, youth wellbeing, and reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community wellbeing.
  These priorities will guide future community programs, grants and partnerships.
• Sustainable School Grants approved
  Council approved $25,000 for six recommended school sustainability projects and noted the completion of seven previous projects valued at $24,100.
  Six local schools will receive support for environmental projects during 2026/27.
• SES facility design work advanced
  Council supported procurement of a lead architect and professional team for concept and detailed design of the Randwick SES Facility at 1903 and 1905R Botany Road, Matraville. The concept design must return to Council before public exhibition.
  The project will progress to design, with a further opportunity for public comment before exhibition.
• Affordable housing lots reclassified
  Five lots at 137A, 137B and 137C Anzac Parade, Kensington were classified as operational land following public exhibition.
  The classification changes the council land status of five units associated with the development.
• Heritage listing process supported
  Council endorsed including 11A Dudley Street, Randwick in a planning proposal to amend the Randwick Local Environmental Plan and supported an interim heritage order if the property faces a demonstrated risk of harm.
  The property may receive interim protection while formal heritage-listing arrangements are considered.
• Culture Vibes alcohol-free-zone suspension approved
  Alcohol-free-zone restrictions at Kensington Park will be suspended from 3pm to 10pm on 17 October 2026 to permit a licensed bar within the event footprint.
  Event attendees may purchase alcohol in the approved area during the specified event period.
• Christmas program arrangements approved
  Council approved warm, static tree lighting for four to six weeks, supported illumination of the La Perouse Museum tree subject to approvals, and moved the 2026 Christmas opening ceremony to the Maroubra Beach business precinct.
  Residents and businesses in Maroubra Beach will be affected by the 2026 ceremony location, while La Perouse lighting remains subject to external approvals.

Discussion

• Anzac Parade median parking
  Following consultation, Council endorsed a reduced and revised design for formalised parking at the Budd Avenue median and noted that grass parking controls had reduced uncontrolled parking.
  The decision affects parking arrangements and the appearance and use of the Anzac Parade corridor.
• Kingsford and Randwick traffic study
  A consultant will investigate traffic flow, parking, rat-running, walking, cycling, public transport, crashes, speed management including a possible 40 km/h limit, the Barker Street bus stop and the Botany Street-UNSW Gate 11 intersection.
  The study may lead to future traffic-calming, road-safety and transport changes.
• Bus stops and shelters policy
  A draft policy will be exhibited for 28 days, alongside the street-furniture tender, followed by a priority list informed by consultation.
  Residents can comment on how bus-stop and shelter upgrades should be prioritised.
• Weed and pesticide management
  Draft Weed Management and Pesticide Use Notification policies will each be exhibited for 28 days before a further report.
  Residents can comment on how weeds are managed and how pesticide use is notified.
• Matraville RSL car park partnership
  Council endorsed joint funding with Matraville RSL Club and Sydney Catholic Schools to upgrade the car park at 1P Norfolk Parade, Matraville, with funding available in the 2026/27 capital works budget.
  The upgrade may improve parking and access for the RSL, school and surrounding community.
• Snape Park amenities and carpark construction
  RELD Group Pty Ltd was accepted as the successful tenderer for Stage 1 of the Snape Park Amenities and Carpark project, with the General Manager authorised to enter the contract.
  The project can proceed to construction under the approved capital works arrangements.
• Community sporting and cultural support
  Council approved four-year indexed funding for the Purple Hearts disability football program, including $1,500 in 2026/27, and approved donations and fee support for local school, fundraising and cultural activities.
  Local participants and community organisations will receive financial and operational support.
• Muraborah Reserve dog-area fencing
  Council officers will prepare a report investigating a fully secure fence around the off-leash dog area at Muraborah Reserve.
  Dog owners and nearby residents will receive a further proposal before any upgrade decision.

Impacts

• Public exhibitions are expected for the Draft Urban Forest Strategy, draft weed and pesticide policies, and draft bus-stop and shelter policy, generally for at least 28 days.
• Traffic studies may inform future changes to speed limits, parking, pedestrian safety, bus stops and intersection operations in Kingsford, Kensington and Randwick.
• Additional youth-support places will be funded through Weave Youth and Souths Cares programs for Randwick LGA residents.
• Community groups will see revised grant rounds, guidelines and acquittal requirements under the Community Investment Program.
• The 2026 Christmas opening ceremony will be held in the Maroubra Beach business precinct, while a Culture Vibes event at Kensington Park will have a temporary licensed-bar permission.

Places

• Randwick local government area (service area)
  Area covered by youth programs, social priorities, community grants and local traffic studies.
• Anzac Parade median at Budd Avenue (road and project area)
  Location of the revised formalised parking proposal.
• Kensington (suburb)
  Locations include Kensington Park, Kensington Oval, Anzac Parade affordable housing units and Tunstall Avenue traffic works.
• Kingsford East and Northeast Kingsford (precinct)
  Area covered by the proposed Local Area Traffic Management study.
• Matraville (suburb)
  Location of the Matraville RSL car park and proposed Randwick SES Facility.
• Maroubra Beach business precinct (business precinct)
  Approved location for the 2026 Christmas opening ceremony.
• La Perouse Museum (facility)
  Proposed Christmas tree illumination, subject to NPWS and NSW Heritage Office approvals.
• 11A Dudley Street, Randwick (property)
  Property supported for progression towards heritage listing.

Next

• Place the Draft Urban Forest Strategy on public exhibition and report consultation outcomes back to Council.
  At least 28 days of exhibition; follow-up report after consultation.
• Exhibit the draft Weed Management Policy and Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan.
  28-day exhibition, followed by a report on submissions and amendments.
• Exhibit the Draft Bus Stops and Bus Shelters Policy and prepare a priority list.
  28-day exhibition, with a subsequent report.
• Commission the Kingsford East and Randwick Local Area Traffic Management study.
  Study to return to Council before proposed community consultation.
• Procure design services for the Randwick SES Facility and return the concept design to Council.
  Before public exhibition of the concept design.
• Enter funding agreements with Weave Youth and Community Services and Souths Cares.
  2026/27 funding period; Weave agreement runs for two years.
• Commence Stage 2 of the Community Investment Program review.
  Early 2027.
• Seek required approvals for La Perouse Museum tree illumination.
  Before the 2026 Christmas program.

Extract

This is of the Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 22 September 2026 MINUTES OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 AT 7:06PM Present: The Mayor, Councillor D Parker (Central Ward) Central Ward - Councillor D Gordon East Ward - Councillors M Asgari, C Martin & M Wilson North Ward - Councillors C Hamilton, A Magner & C Willington (Deputy Mayor) South Ward - Councillors B Burst, N D’Souza & D Said West Ward - Councillors A Hay, A Luxford & P Veitch Officers Present: General Manager Mr R Brownlee Director City Planning Ms M Bishop Director City Services Mr T Clarke Director Community & Culture Ms K Anderson Director Corporate Services Mr J Frangoples Manager...