Council - 19/05/2026

Topics

• Bondi Junction master plan goes out for public exhibition
  Council opened the draft Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan for five weeks of public comment after a lengthy debate and amendments.
  This will shape future development, streetscape changes and public-space planning in one of the area’s main centres.
• Bondi Road placemaking study commissioned
  Council approved a new study to guide public-domain and placemaking improvements along Bondi Road, with external expertise to be engaged quickly.
  The study could lead to streetscape upgrades, movement changes and future capital works affecting residents and traders.
• Virgil Lane set to become a 10 km/h shared zone
  Council approved a slower shared-zone treatment for Virgil Lane in Bronte alongside monitoring of operational issues.
  This changes local access and safety conditions for residents, visitors and nearby businesses.

Decisions

• Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan to be publicly exhibited
  Council resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan for five weeks, hold public information sessions and a precinct briefing, place the draft in the Waverley Library foyer, and receive a follow-up report after exhibition.
  Residents and businesses in Bondi Junction will be able to review the draft plan and give feedback on future development, streets and public spaces.
• Bondi Road public domain and placemaking study approved
  Council approved the scope, methodology, timeline and estimated cost of a Bondi Road Public Domain Improvement and Placemaking Study, with an external consultant to be appointed by end of July 2026 and a final report to follow the study.
  This sets up planning work that may affect streetscape upgrades, traffic movement and public-space improvements on Bondi Road.
• Virgil Lane, Bronte converted to a 10 km/h shared zone
  Council approved conversion of Virgil Lane, Bronte, to a 10 km/h shared zone and noted waste management and plan-of-management approvals for the nearby development.
  People living near or using Virgil Lane should expect slower vehicle speeds and ongoing monitoring of lane operation and community concerns.
• Small Grants Program funded
  Council awarded $65,786 under the Small Grants Program 2025-26 Round 2 to recommended individuals and organisations.
  Community groups and local projects will receive direct funding support.
• High impact events program endorsed for 2026-27
  Council approved the program of major events for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, including Bondi Festival, City2Surf, Festival of the Winds, Sculpture by the Sea and New Year’s Eve events.
  Residents can expect event-related activity, closures, parking impacts and local economic benefits across the year.

Discussion

• Housing Delivery Authority changes and Bondi Junction master planning
  Council noted NSW planning changes to the Housing Delivery Authority and reaffirmed that the Bondi Junction Master Plan is the preferred strategic framework for housing and employment growth, while signalling a future State-assessed pathway after exhibition.
  This is important for future density, development assessment and planning certainty in Bondi Junction.
• ALGA National General Assembly motions
  Council noted its active transport and antisemitism/social cohesion motions had been combined into strategic motions for the National General Assembly.
  These are advocacy matters rather than direct local service changes, but they shape council policy positions.
• Citizen of the Year awards to continue
  Council decided to implement Citizen of the Year awards to be presented on Australia Day annually.
  This creates a recurring community recognition program.
• Budget review and investments
  Council noted the Q3 budget review found the financial position satisfactory and adopted operating and capital budget variations; it also noted the April 2026 investment report and compliance with investment rules.
  This affects council financial management and the delivery of services and projects.

Impacts

• Potential changes to streets, movement and public spaces in Bondi Junction and Bondi Road.
• Slower vehicle speeds and altered lane conditions in Virgil Lane, Bronte.
• Event-related traffic, noise, access and crowd impacts across major locations in 2026-27.
• Funding support for local community groups through the small grants round.
• Future housing and employment growth settings in Bondi Junction may change after exhibition and further reports.

Places

• Bondi Junction (centre / suburb)
  Draft vision and master plan to be publicly exhibited; long-term growth framework discussed.
• Bondi Road (road / corridor)
  Subject of a new public domain improvement and placemaking study.
• Virgil Lane, Bronte (laneway)
  Converted to a 10 km/h shared zone.
• Bronte (suburb)
  Location of the Virgil Lane shared-zone decision.
• Waverley Library foyer (facility)
  One of the places where the Bondi Junction draft plan will be exhibited.
• Bondi (locality)
  Referenced through the Our Big Kitchen charity and local event/community matters.
• Sydney metropolitan area (region)
  Mayors invited to participate in the Sydney Mayors Cook-Off.

Next

• Exhibit the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan and hold public information sessions
  During the 5-week exhibition period, with a precinct briefing within 14 days
• Prepare a follow-up report on the Bondi Junction Master Plan
  No later than July 2026 after the exhibition period
• Procure and appoint an external consultant for the Bondi Road study
  Immediately, with appointment by end of July 2026
• Work with residents and the business operator on Virgil Lane issues
  Ongoing after implementation
• Forward the Bondi Road bus lane petition to Transport for NSW
  Immediately for consideration in their consultation process
• Negotiate event details and sign licence agreements for high impact events
  Before the 2026-27 event period
• Implement the 2025-26 Round 2 small grants allocations
  Following council approval

Extract

Minutes of Council Meeting 19 May 2026 This is of the minutes of the Council meeting held on 19 May 2026 MINUTES OF THE WAVERLEY COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE BOOT FACTORY, SPRING STREET, BONDI JUNCTION ON TUESDAY, 19 MAY 2026 Present: Councillor Will Nemesh (Mayor) (Chair) Hunter Ward Councillor Keri Spooner (Deputy Mayor) Waverley Ward Councillor Ludovico Fabiano Waverley Ward Councillor Dov Frazer Hunter Ward Councillor Steven Lewis Hunter Ward Councillor Paula Masselos Lawson Ward Councillor Margaret Merten Bondi Ward Councillor Joshua Spicer Waverley Ward Councillor Michelle Stephenson Bondi Ward Councillor Lauren Townsend Lawson Ward Councillor Katherine Westwood Lawson Ward Councillor...