Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee - 05/05/2026

Topics

• Council awards $1.7 million Bronte Pump House upgrade tender
  Local infrastructure contract goes to a preferred builder for a major pump house upgrade and pump replacement.
  Residents near Bronte and anyone relying on local water/pump infrastructure may be affected by the works and their delivery timeline.
• Extra activities approved for Celebrating 2026 in 2026
  Council expanded its 2026 commemoration programme after a debated amendment was defeated on the casting vote of the Chair.
  The decision affects the size and shape of council-backed events and public programming residents can attend.
• Street performance rules adopted
  Council adopted a new Street Performance Policy and Guidelines, setting the framework for performers in public spaces.
  Changes how street performers can use public areas and may affect noise, access and local trading conditions.

Decisions

• Veteran employment program endorsed
  Council noted the investigation into the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program and Australian Government Veteran Employment Commitment, and endorsed joining both programs.
  May improve local job opportunities and recruitment pathways for veterans in council operations.
• Street Performance Policy and Guidelines adopted
  The committee adopted the Street Performance Policy and Guidelines attached to the report.
  Sets the rules for street performers and affects public space use and amenity.
• Celebrating 2026 in 2026 programme expanded
  Council approved additional activities for the Celebrating 2026 in 2026 programme after an amendment was lost on the casting vote of the Chair.
  Adds more council-supported cultural and commemorative events for residents to attend.
• Youth Advisory Committee membership appointed
  Council treated part of the report as confidential and appointed eight community members to the Youth Advisory Committee for May 2026 to May 2028, with remaining suitable applicants to be reserve members.
  Shapes youth participation in council advice and community engagement.
• Bronte Pump House upgrade tender awarded
  Council accepted Ally Infrastructure Pty Ltd as preferred tenderer for head contractor services for the Bronte Pump House Upgrade and Pump Replacement project for $1,703,363 excluding GST, and authorised contract execution.
  Supports infrastructure works that may affect local water/pump reliability and construction activity.

Discussion

• Councillor remote attendance motions
  The meeting dealt with several motions about councillors attending by audio-visual link due to medical reasons, with some motions carried and one lost.
  Affects who could participate in decision-making during the meeting.
• Quorum disruption and reconvening
  The meeting was adjourned due to loss of quorum after several councillors left, then later reconvened.
  Delayed council decision-making on the night.
• AI policy amendment considered
  An amendment relating to AI use and staff training was moved and lost on the casting vote of the Chair, after which the motion was carried unanimously.
  Signals council policy direction on AI use in staff and service delivery.

Impacts

• More cultural and community events may be added to the 2026 programme.
• Street performance rules may affect when and where performers can operate.
• The Bronte Pump House project may create local works activity and improve infrastructure reliability.
• Youth residents may see updated representation through the Youth Advisory Committee.
• Veteran-focused employment commitments may influence council hiring and training.

Places

• Bondi Junction (locality)
  Meeting venue at The Boot Factory in Spring Street.
• Bronte Pump House (facility)
  Site of the approved upgrade and pump replacement contract.
• Bondi Pavilion (facility)
  Proposed location in a defeated amendment related to the Celebrating 2026 in 2026 programme.
• Waverley Library (facility)
  Proposed location in a defeated amendment related to the Celebrating 2026 in 2026 programme.
• Waverley (council area)
  Local government area affected by committee decisions.

Next

• Prepare and implement the Veterans Employment Program and Veteran Employment Commitment participation arrangements.
  After the meeting / ongoing
• Proceed with contract execution for the Bronte Pump House Upgrade and Pump Replacement project.
  Following tender acceptance
• Appoint the approved Youth Advisory Committee members for May 2026 to May 2028 and maintain a reserve list.
  From May 2026
• Progress the additional activities approved for the Celebrating 2026 in 2026 programme.
  As scheduled in the report
• Continue any exhibition or reporting work connected to the AI policy motion.
  Following exhibition period

Extract

Minutes of Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee Meeting 5 May 2026 This is of the minutes of the Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee Meeting held on 5 May 2026 MINUTES OF THE FINANCE, OPERATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE BOOT FACTORY, SPRING STREET, BONDI JUNCTION ON TUESDAY, 5 MAY 2026 Present: Councillor Katherine Westwood (Chair) Lawson Ward Councillor Will Nemesh (Mayor) 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 Councill...