Strategic & Corporate Committee - 9 November 2026

Topics

• Woollahra libraries plan heads to three-month public exhibition
  Council approved an amended 2027–2030 libraries strategy for public comment, including possible customer service facilities in libraries and links to Woollahra Gallery.
  Residents can influence the future direction and service priorities of Woollahra’s libraries before the final plan is adopted.
• Woollahra street-tree plan revised after councillor and community feedback
  The committee endorsed changes to species selection and street planting targets, with public exhibition and a later adoption report to follow.
  The plan may shape street character, biodiversity and canopy cover across Woollahra for years to come.
• Council reports $1.462 million 2026–2027 operating surplus before capital grants
  Budget variations were adopted with a projected satisfactory financial position at 30 June 2027 and a $1.462 million net operating surplus before capital grants and contributions.
  The result is a key indicator of Council’s financial sustainability and capacity to fund services and capital works.

Decisions

• Draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan approved for public exhibition
  The committee approved the amended draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan 2027–2030 for public exhibition during December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027. Amendments include a revised vision, shorter timeframes for selected actions, references to Woollahra Gallery, and exploring customer service facilities in libraries.
  Residents will be able to comment on the proposed direction for local library services before a final plan is presented to Council.
• Street Tree Master Plan amendments endorsed
  The committee endorsed amendments to the draft Woollahra Street Tree Master Plan, including priority species for established avenues and a target of no more than two dominant or priority species per street or street section covering 75% of trees. A further report will follow public exhibition.
  The plan may influence future street-tree species, planting opportunities and neighbourhood tree character.
• Financial position and budget variations noted
  The committee noted advice that the projected financial position at 30 June 2027 remains satisfactory and adopted recommended 2026–2027 budget variations, resulting in a net operating surplus before capital grants and contributions of $1.462 million.
  The decision sets the current financial position and operating result for Council’s 2026–2027 budget.
• Cooper Park Community Garden licence recommended
  The committee recommended a three-year deed of licence for Cooper Park Community Garden Inc., with an option for Council to extend it by a further two years, and authorised the General Manager to execute the agreement.
  The recommendation supports continued operation of the community garden and recognises volunteer work maintaining the site.
• Direct licence negotiations proposed for Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club
  The committee recommended exclusive direct negotiations for a new licence over the clubhouse premises at Woollahra Park, potentially for up to 21 years including options. Negotiations are to seek an independently assessed market fee or equivalent demonstrable value through approved capital works.
  The outcome could determine the club’s long-term use of the Woollahra Park clubhouse and the value returned to Council.
• Chiswick Restaurant lease extension recommended
  The committee recommended extending the lease for Chiswick Restaurant at Chiswick Gardens by two years to 28 February 2029, with rent during the extension set at no less than independently assessed market rent.
  The decision supports continued restaurant operations at Chiswick Gardens while protecting Council’s commercial return.

Discussion

• Budget review and financial reporting
  The committee received the quarterly budget review for the period ending 30 September 2026, noted the October monthly financial report and considered capital works progress for the same quarter.
  These reports provide public oversight of Council’s financial performance, budget position and delivery of capital projects.
• Library service planning
  The draft 2027–2030 libraries strategy will go on public exhibition after committee amendments.
  Residents can provide feedback on proposed library priorities and service improvements.
• Urban forest and street trees
  The draft Street Tree Master Plan was amended following councillor and community feedback, including feedback from the Paddington Society. Council is also to report in December 2026 on installing QR codes on Council street-tree plantings.
  The proposed changes affect street-tree selection, information available to residents and future canopy planning.
• Community and commercial facility licences
  The committee considered future licence arrangements for Cooper Park Community Garden, Woollahra Park’s rugby clubhouse and Chiswick Restaurant at Chiswick Gardens.
  These arrangements affect access to community facilities, sporting operations and a public garden restaurant.

Impacts

• Public submissions will be invited on the draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan during December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027.
• Public exhibition of the amended draft Street Tree Master Plan will occur before a further report and proposed final adoption.
• Council is to advise at its December 2026 meeting when QR codes will be installed on Council street-tree plantings.
• The projected 2026–2027 financial position remains satisfactory, with a reported net operating surplus before capital grants and contributions of $1.462 million.
• The proposed Cooper Park Community Garden licence would support the garden’s continued operation for at least three years, subject to final execution.

Places

• Double Bay (suburb)
  Location of the Council Chambers where the meeting was held.
• Cooper Park (park and community facility)
  Location of the Cooper Park Community Garden licence proposal.
• Woollahra Park (park and sporting facility)
  Location of the Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club clubhouse.
• Chiswick Gardens (gardens and restaurant facility)
  Location of the proposed Chiswick Restaurant lease extension.
• Woollahra (municipality)
  Area covered by the library, street-tree, financial and licensing decisions.
• Paddington (suburb)
  The Paddington Society provided feedback considered in the Street Tree Master Plan review.

Next

• Place the amended draft Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan on public exhibition.
  December 2026 to February 2027
• Prepare a report on submissions and present a final Woollahra Libraries Strategic Plan for adoption.
  After the public exhibition period
• Place the amended draft Street Tree Master Plan on public exhibition and report back on submissions and recommended final amendments.
  Future report; timing not specified
• Advise Council when QR codes will be installed on Council street-tree plantings.
  December 2026 Council meeting
• Prepare and execute the Cooper Park Community Garden deed of licence if the recommendation is adopted.
  Following Council consideration and agreement finalisation
• Negotiate the proposed Woollahra Park clubhouse licence and assess market value or equivalent capital works value.
  Following Council consideration; timing not specified

Extract

Strategic & Corporate Committee Monday, 9 November 2026 6:30 PM Minutes UNCONFIRMED Woollahra Municipal Council Strategic & Corporate Committee 9 November 2026 Strategic & Corporate Committee Meeting Minutes of the Meeting of Strategic & Corporate Committee held at the Council Chambers, 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay, on 9 November 2026 at 6:30 PM. Present:Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Sarah Dixson, ex-officio Councillors:Hugh Woodgate (Deputy Mayor) Mary-Lou Jarvis Jeanette Mitchell Julian Parmegiani Harriet Price Lucinda Regan Matthew Robertson Mark Silcocks Torsten Merrill Witt Toni Zeltzer (via Zoom, left meeting at 8:10pm during item 8.5) Staff:Sue Meekin - A/General Manager R...