Georges River grant applicants face new approval process under proposed policy

Georges River community groups and grant applicants will have at least 28 days to comment on proposed changes to the way Council awards financial assistance, including a new delegation for the General Manager.

Georges River Council unanimously endorsed public exhibition of the revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy on 14 September. The proposed delegation would allow the General Manager to award financial assistance under section 377(1A) of the Local Government Act 1993.

The delegation is included in the revised policy and would operate under its grant application, assessment and award process. The policy is not final: Council will receive a further report after the exhibition period outlining feedback and presenting a final draft for adoption.

The exhibition will give community organisations and applicants an opportunity to comment on the proposed arrangements before a final policy is considered.

Council also endorsed the public exhibition of identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas across the Georges River local government area. Those areas will be displayed for at least 28 days, followed by a report on feedback and proposed final areas for approval.

The grants proposal was considered alongside financial pressure in Council’s Early Learning Services. Councillors unanimously approved a $139,000 reduction in the service’s 2026/27 forecast operating result, leaving a revised forecast deficit of $122,000.

Council also noted revised operating models, grant and funding opportunities and other measures aimed at supporting the long-term financial sustainability of Early Learning Services. South Hurstville Kindergarten received an assessment rating of “Exceeding National Quality Standard”.

The same meeting noted progress on the Carss Park Aquatic Facility and associated Learn-to-Swim enclosure project, as well as reports on Beverley Park Golf Club’s finances and public rounds from August 2025 to July 2026.