community services · Inner West Council
Inner West Council backs $20,000 Bondi recovery donation
Inner West Council voted to donate $20,000 to the Unite for Bondi Appeal and will identify the money in its next quarterly budget review.
Inner West Council has voted to donate $20,000 to the Unite for Bondi Appeal after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, with Mayor Darcy Byrne moving the motion at Tuesday night’s ordinary meeting in Ashfield.
The council resolved to make the donation for the purpose of supporting the Waverley community in its recovery. It noted that Rotary has established the Unite for Bondi Appeal as the official fund for donations and that the NSW Government has authorised it. Funding for the contribution is to be identified in the next quarterly budget review.
The Bondi vote was one part of a lengthy meeting that also covered planning, property, transport, parks and budget items. Council endorsed public exhibition of the draft Tempe Lands Masterplan for 28 days, approved revised terms of reference for the Major Capital Projects Committee, and asked staff to investigate a Junior Parkrun in the Inner West.
The Tempe plan covers the former Sydney Gateway site. Council wants a report on community engagement outcomes by the May 2026 meeting after the 28-day exhibition.
Residents also saw a string of local investigations and reviews progress. Council requested a safety review of Unwins Bridge Road and Hillcrest Street in Tempe, a broader review of Community Recycling Centre operations, and discussions with shared e-bike providers about geofencing ovals to keep bikes off playing surfaces.
Council adopted its Quarter 2 budget review as well. The review increases the projected net operating position excluding capital grants from $104,000 to $160,000. It also cuts the Capital Works Program from $128.0 million to $119.6 million, mainly to shift spending into future years to match expected completion dates, and lifts projected capital grants by $3.8 million.
Other project updates were noted by council. Stage 1 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre upgrade is due by mid-February 2026, while feasibility reviews found that redesigning Stage 2 for elite water polo standards would add at least $8 million and create unacceptable financial, operational and scheduling risks.
The Leichhardt Oval refurbishment has also advanced. The state significant development application was submitted in late December 2025, publicly exhibited from 16 January 2026 to 12 February 2026, and the schematic design has been completed and moved into detailed development.
Reference minutes
This story is based on the Inner West Council ordinary meeting of 17 February 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Inner West Council voted to donate $20,000 to the Unite for Bondi Appeal.
- Funding for the donation will be identified in the next quarterly budget review.
- The draft Tempe Lands Masterplan will be on public exhibition for 28 days.
- Council adopted its Quarter 2 budget review, cutting the capital works program from $128.0 million to $119.6 million.
- Council asked staff to investigate a Junior Parkrun in the Inner West and report back within two months.
- Council requested a safety review of Unwins Bridge Road and Hillcrest Street, Tempe, within three months.
- Stage 1 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre upgrade is scheduled for completion by mid-February 2026.
Why it matters
- Inner West Council has committed public money to Bondi recovery while also advancing local planning, safety and budget decisions that will affect residents across the LGA.