funding · Inner West Council
Inner West Council cuts capital works program by $8.4 million
Inner West Council adopted its quarter two budget review, reducing the capital works program from $128.0 million to $119.6 million and increasing projected capital grants by $3.8 million.
Inner West Council has cut its capital works program by $8.4 million, from $128.0 million to $119.6 million, after adopting its Quarter 2 2025/26 budget review at the ordinary council meeting on 17 February at the Ashfield Service Centre.
The review also lifts projected capital grants by $3.8 million. Council’s net operating position excluding capital grants increases from $104,000 to $160,000.
The Quarter 2 report says 93% of actions were completed or on track, while 80% of measures were on target or within tolerance. It also noted the GreenWay opening, three major street festivals, Ashfield Aquatic Centre’s fifth birthday and the second anniversary of FOGO.
Council said the capital works reduction was made to realign budget to future years to meet expected completion dates. The minutes do not list individual projects in the adjustment, but the change affects the timing of capital spending across the Inner West.
Councillors also adopted revised terms of reference for the Major Capital Projects Committee, adding the Director Property and Major Projects as a non-voting member.
In the same meeting, Council endorsed public exhibition of proposed car share parking fees for inclusion in the 2026/27 Fees and Charges. It also agreed to write to Airservices Australia seeking transfer of surplus airspace land next to St Peters Town Hall if the land is no longer needed for operational requirements.
The Tempe Lands Masterplan was also sent to public exhibition for 28 days, with Council due to receive a report on community engagement outcomes by the May 2026 meeting.
Other planning and infrastructure items included the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre upgrade and the Leichhardt Oval refurbishment. Council noted Stage 1 of the aquatic centre upgrade is scheduled for completion by mid-February 2026, while Stage 2 tendering has closed. Feasibility reviews found that modifying Stage 2 for elite water polo standards would create unacceptable financial, operational and scheduling risks and would require at least $8 million extra.
At Leichhardt Oval, Council noted the state significant development application was lodged in late December 2025 and publicly exhibited from 16 January to 12 February 2026. Schematic design is complete and detailed design is now progressing for the lower bowl seating, western grandstand and northern grandstand.
Council also backed the Crystal Street Petersham Roundtable action plan for delivery, with a further report due to the June 2026 meeting on items that need a longer timeframe.
Reference minutes
Inner West Council ordinary meeting, 17 February 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council adopted the Quarter 2 2025/26 budget review at its 17 February 2026 ordinary meeting.
- The capital works program was reduced from $128.0 million to $119.6 million.
- Projected capital grants increased by $3.8 million.
- Council’s net operating position excluding capital grants rose from $104,000 to $160,000.
- The Tempe Lands Masterplan will be publicly exhibited for 28 days.
- Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Stage 1 is scheduled for completion by mid-February 2026.
- Council will review the Community Recycling Centres at Leichhardt and St Peters, with a report due by August 2026.
Why it matters
- The budget review changes the timing of capital spending across the Inner West, while several major projects and local reviews move into their next stages.