funding · Inner West Council
Inner West trims capital works budget by $19.5 million
Inner West Council has lifted its projected operating surplus to $520,000 while cutting its capital works program from $119.6 million to $100.1 million at its 19 May meeting.
Inner West Council has cut $19.5 million from its capital works program and lifted its projected operating surplus from $160,000 to $520,000 in its quarter three budget review, adopted at its ordinary council meeting in Ashfield on 19 May 2026.
The budget review was one of a long list of items dealt with in globo. Council also adopted the Draft Watercraft Management Policy for 28 days of public exhibition, the Weed Management Policy and a revised Sponsorship Policy. The watercraft policy will return to council in September 2026.
Councillors also received the March 2026 investment report, which covered the council's $178 million non-fossil fuel portfolio. It returned 4.53% annualised for the month, compared with a 3.81% benchmark, and council adopted the minutes of its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting of 19 March.
The meeting backed two microforests in Ashfield Ward, at O'Dea Reserve and Bruce Street Reserve. Planting is planned before the end of June 2026.
Council also noted a tourism update that included three influencer collaborations launched in March and April 2026. Further digital and outdoor advertising is planned for the Inner West Ale Trail, the Inner West Distillery Trail and Special Entertainment Precincts.
A series of local notices of motion also passed. Council asked staff to investigate a pedestrian crossing on Victoria Road, Marrickville, and safety improvements on the Carrington Road cycleway. It also asked for urgent consultation on the Vietnamese refugee memorial before the June council meeting.
In Haberfield, council resolved to provide in-kind support for a 125th anniversary festival and to develop a budget for a possible financial contribution towards core costs, including public liability insurance, staging, sound and essential infrastructure. The festival is proposed for a weekend in October or November 2026.
Council also moved on a motion about 2SER FM, calling for funding and support after Macquarie University decided to withdraw funding. Another motion asked staff to investigate swimming alternatives while Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre is renovated, including longer hours at Ashfield Aquatic Centre and Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, plus reciprocal arrangements with neighbouring councils for pool access.
The budget changes are the clearest financial shift from the meeting. They reduce the size of the capital works program while lifting the operating surplus, which may alter the timing of some local works across the Inner West.
Other actions at the meeting included support for Cooks River water quality testing, a request to improve the intersection of Marion Street, Darley Road and Foster Street in Leichhardt, and further work on the beautification of Macquarie Terrace Reserve in Balmain.
Reference minutes
Source: Inner West Council ordinary meeting minutes, Council - 19 May 2026 7:30 PM.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council lifted its projected operating surplus from $160,000 to $520,000.
- The capital works program was reduced from $119.6 million to $100.1 million.
- The Draft Watercraft Management Policy will be publicly exhibited for 28 days.
- The Watercraft Management Policy is due back to council in September 2026.
- The March 2026 investment report covered a $178 million non-fossil fuel portfolio with a 4.53% annualised return for the month.
- Two microforests are planned for O’Dea Reserve and Bruce Street Reserve in Ashfield Ward, with planting before the end of June 2026.
- Council asked staff to investigate a pedestrian crossing on Victoria Road, Marrickville, and safety improvements on the Carrington Road cycleway.
Why it matters
- The budget review shifts money out of the capital works program and into a stronger operating position, which can affect when projects are delivered across the Inner West. The same meeting advanced policy changes, local safety work, environmental projects and event planning in several suburbs.