Orange operational plan checkpoint puts customer service, climate action and Planetarium dates under review

Orange City Council has noted its six-month progress report for the 2025/2026 Delivery Program and Operational Plan, covering work across the Orange Local Government Area from 1 January to 30 June 2026.

The report was unanimously noted at the 15 September council meeting, after councillors sought updates on actions that remain under review or do not yet have a confirmed timeframe.

Customer service improvement investigations listed in the plan have been completed. Recommendations are now being reviewed by Council’s Executive Leadership Team.

The Community Climate Action Plan is also still under consideration. The chief executive told councillors a report is due in October 2026, but no timeframe has been set for public exhibition.

There is no specific delivery date for the Planetarium and Conservatorium project. The chief executive said an update was pending after the head architect was placed into administration. Staff are continuing to work with sub-consultants, with arrangements in place.

Retail Pods in McNamara Lane continue to attract interest from new and existing businesses, and occupancy remains higher than originally estimated. The Economic Development Community Committee has reviewed alternative locations.

Cr G Power asked staff to review the Orange Aboriginal Social Plan, saying the action identified in the 2025/2026 Operational Plan was outdated. The request was taken on notice.

The report also prompted questions about what remained to be completed under action 13.2.1.1. Council staff said the customer service investigations had finished and their recommendations were being considered.

The six-month report gives residents a progress checkpoint on planned services and projects, while identifying work that still requires review, further reporting or a confirmed delivery date.