Planetarium fit-out funding plan pushed to next Orange council meeting

Orange contractors and suppliers will have to wait until the next Council meeting for details of how the Planetarium fit-out will be funded.

Cr S Peterson asked about the fit-out’s budget allocation during Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Policy Committee meeting on 4 August 2026. The Chief Executive Officer said a tender report, including a funding plan, would be provided at the next Council meeting.

The discussion did not identify a project cost, preferred contractor or funding source. The report will set out the proposed funding plan for the fit-out.

Councillors also sought updates on other infrastructure projects. Cr T Greenhalgh asked about the tender for the main surface at John Davis Stadium in the Orange Sports Precinct. No outcome or timing was given for that tender.

Cr J Whitton asked Council to review speed-limit signage on Anson Street after the limit changes from 60 km/h to 50 km/h when drivers turn from Brabham Way. He noted there was no speed-limit sign until further along Anson Street.

Council approved two transport changes near the Orange Public School infants campus. Parking angles at two Anson Street locations will change to 45° rear-to-kerb parking, while a No Stopping sign at the Sundew Circuit entry will move 6 metres west.

Questions were also raised about Orange’s water projects, including stormwater harvesting, the Macquarie Pipeline and the Purified Recycled Water Demonstration Plant. A business case and detailed consultancy report for the demonstration plant are expected in the coming months.

The Planetarium tender report and funding plan are due at the next Council meeting. Until then, the fit-out’s cost and funding source have not been identified.