community services · Orange City Council
Francis and O’Mara accepted onto Orange infrastructure committee
David Francis and Michael O’Mara have been accepted onto the Major Projects & Infrastructure Community Committee as Orange council backs new loading and No Stopping controls and a future pedestrian-safety report.
David Francis and Michael O’Mara have been accepted as members of Orange’s Major Projects & Infrastructure Community Committee, with the group also backing transport changes on Stephen Place, The Escort Way, Molong Road and the Civic Centre carpark.
Francis’s expression of interest was accepted from the committee’s 31 March meeting, while O’Mara’s was accepted from its 16 June meeting. Orange City Council also acknowledged reports from both meetings and adopted the remaining committee material, including action-plan items.
Transport recommendations included an additional loading zone on the northern side of Stephen Place, opposite Appledale Processors Co-operative Pty Ltd. A No Stopping Zone, using signs and road stencilling, is to be installed at the northern driveway of the Civic Centre carpark.
No Stopping signs are also to be erected on The Escort Way and Molong Road. Council adopted the Redleaf lines and signs for Redmond Place.
A report outlining options to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Matthews Avenue and Anson Street is to return to the Local Transport Forum. No date was specified for that report.
Council also acknowledged the Current Works report. The Director Infrastructure confirmed that work on Jonathon Drive had been delayed by recent weather.
Chief Executive Officer discussions also covered project-cost reporting. The CEO said the report will coincide with the Quarterly Budget Review, although an interim report can be provided to Council.
A significant opening event is planned for the Conservatorium, but its date has not been set while construction is being completed.
Councillors also asked about the Development Control Plan update and tree-canopy coverage. The CEO said no timeline was available. The issue will be addressed through the DCP and linked to the adopted plan from the previous year.
Reference minutes
Orange City Council Infrastructure Policy Committee, 7 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council accepted membership expressions of interest from David Francis and Michael O’Mara for the Major Projects & Infrastructure Community Committee.
- Council adopted follow-up material from the Major Projects & Infrastructure Community Committee meetings held on 31 March and 16 June 2026.
- A No Stopping Zone was approved for the northern driveway of the Civic Centre carpark, with further No Stopping signs approved for The Escort Way and Molong Road.
- A report on pedestrian-safety options at Matthews Avenue and Anson Street is to return to the Local Transport Forum.
- Jonathon Drive works were delayed by recent weather.
- Project-cost reporting is due with the Quarterly Budget Review, although an interim report can be provided to Council.
Why it matters
- Francis and O’Mara will join the committee overseeing major projects and infrastructure matters, while adopted transport actions change loading and stopping arrangements and require further work on pedestrian safety at Matthews Avenue and Anson Street.