Twyford Hall users face amended charges from 4 November
Bega Valley Shire Council has approved new fees for the complex, with community groups, event operators and local businesses affected when Council takes over management.
Subject desk
Community & places
Libraries, parks, local services and public facilities.
57 articles
Ku-ring-gai tourism strategy opens the door to community feedback
Councillors unanimously endorsed a draft 2026 - 2030 destination-management plan for exhibition, but the minutes give no dates for public submissions or a later decision on the plan.
North Perth resident challenges Vincent’s claim that 33 bike-plan actions are complete
The City will answer questions about the 2013 and 2023 - 2028 plans at its 17 November Ordinary Council Meeting.
Apex Park toilet access talks rejected as closure report remains pending
A Central Coast Council committee voted down a proposal to discuss keeping the public toilet open, while leaving any closure or demolition decision for a later report.
Artsource wins three-year lease for Vincent’s Fitzgerald Street arts site
Halvorsen Hall and Lee Hops Cottage at 176 Fitzgerald Street will be leased to Artsource for $4,000 a year plus GST, while Vincent adopts a new framework for managing City property.
Hogben Park basketball court advances in 8 - 4 vote as skate and dog parks are dropped
Georges River councillors backed further investigation of an additional basketball half court, while ruling out a skate park and fenced dog park in the current master plan.
70-signature petition challenges Quarry Street towers and seeks Paddington community park
Narelle Ryan’s petition asks Woollahra Council to reconsider proposed high-rise towers, preserve the former Paddington Bowling Club site and consider residents at 200 Goodwin Village.
Council-run early learning forecast to lose $122,000 after funding and enrolment changes
Georges River Council cut its Early Learning Services operating forecast by $139,000, citing award changes, Start Strong funding and utilisation patterns.
Ebbw Vale memorial soldier to return before ANZAC Day 2027
Ipswich City Council will remove and repair the damaged stone soldier at Ebbw Vale War Memorial before reinstalling and re-dedicating it ahead of ANZAC Day 2027.
Central Coast housing program seeks funding protection after 100% secure-housing result
Revised rental terms and a higher managing-agency commission have been endorsed for the Transitional Housing Model, while Council asks Homes NSW to protect funding.
Addison Park reclassification petition to return to Wanneroo council
A petition to change the Merriwa park from Neighbourhood Sport to Neighbourhood Recreation will be investigated before a response is brought back to council.
Inner West parks FOGO trial ends after low participation, high contamination
Inner West Council has stopped the public-park organics trial before Phase 2 and will provide its findings to the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Orange operational plan checkpoint puts customer service, climate action and Planetarium dates under review
Council noted progress from January to June 2026, including completed customer service investigations, an October climate action report and no confirmed Planetarium and Conservatorium delivery date.
Orange rebate expands to five years after reusable period products trial sells out
Eligible residents can claim 50 per cent off qualifying reusable period products, up to $50 per person each financial year, with multiple people in one household now able to apply.
Waverley seeks alerts on Aboriginal land claims affecting Bondi facilities
Council will ask the NSW Government to notify it about claims over Crown reserves it manages, after councillors removed calls to reject claims affecting surf clubs and Bondi Icebergs.
Toowoomba gallery design advances, but construction approval is still years away
Council has backed further work on Concept Options 3 and 4 to test the gallery’s cost and risks, without approving a final scope, delivery method or budget.
Inner West residents get six weeks to comment on housing plan
Our Fairer Future Plan Stage 2 will go on exhibition across suburbs including St Peters, Marrickville and Newtown, with feedback due before a December 2026 Council report.
Yamanto owners win 100% rate concessions as Ipswich properties receive relief
Owners of 55 and 59 Sarah Drive will have their differential general rates reduced by 100%, while listed properties in Ipswich, Newtown and Brassall also receive concessions.
12 Central Coast groups share $40,429 in community grants
Council funding will cover sporting equipment, community events, rates subsidies, facility costs and local participation programs.
Wanneroo risk policy puts procurement decisions under a clearer framework
An updated Enterprise Risk Management Policy covering City activities, services and decisions has been recommended for adoption, but is not yet in force.
Cook Park aviary rescission bid fails in 7-4 council vote
Orange councillors rejected a bid to overturn the aviary consultation and review resolution, while larger-bird rehoming and staff training remain under discussion.
Short-term rental hosts and neighbours wait until October for Waverley review
Waverley Council deferred its impacts review after Cr Dominic Wy Kanak opposed the delay, leaving possible changes for hosts, property managers and residents unresolved.
Wanneroo loosens rules for elected members attending meetings online
The revised Electronic Attendance at Meetings Policy adds the Mayor to an authority-to-determine provision and removes clauses restricting some electronic-attendance arrangements.
Wanneroo keeps partner reference in retiring councillor recognition policy
The City of Wanneroo removed clause 6.4(b) from its recognition policy, but rejected a separate proposal to remove references to a retiring member’s partner.
Ian Arnott leaves Wahroonga development vote after conflict declaration
The panel unanimously approved design changes to 13 independent living units at 33B and 35 Clissold Road after the community member withdrew from the item.
Animal Welfare League Queensland wins $34m Ipswich animal management contract
Ipswich City Council has awarded the provider a five-year contract, with an option for a further five years at council’s discretion.
Ipswich community groups secure five-year leases for as little as $1
A Redbank Plains kindergarten will pay $3,150 a year, while playgroup and pony-club sites in Karalee and Rosewood will be leased for $1 a year if demanded.
Alstonville football club lease at Crawford Park faces public notification
A proposed four-year lease for the club’s sports buildings and storage shed would cost $634 a year plus GST, with further council consideration required if a substantive objection is received.
25-signature petition seeks privacy hedging for Cherokee Green homes
Administration is investigating a request to replace shrubbery beside Cherokee Park in Clarkson, with a report intended for Wanneroo Council’s September meeting.
786 signatures back bid to keep Anker Avenue Reserve a Mollymook community asset
Clr Karlee Dunn presented the petition to Shoalhaven City Council, asking that the reserve remain a community asset under the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2056.
2,363 signatures call for Werninck Cottage sale process to stop
The petition asks Shoalhaven City Council to keep the Nowra heritage building in public ownership and give its craft club secure, long-term tenure.
Twyford Hall takeover leaves $333,000 debt and $250,000 annual bill for Bega Valley Council
Council will end the Merimbula venue’s management deed, refuse a $37,000 refund and take responsibility for future bookings and programming.
Wahroonga, St Ives and Bobbin Head events share in $93,900 Ku-ring-gai sponsorship package
Ku-ring-gai Council approved funding for fairs, festivals, races, sporting competitions and cultural programs across the area for 2026 - 27.
South Turramurra residents seek parking, dog-park changes during pipeline works
Petitions with 113 to 119 signatures called for Vernon Street parking limits, airlock gates at Kissing Point Village Green and more dog access at Howson Oval. No immediate changes were approved.
Animal Welfare League Queensland awarded Ipswich’s $34m animal services contract
Ipswich City Council has awarded the organisation a five-year contract for animal management and welfare services, with a possible five-year extension at Council’s discretion.
No bus shelter change or contract award recorded for Randwick
Randwick councillors unanimously noted information on the Street Furniture Contract and Bus Stops and Bus Shelter Policy, with no supplier, contract value or service change identified.
Sports clubs face new five-year licences for Georges River facilities
Sports clubs and community groups will use new five-year licences for council canteens and storage, while sports amenities move to regular or casual hire across the Georges River local government area.
Marian Street Theatre demolition hinges on $100,000 by Wednesday
Preparatory work starts immediately, but internal demolition to preserve DA 0144/20 depends on $100,000 reaching council accounts by Wednesday 12 August.
Orange Council orders short-term rental investigation after 9-1 vote
The investigation will examine short-term rental properties and support future community discussion about housing, neighbourhood impacts, tourism and local businesses.
Orange councillor expense rules sent back for changes as engagement policy passes
Council adopted its Community Engagement policy unanimously but deferred rules covering carer costs, technology, legal expenses and reporting.
South Hobart dog ban stays after Lower Wellesley Park replacement falls through
South Hobart dog owners will not regain interim off-lead access at South Hobart Oval after councillors rejected the substantive parts of a motion prompted by the abandoned Lower Wellesley Park replacement area.
Burwood residents get 28 days to comment on civic recognition and donations policy
Burwood residents and community organisations can comment for 28 days on proposed rules covering civic recognition, condolences and small donations before Council considers final adoption.
Burwood residents to get updated guide to council information
Burwood Council has approved a revised Agency Information Guide for its website, with the General Manager authorised to make minor changes required by the Information and Privacy Commission before publication.
Little Bay beach-safety signs face multilingual accuracy audit
Little Bay Beach is among the Randwick coastline sites covered by checks of translation accuracy, cultural appropriateness and sign condition, with professionally verified replacements and a multicultural QR service to be investigated.
Coogee shark attack prompts review of earlier, expanded lifeguard patrols
Randwick will assess additional professional lifeguards and the feasibility of 6am patrols at Coogee Beach and other patrolled beaches after the 13 June shark attack.
Belgrave Street closure approved for Kogarah arts festival
The approved closure covered Belgrave Street between Post Office Lane and Kensington Street from 4pm on 26 June to 6am on 28 June 2026, with affected stakeholders to be notified.
Orange cricket access retained as sports precinct costs face ground-condition risk
Cricket fields at the Orange Sports Precinct will operate this season, with access retained while fenced work zones, unfinished amenities and possible extra excavation costs remain part of the project.
Oakey park backed for Geoff Dickins rename after 60% support
Five signs will be updated at an estimated cost of about $2,500 after consultation backed honouring Oakey community figure Geoff Dickins at Cory Street Park.
Wanneroo schools to get tougher parking enforcement after two-week caution period endorsed
Wanneroo’s strengthened education-first approach will shorten school parking cautions from about nine weeks to the first two weeks of term one, while targeting recurring offences.
Central Coast committee rejects Koala Park camping proposal and seeks other homelessness sites
A unanimous recommendation will send officers looking for alternative locations after councillors considered short-term tent camping at Koala Park and Woodbury Park in Wyong.
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.
Orange cultural venues receive official names, with Planetarium fees proposed
Orange City Council has named the facilities the Orange Regional Conservatorium, Mary Turner Recital Hall and Orange Regional Planetarium. Proposed Planetarium fees, including a $20 adult ticket, will be exhibited for at least 28 days.
Wanneroo service-cost review to report by February 2027
A CEO-led review of statutory and discretionary service costs will report to Wanneroo Council by February 2027, informing future service priorities and cost management.
Boonah and Beaudesert property owners to help fund rural fire cover under new Scenic Rim charges
Scenic Rim Regional Council has adopted special charges for the Boonah and Beaudesert rural fire groups, alongside its 2026-27 rates and billing settings.
Coral Sea Park bubbler backed for Maroubra United, pending budget review
Randwick councillors backed a new water bubbler beside Coral Sea Park’s synthetic field, with installation dependent on a favourable first-quarter 2026-27 budget review.
Toowoomba pensioners keep $70 annual rebate on water infrastructure charge
Eligible pensioners with access to a Toowoomba Regional Council water supply will keep a $70 annual rebate on the water infrastructure charge.
Toowoomba sewerage charges locked in at $663.70 a pedestal for many connected properties
Toowoomba Regional Council has adopted 2026/27 sewerage utility charges for connected and partly connected land, with separate charges for CED systems and grinder units.