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community facility · 3 meetings

Cook Park Aviary

3 decisions3 topicsUpdated 1 September 2026

Context

  • Tracked aliases include Cook Park Aviary.

Mentions

  • Subject of the Notice of Rescission and related public debate.
  • Subject of the meeting's main public-place and animal-welfare decision.
  • The subject of a major review and future consultation process.
  • The aviary’s future, bird rehoming and animal-care arrangements remain matters of public interest, but the available extract does not establish the decision made.
  • The aviary will remain, but its bird collection, facilities, partnerships and possible location within Cook Park may change following further planning.
  • Directly affects the future of a public park attraction in Cook Park and gives residents a chance to shape its long-term use.

Decisions

Cook Park Aviary rescission motion considered

A Notice of Rescission sought to overturn a resolution from the 18 August 2026 Council meeting concerning Cook Park Aviary consultation and review. The extracted minutes record the motion and debate but do not clearly state the final outcome.

The aviary’s future, bird rehoming and animal-care arrangements remain matters of public interest, but the available extract does not establish the decision made.

Cook Park Aviary to be retained and upgraded

Council acknowledged the communications and engagement report, animal-welfare assessment and infrastructure review, and directed staff to prepare a revised plan of management retaining and upgrading the aviary. The plan is to consider its future location, surrounding works, path connections and other Cook Park improvements. Council also supported implementing animal-welfare recommendations and engaging animal organisations, businesses and community groups on future care and support.

The aviary will remain, but its bird collection, facilities, partnerships and possible location within Cook Park may change following further planning.

Cook Park aviary review and consultation

Council requested a report within 8 weeks on the aviary’s condition and management, including an independent animal welfare assessment, infrastructure/compliance review and operational needs, then a minimum 28-day community consultation on retention, relocation, alternative use, or decommissioning, followed by a further report within 4 weeks of consultation closing.

Directly affects the future of a public park attraction in Cook Park and gives residents a chance to shape its long-term use.

Topics

Cook Park Aviary review

Councillors discussed whether the earlier aviary resolution could be rescinded, the process and timing for rehoming larger birds, community involvement and staff training. The outcome is unclear in the supplied extract.

Residents interested in Cook Park and animal welfare may need to follow the full resolution or subsequent Council agenda for the confirmed outcome.

Cook Park Aviary future

Council rejected an amendment proposing a lease arrangement with Animal Care Australia and instead adopted a broader retention, upgrade and consultation approach. Independent animal-welfare recommendations, including possible rehoming of larger birds, will inform the next plan.

Residents will have an interest in the aviary's future design, bird collection, location, operating model and opportunities for community involvement.

Cook Park aviary concerns raised in debate

Councillors questioned staffing, bird welfare, historic spending and past recommendations about the aviary, and the Acting CEO said expert advice could be sought if the motion passed.

Signals active scrutiny of animal welfare and maintenance standards at a well-known public facility.

Meetings

Council - 1 Sep 2026 6:00 PM

Council approved the removal and replacement of a hazardous tree at Orange Anglican Grammar School, adopted a regional disability inclusion plan and awarded a Planetarium audiovisual contract worth approximately $692,834 excluding GST.

Council - 18 Aug 2026 6:00 PM

Orange City Council resolved to retain and upgrade the Cook Park Aviary, approved a $1.49 million water-treatment-plant upgrade, approved the sale of 348 Killongbutta Road, and granted substantial relief on a hardship-related water account.

Council - 19 May 2026 6:00 PM

Council approved a public consultation process for the Cook Park aviary, moved to standardise ordinary meeting start/finish times, placed the disability inclusion plan on exhibition, noted the Q3 budget review, and authorised several closed-session items including an airport lease and sports lighting tender.