At Tuesday night's Council meeting, Councillors elected a Deputy Mayor and discussed a proposed manufactured home estate, active transport, Council's risk appetite, Put Her Name On It: Gender Equity in Commemorative Naming and reuseable period products rebate program.
Here are some of the key decisions:
Cr Jamie Stedman elected Deputy Mayor
Councillors elected Cr Jamie Stedman as Deputy Mayor for the period September 2026 to September 2028. The election was conducted by CEO Scott Maunder, with support from the Governance team.
Reusable period product rebate program extended
Councillors supported establishing a five-year reusable period product rebate program. The initiative will continue helping residents access reusable period products, reducing household costs and waste while supporting menstrual equity. The program will receive up to $5,000 each year, subject to Council's budget process.
Review of commemorative naming across Orange
Councillors supported a review of the names used for streets, parks, reserves and other public places across Orange. The review will look at representation in commemorative naming and investigate opportunities to recognise more people, particularly women whose contributions may have been historically under-recognised.
Council IP&R progress report received
Councillors noted the six-month progress report for the 2025/26 Operational Plan. Of the 114 actions reported, 103 achieved their target during the period, with the remaining actions continuing to be progressed.
Active Transport Strategy adopted
Council adopted the Orange Active Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026 following public exhibition. The strategy provides a long-term framework for improving walking and cycling connections across Orange and will help support future grant applications and project planning.
New recreation and open space strategy adopted
Councillors adopted the Orange Open Space and Recreation Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026. The strategy will guide future planning and investment in parks, recreation facilities, green corridors and open spaces across the Orange local government area.
Manufactured home estate proposal
Councillors discussed a planning proposal for a manufactured home estate at 148 Lone Pine Avenue and 84 Brabham Way. Concerns raised included strategic planning considerations, impacts on the drinking water catchment, site suitability and integration with surrounding development. Councillors resolved to approve the proposal to go through the Gateway process incorporating the recommendations and conditions identified in the report brought to Council by staff. The Gateway Determination means the application will be assessed by the by the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure.
Risk management framework updated
Councillors adopted an updated Risk Appetite Statement and Strategic Policy ST15 Risk Management. The changes help ensure Council's approach to managing risk remains aligned with current governance standards and organisational objectives.
Local plumbing inspection services to continue
Council accepted a proposed delegation from the NSW Building Commission that allows Orange City Council to continue managing plumbing and drainage inspections locally. This helps maintain existing service levels and supports the building industry across the region.
Feedback invited on proposed Code of Conduct changes
Councillors noted consultation being undertaken by the Office of Local Government on a proposed new Model Code of Conduct for council staff, delegates and committee members. The changes form part of broader conduct framework reforms across local government.
