At Tuesday's Council meeting, discussions included an update on tree health and removal, small donations, an update on the indoor playground and the tender for the design and construction of the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct athletics track and field.
Here are some key decisions.
Update on tree health and timing for tree removal
Councillors were given an update on the condition of street trees across the city, including how tree health is monitored and how decisions are made about pruning, removal and replacement. The focus is on keeping the community, staff and contractors safe, especially in busy streets and high‑traffic areas.
Trees that are badly damaged, dead or becoming unsafe are prioritised for removal, while lower‑risk trees are planned for removal during autumn and winter where possible. Importantly, trees that are removed are generally replaced, unless there are safety, service or visibility issues.
Small donations
Orange Lapidary and Mineral Club will receive $2,500 to help buy and install two new professional faceting machines. This will support training, skills development and hands‑on workshops for local members.
Event development funding
Council approved $2500 to support the Orange Male Voice Choir's concert 'A Centenary of Song' to celebrate 100‑years of the Choir on 7 November
Council approved $2500 to ALIBI (Australian Ladies in Business Initiative) for their Awards Night on 24 October 2026 to help bring this national business awards event to Orange, boosting local jobs, accommodation and spending.
Indoor playground fit out
Councillors discussed supporting the development of a new indoor playground space for children in Orange, with Council asked to contribute up to $50,000 as a co-contribution alongside Reach Sporting Association, subject to a successful NSW Government grant application.
Council supported an amendment to progress the proposal subject to a formal business case will being presented to Council before any final commitment is made.
IPART rate peg review
Council supported taking part in IPART's Council Reference Group to review how the rate peg is calculated. This means Council will have the chance to comment on proposed changes and speak up about how rising costs and local pressures affect regional councils, the submission will also include tourism numbers. The goal is a fairer system that better reflects the real cost of providing services.
What is IPART?
IPART is the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW. It sets the rate peg, which is the maximum percentage councils are allowed to increase general rates each year. Councils can't go above this cap unless they get special approval. IPART's current paper looks at new ways of calculating the rate peg, and Councillors will be invited to share feedback on those changes.
IP&R Documents on exhibition
Councillors voted to endorse Council's key planning and budget documents and put them on public exhibition.
These plans set out what Council will deliver, how it will be paid for, and how work will be resourced over the next four years - including the budget, fees and charges, long‑term finances, workforce planning, and how Council looks after roads, buildings and other assets.
In short: it's the roadmap for getting the job done, keeping services running, infrastructure maintained and money managed responsibly. Staff and the community now get a chance to have their say before anything is locked in.
Policy reviews adopted
Councillors officially signed off on several updated Council policies that were put out for public comment. No feedback was received during exhibition, so the policies were adopted as presented.
The following Strategic Policies are now in place:
- ST21 - Child Safe (keeping kids safe in Council-run activities and spaces)
- ST32 - Donations & Grants (how Council assesses and supports community funding requests)
- ST34 - Water Carting (rules around water supply during shortages and dry times)
- ST61 - Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program (pool safety checks to help prevent accidents)
Late item - Orange Regional Sporting Precinct meeting
Councillors were updated on Council's earlier request to the NSW Minister for Local Government about concerns raised in the media regarding a proposed meeting to discuss possible compensation for sporting ground land.
The request followed a Council resolution in November 2025 asking for a clear report into the situation, including who was involved and the circumstances behind the reported discussions. Council wrote to the Minister at that time, and his response has now been received and shared with Councillors. Council voted to note and acknowledge the Minister's response, formally closing the loop on this matter for now.
The investigation related to a proposed meeting with Mr Paul Towney that did not proceed.
Minister Ron Hoenig stated that as the meeting did not proceed there "appeared to be no issue to investigate".
Closed Meeting
Tender – Athletics Track and Field Design and Construction
Council authorised the CEO to enter into a contract with Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd for the design and construction of the athletics track and field at the Orange Sports Precinct, valued at approx. $4.55 million (excl. GST), subject to a satisfactory financial check.
