Tuesday night's Council meeting discussions included moving ahead with building a Parkour Park in Orange and improvements at Jaeger Reserve to support the Orange City Croquet Club.
Here are some key decisions.
ACON and Pride in Sport memberships
Councillors considered a motion for Orange City Council to become members of two organisations - ACON and Pride in Sport.
The motion proposed by Cr McDonell stated an ACON membership is aimed at enhancing and supporting every aspect of Council's work and service delivery and would demonstrate to our community that we are a welcoming city and embrace diversity.
The motion went on to say that a Pride in Sport membership would provide tailored support, resources and access to expert guidance to ensure athletes, employees, volunteers, officials, and spectators feel safe, included and valued.
Councillors decided not to join Pride in Sport, and the ACON membership was removed from the motion.
No memberships were approved.
Council noted that it is already a member of the Diversity Council Australia and Councillors recognised that while the proposed programs could have benefits, they also come with costs and practical challenges, including no budget for Pride in Sport.
Parkour Park
Council has supported a motion to move ahead with building a Parkour Park in Orange. A feasibility study has been completed, and Council will look at setting aside $7,500 in the next budget review to hire a designer. The full project is expected to cost around $300,000, mostly due to the need for soft-fall surfacing - special shock-absorbing material placed under equipment to help prevent injuries.
Changes to fees and charges
Council is proposing two changes to its fees and charges, which will be put on public exhibition for at least 28 days. The first is a $0 fee for surrendering animals that have been assessed by Council officers as posing a risk to the safety of the community. The second is a $0 fee for food premises inspections for charities and not-for-profit groups, to reduce costs for organisations that support the community.
Review of abortion services in Orange
Councillors acknowledged the updated information on abortion services in the Orange LGA. They noted the current lack of accurate centralised information and the limitations of the NSW Health-funded Search+ website, which has been raised with NSW Health to ensure information is accurate and available through web services. Council also received advice from Western NSW Health that a new service providing Family Choices and Women's Health will soon open to expand local options. Council also recognised the importance of improving access to clear, reliable information for the community.
Croquet Club upgrades
Council has approved a Development Application (DA) for improvements at Jaeger Reserve, valued at $166,170. The works include a new croquet court, three shelter sheds, and fencing changes to support the Orange City Croquet Club. The Club already leases part of the reserve, and Council agreed the expansion is reasonable as the area is not used by other sporting groups.
Small donations
Council voted to support the following clubs with small donations:
$2500 to Blossoms Rescue to contribute to desexing and rehoming unwanted, injured and stray cats and kittens in the Orange area
$612.50 to Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) to contribute to the cost of hi-vis vests
$1000 to Mr Perfect Incorporated to contribute to hosting free monthly BBQs for supporting men's mental health
$1250 to Orange High School to contribute to travel and accommodation costs for students participating in First Nations Dance Ensemble
$2500 to the Rotary Club of Orange to contribute to the cost of hiring presenters, presentation equipment, marketing and promotion, and hire of Naylor Pavilion for the Orange Sustainable Living Expo
$306 to Orange Kart Club to contribute to the cost of running 'Mini Karting Academy' to train young drivers in the sport
$2500 to Phillip Shaw Wines to contribute to the cost of running The Breast Lon
g Lunch in support of the McGrath Foundation's Breast Care Nurses
$1000 to Allegri Singers to contribute to costs of soloists to perform alongside local musicians
$2025 to Canobolas Public School Parents and Citizens Association to contribute to the gifting of books to each student at the end of year presentation day
$2000 to 2MCE Community Radio to contribute to replacing transmitter equipment at Mt Canobolas
Australian National Field Days
Council will support the Australian National Field Days with $10,000 for their Rooftop Express Area Event.
