At the Council meeting on December 16, discussions included renaming the emergency helicopter retrieval base at the Orange Airport after Glenn Taylor, endorsing the Orange Pickleball Club and accepting a grant to install solar panels.
Glenn Taylor Hangar
Council will take a proposal to name the emergency helicopter retrieval base at the Orange Airport the Glenn Taylor Hangar to the Airport Committee for consultation. Naming the hangar after the former Councillor will recognise his work in supporting the 24-hour retrieval service. Back in 2013 he sparked a petition to transition the Orange rescue helicopter to 24 hours, which received more than 30,000 signatures. Councillors will vote on the matter early next year after it goes through the Committee.
Pickleball courts
Council agreed to give the Orange Pickleball Club a formal letter of endorsement. This will help the club seek outside funding, sponsorships and grants to build and maintain an indoor multi-court pickleball facility in Orange.
Electronic billboard DA
Council has approved the application for installation of a digital billboard at 33 Colliers Avenue. Councillors confirmed that safety concerns had been adequately addressed in the proposal and the decision was supported by the view that the billboard will provide a valuable platform to promote local businesses and community events.
Feral and infant animal policy
Council has deferred a decision to put Strategic Policy ST59 - Feral & Infant Animal Management on public exhibition for 28 days to allow the Companion Animals Community Committee to discuss it at their first meeting in 2026. The draft policy outlines how designated staff (Manager Compliance, Senior Ranger, Pound Supervisor) may determine whether animals in Council's care are feral or infant and authorise the taking of action to manage those animals accordingly.
Solar array at Icely Road Water filtration plant
Council has secured over $1.1 million in Federal funding to install a solar array and battery storage system at the Icely Road Water Treatment Plant. The $2.26 million project will cut operating costs, save around $110,000 per year in electricity, strengthen energy resilience, and reduce carbon emissions in line with Council's net zero commitments. Council approved acceptance of the grant and authorised the Chief Executive Officer to execute the agreement and oversee delivery of the project.
