The March Council meeting saw great engagement with a record 29 speakers in the public forum! The discussion was lively, covering a wide range of topics, and concluded at 12:40 AM.

Georges River Council signs Project Agreement for Carss Park Pool!

🚨 Big Milestone for Carss Park Pool! 🏊‍♂️ ✅

Georges River Council has signed the Project Agreement with the NSW Office of Sport! A huge step forward in rebuilding our much-loved pool.

👏 Thank you to Premier Chris Minns & Minister Steve Kamper for their support, and our fellow Councillors for backing a strong agreement that not only advances the project but also safeguards Council and our community.

💙 A special thank you to our community, who have backed this campaign for the past six years—your passion and persistence have made this possible!

💰 The Federal Labor Government has pledged $10M if re-elected—now hoping the Federal Liberals step up too!

With this agreement in place, we’re one step closer to delivering this vital community facility! 🌊✨

Carss Park Event DA - withdrawn

🚨 We listened, and we took action! 🚨

At the March Council Meeting, Mayor Elise Borg put forward a Mayoral Minute to withdraw DA2024/0620 for Carss Park, and we’re proud to say it was unanimously supported by all Councillors. ✅

After hearing the concerns of our residents, it was clear that this proposal wasn’t the right fit. While the goal was to streamline event approvals, the community’s voice matters—and we listened. 👂💙

Moving forward, Council will consider a future DA for Carss Bush Park and Flats, aligning with current event levels (approx. 8-12 per year). This is a win for responsive governance and community-led decision-making! 🎉

Council terminates agreement with Netstrata

The decision to terminate the naming rights agreement with Netstrata for Jubilee Stadium was not made lightly. For the past 12 months, Council has exercised patience and due diligence, awaiting the outcome of an independent investigation following serious allegations against Netstrata.

We have now received the NSW Fair Trading report, prepared by independent examiner McGrath Nicol, which is publicly available. This report contains a number of adverse findings against Netstrata. Given these findings and our contractual relationship with the company, Council's public standing could be at risk if we were to maintain the agreement.

In light of this, we firmly believe Council has made the right decision to end the partnership. While there will be financial implications—specifically, a temporary loss of sponsorship revenue as we seek a new naming rights partner—this is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of our Council and the reputation of Jubilee Stadium. Some sacrifices are worth making, and this is one of them.

Read more about this decision.

At the March Council meeting, important decisions were made regarding dog parks in our local government area, following robust debate and careful consideration.

After a two-year trial, Council resolved to close Merv Lynch Dog Park. This was not an easy decision, as Councillors had to weigh the ongoing conflicts between user groups and the impact on nearby residents.

At the same time, Council is committed to enhancing dog-friendly spaces. Improvements will be made to the existing dog parks at Hurstville Park and Hogben Park, Kogarah. Following extensive community consultation, Council has chosen Option B for a new fenced off-leash area at Hogben Park—an option supported by 78% of respondents. This location ensures minimal disruption to other park users while aligning with the site's Master Plan. 

Council has allocated $120,000 in the 2024/25 Capital Works Program for these off-leash dog park improvements, which includes a $21,700 contribution from the State Government’s Community Building Partnerships grant at Hogben Park.

Improving DA Processing Times: Council’s Action Plan Sent to Minister

Georges River Council is committed to improving Development Application (DA) processing times and has endorsed a detailed Action Plan in response to the Minister for Planning’s direction.

Key actions include:
✅ Process improvements – Streamlining internal referrals, updating templates, and adjusting allocation processes.
✅ Boosting resources – Recruiting additional planning officers and offering overtime to clear backlogs.
✅ Better public support – Enhancing Pre-DA services and providing clearer information for applicants.
✅ Collaboration with the Department – Seeking funding, requesting legislative changes, and engaging business process experts.

This plan sets clear timeframes and ensures accountability through regular progress reporting.

Councillor Matt Allison put forward a motion urging the State Government to reinstate the Greening Our City Grants Program—a vital initiative that supported tree planting in suburbs with low canopy cover. With new housing policies allowing for higher-density living on smaller lots, we risk losing critical green space and creating urban heat traps. Despite these challenges, the NSW Government has not invested in increasing tree canopy since coming to office.

Council has resolved to write to the Minister for Planning, calling for immediate funding to restore this program. If the State Government is serious about sustainable, livable communities, they must back their housing policies with real investment in urban greening. 🌿

Councillor Christina Jamieson put forward a motion and Council has endorsed a budget bid for the 2025/26 financial year to deliver embellishments in Mortdale Village, making it greener, safer, and more inviting. Proposed improvements include timber cladding on seating, additional planter boxes and trees, new bench seating, and street tree lighting to enhance comfort and vibrancy. Plans also include Christmas decorations for 2025, improved pedestrian accessibility, and a review of bollard designs to improve safety.

If the budget bid is supported, a detailed report will outline the feasibility, costs, and timeline for these enhancements—ensuring a revitalised and welcoming Mortdale Village. 🌱✨

Expanding Community Access to Council’s Premium Facilities

Council has endorsed a plan to enhance community access to its Premium Facilities, ensuring greater inclusivity for local groups. A key change involves revising the Grants and Donations Policy, which currently prevents community groups and not-for-profit organisations from applying for Venue Hire Grants at these facilities. The proposed update will remove this restriction, making all Council venues eligible for grants and encouraging broader use of these valuable spaces.

📢 Have your say on the proposed policy changes and help shape a more accessible and community-focused Georges River!

🔗 Provide your feedback here

Following a motion from Councillor Peter Mahoney, Council unanimously endorsed for the General Manager to contact the Prime Minister, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, and the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, to seek their positions on funding for the purchase, restoration, embellishment, and maintenance of Glenlee, and whether they would support its Australian National Heritage listing.

Additionally, the General Manager will reach out to Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, to inquire about the Federal Government's criteria for land acquisitions and grants to the NSW Government for such acquisitions.

Following a motion from Councillor Peter Mahoney, Council has moved to raise public awareness on the safety risks and legalities surrounding the use of e-scooters and e-bikes. This includes highlighting the current legal restrictions on their use in public spaces, such as speed limits and helmet requirements, as well as the safety risks associated with their batteries.

Additionally, the motion calls for Council to seek an update from the NSW Government on the e-scooter trials and, once a response is received, report back to Council on the results to help determine next steps for the local area.

Have Your Say: Draft Jubilee Stadium Precinct Master Plan

Council has endorsed the Draft Jubilee Stadium Precinct Master Plan and Plan of Management for public exhibition for 28 days, inviting community feedback on the future of this important space.

Before exhibition, GRRRP successfully moved an amendment to remove long-term plans for basement parking under Kogarah Park and beneath a reconfigured “hill”.

📢 Now is your chance to have your say and help shape the future of the precinct!

New Waste Contract

Council has transitioned to a new waste collection contract following the expiration of the previous one. While there have been some challenges, particularly with missed collections in multi-dwelling units, Council staff are working closely with the waste contractor, Veolia, to resolve these issues promptly.

New Bin Collection Days

As part of the new contract, bin collection days have changed. We appreciate your patience as new drivers adjust to their new routes and operate the state-of-the-art waste collection vehicles.

Bin Replacement Program

Starting from Monday, March 31 until July, Council will roll out new bins for all households and businesses. These new bins are equipped with real-time tracking technology to improve service delivery and ensure the contractor meets the terms of the agreement.

Here’s what you need to know:

• New bins will be delivered to the kerbside near your property.

• Old bins should be left at the kerbside after the next collection day for removal.

• Lid colours and bin contents will remain unchanged.

• Made from 80% recycled materials, the new bins are more sustainable.

Residents will receive a flyer 2-6 weeks before their new bins are delivered. For any questions, please contact Council’s Customer Service team at 1800 079 390.

From TeamGRRRP - Mayor Elise Borg, Clr Peter Mahoney, Clr Natalie Mort, Clr Christina Jamieson & Clr Matt Allison

TeamGRRRP Delivers Positive Change to Council. 🏡🌳

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