Bonnyrigg Men’s Shed Faces Uncertain Future

In a concerning development for community services, Mayor Carbone raised the plight of the Bonnyrigg Men’s Shed, the only facility of its kind in the local area. The organisation, which has served the community for more than 20 years, faces an uncertain future due to the NSW Government’s planned redevelopment of Bonnyrigg Estate.

The redevelopment will see housing numbers increase from 833 to 3,000 homes, requiring the Men’s Shed to relocate from its current premises. Despite the NSW Government acknowledging the facility as essential community infrastructure in its social planning documents, no concrete commitment has been made to secure its future.

Council has land available in Bonnyrigg, obtained through a Voluntary Planning Agreement, that could accommodate a permanent facility. However, funding remains the critical issue.

Council Resolution: Council unanimously resolved to write to NSW and Federal Health Ministers and local Members of Parliament seeking support for the Men’s Shed’s long-term future. Council officers will also assist the organisation in identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities.

The Bonnyrigg Men’s Shed provides vital services supporting men’s health and wellbeing, combating social isolation, and developing skills amongst its members.

Major Budget Carry-Forwards Approved

Council approved the carry-forward of $9.997 million in incomplete projects and programmes from the 2025-2026 financial year into the 2026-2027 Operational Plan. This represents a significant improvement from the previous year’s $19.255 million carry-forward, indicating enhanced project planning and internal processes.

The carry-forward comprises 109 projects and major programmes across various categories:

• Projects: $5.55 million (41 projects)
• Asset Renewal Major Programmes: $842,706 (19 programmes)
• Stormwater Management and Flood Mitigation: $858,187 (13 programmes)
• Traffic and Transport: $868,281 (8 programmes)
• Open Space Renewal and Acquisitions: $1.39 million (8 programmes)
• Other programmes: $878,188 (20 programmes)

The primary reasons for carry-forwards included multi-year projects (38.53%), delays pending third-party approvals (13.76%), design complexity issues (12.84%), and timing constraints including late grant receipts (9.17%).

Notably, 64% of the carried-forward projects are already under implementation or construction, with only 36% experiencing delays requiring monitoring.

Projects Discontinued: Eight projects totalling approximately $83,800 were discontinued, including the Water Management Plan Review ($50,000), Community Centres Garden Beds ($8,800), and the Healthcare Precinct Scope project. These decisions were made following reviews of resource allocation and project feasibility.

New Project Approved: Council introduced one new project—Aquatopia Minor New Capital Improvements—with a $50,000 budget allocation to deliver improvements before the summer season.

Road Safety Initiatives Funded

Council accepted a $22,310 grant from Transport for NSW under the Local Government Road Safety Programme, with Council contributing an additional $1,850 in matched funding.

The 2026-2027 road safety initiatives will target five priority areas:

Child Restraint Fitting Days

Four free fitting days throughout the year where authorised fitters will check and install child seats for Fairfield LGA residents. Funding: $6,700 (TfNSW: $6,000, Council: $700).

Speed Radar Variable Message Signs

Deployment of speed detection signs at 10 identified high-speed locations. The 2020-2024 crash data identified speed as the fourth-highest priority across the LGA. Funding: $15,100 (TfNSW: $8,000, Council: $7,100 from existing budget).

Young Driver Safety

Educational workshops and information stalls at youth festivals. This initiative responds to data showing drivers under 25 were involved in 39% of fatal and serious injury crashes between 2020 and 2024. Funding: $1,750 (fully funded by TfNSW).

Motorcycle Safety

Educational workshops during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in October, addressing the 90 fatal and serious injury crashes (17%) involving motorcyclists between 2020 and 2024. Funding: $1,500 (TfNSW: $1,000, Council: $500).

Pedestrian Safety

Installation of safety decals at key locations and educational workshops targeting vulnerable pedestrians, particularly seniors. Pedestrians accounted for 19.7% of all fatal and serious injury crashes, with 37% involving people aged 60 and over. Funding: $6,110 (TfNSW: $5,560, Council: $550).

Council will also fund Safety Around Schools banners ($3,000) and Community Road Safety Education initiatives ($100) from existing budgets.

Community Grants and Donations

Council approved several community donations from mayoral funds:

Mayoral Community Benefit Fund: $500 to SOFIA’S Wish Inc. towards the Velvet Rose 2026 fundraiser event on 17 October 2026. The event supports programmes providing practical assistance, resources, and wellbeing services to carers and those facing adversity.

Mayoral Scholarship Fund: $1,000 to Cesar (surname withheld) towards his participation in the Australia Japan Rugby Festival in Fukuoka, Japan, from 15-22 December 2026. The young athlete has excelled across Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Oztag, achieving state and national representative honours.

Fabulous Fairfield Garden Awards

Ten residents received Fabulous Fairfield Awards for August, celebrating beautiful gardens across Fairfield Heights, Fairfield West, St Johns Park, and Wakeley. A special highlight was 93-year-old Norma Donaldson from Fairfield Heights, who has lovingly tended her garden for an incredible 70 years.

Winners receive potted native plants from the Fairfield Community Nursery and a small financial contribution towards garden maintenance. The programme acknowledges residents who enhance the character and visual appeal of the city’s streetscapes through their dedication to gardening.

Council Policies Rescinded as Redundant

In a housekeeping measure, Council rescinded two outdated policies that had become redundant due to changes in legislation and planning frameworks.

The Providing Reasons for Planning Decisions Made Contrary to the Recommendations of Staff Policy was discontinued as its requirements are now adequately covered by existing legislative obligations and Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

The Large Lot Policy – Site Considerations for Medium Density Proposals Within Zone R2 Low Density Residential was also rescinded, having been superseded by updated planning controls in the Fairfield Development Control Plan 2024.

The removal of obsolete policies helps streamline Council’s governance framework and reduces administrative burden.

Library Funding Allocation Confirmed

Council confirmed that the 2026-2027 Local Priority Grant from the Library Council of NSW will be allocated to the Wetherill Park Library refurbishment project. This decision was part of the Libraries and Museum Divisional Annual Report for 2025-2026.

The allocation ensures continued improvement of library facilities serving the growing Wetherill Park community, with the refurbishment project already included in Council’s capital works programme.

Leisure Facilities and Showground Reports Received

Council received divisional annual reports for 2025-2026 covering:

Fairfield Showground and Golf Course: The report detailed operations and performance of these significant community recreational facilities over the past financial year.

Leisure Centres: Performance data for Council’s leisure centres, including Prairiewood Leisure Centre and Aquatopia Water Play Park, was presented, showing continued strong community usage.

These reports provide transparency on how Council manages major community assets and deliver value to ratepayers through recreational services.

Natural Resource Management Update

Council received a combined Quarters 3 and 4 update on Natural Resource Management activities for 2025-2026. The report covered Council’s environmental programmes including creek and wetland management, biodiversity initiatives, and sustainability projects.

The Natural Resource Management division plays a crucial role in maintaining Fairfield’s green spaces, waterways, and environmental assets for current and future generations.

Infrastructure Contributions Plan Annual Update

Council noted the annual update on the Fairfield Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2023, which operates under Sections 7.11 and 7.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

The plan requires developers to contribute towards local infrastructure such as parks, community facilities, and roads when undertaking new developments. Council approved expenditure of up to $50,000 from Administration and Management funds to assist with recouping outstanding contributions from developers.

Council also noted that the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has again been contacted to request that the NSW Planning Portal require developers to show proof of payment before development applications can progress—a measure that would improve compliance and reduce the administrative burden of chasing unpaid contributions.

Youth Advisory Committee Minutes Noted

Council received and noted the minutes of the Youth Advisory Committee meeting held on 1 July 2026. The Youth Advisory Committee provides young people with a voice in Council decision-making and helps shape programmes and services relevant to Fairfield’s youth population.

Asset Management and Infrastructure Updates

Council received the Quarter 4 Divisional Update Report for Asset Management – Civil and Built, covering the final quarter of 2025-2026. The report detailed maintenance, renewal, and management of Council’s extensive civil infrastructure including roads, footpaths, drainage, and buildings.

Council also received a Quarter 4 update on Fairfield City HQ operations and a combined Quarters 3 and 4 update on Social Planning and Community Development activities.

These regular reports provide transparency on how Council maintains and manages community assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Cabramatta Moon Festival Sponsorships Secured

Council accepted major sponsorship proposals exceeding $20,000 for the Cabramatta Moon Festival 2026, one of the city’s signature cultural events:

• Mount Pritchard & District Community Club (Mekong Mounties): $44,000 as Principal Sponsor
• Cabra-Vale Ex-Active Servicemen’s Club: $22,000 as Principal Hospitality Sponsor
• Blue Stars Electric Pty Ltd: $25,000 as Main Stage Sponsor (Year 1 of a 3-year agreement ending 2028)
• Australian Amusements & Management Pty Ltd: $44,000 as Principal Amusement Rides Sponsor

The total sponsorship value of $135,000 demonstrates strong private sector support for this major community event, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually and celebrates the area’s rich cultural diversity.

Environmental Grants Received

Council accepted several grants supporting environmental and community programmes:

Create NSW Grant: $77,000 (ex. GST) under the Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Programme for Fairfield City Museum & Gallery’s “Fairfield Voices” project, which will document and celebrate community stories.

NSW Department of Climate Change Grant: $16,000 (ex. GST) under the EV Fleets Incentive – Kick-Start Funding Programme to support Council’s transition to electric vehicles. Council will contribute an additional $53,820 from General Funds for associated infrastructure works, bringing the total project cost to $69,820.

NSW Office of Sport Grants: Two local sport grants were accepted:

• $6,000 (ex. GST) for Makepeace Oval Long Jump Pit Renewal at Cabra-Vale Ex-Active Servicemen’s/Fairfield Athletics Centre
• $10,560 (ex. GST) for Chisholm Park Main Field Extension for White City Soccer Club

These grants demonstrate Council’s success in securing external funding to supplement ratepayer contributions for community infrastructure and services.

Tresalam Street Levee Repairs Funded

Council noted that NSW Public Works has secured funding for upcoming repair works at Tresalam Street Levee in Mount Pritchard. The levee forms part of the area’s flood protection infrastructure, and the repairs will be undertaken by the state government.

This represents a positive outcome for Mount Pritchard residents, with the state government funding critical flood mitigation infrastructure maintenance.

School Fees Waived at Endeavour Sports Park

In a move supporting local education, Council resolved to waive hire fees for all schools within the Fairfield LGA when using the synthetic fields at Endeavour Sports Park for special sporting events.

The fee waiver is subject to conditions including:

• The event must be non-commercial with no registration or participation fees charged
• The event must be non-exclusive and involve multiple school participants
• The proposed date must not conflict with existing bookings
• The waiver is limited to a maximum of 2 days per school per calendar year
• Schools remain responsible for any additional costs to Council

Council also specifically approved waiving fees for the King Park Invitation Tournament hosted by King Park Public School.

This initiative removes a financial barrier for schools organising inter-school sporting competitions and promotes physical activity among local students.

Analysis

The 25 August meeting demonstrated Council’s focus on several key themes relevant to ratepayers:

Community Infrastructure: The Bonnyrigg Men’s Shed situation highlights ongoing challenges with state government redevelopment projects and the need for adequate community infrastructure planning. Council’s advocacy role in seeking funding support is appropriate, though the outcome remains uncertain.

Financial Management: The significant reduction in budget carry-forwards (from $19.26 million to $9.99 million) suggests improved project delivery and planning processes. However, nearly $10 million in incomplete projects still represents a substantial amount requiring monitoring to ensure timely completion.

Road Safety: The comprehensive road safety programme targeting identified crash data priorities—particularly young drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians—represents evidence-based policy making. The modest funding requirements ($24,160 total) appear reasonable for the scope of activities planned.

Grant Success: Council’s ability to secure $131,870 in external grants during this reporting period demonstrates effective grant writing and relationship management with state and federal funding bodies, reducing the burden on ratepayers.

Community Support: The waiving of school sports facility fees and continued support for community organisations through mayoral funds shows Council’s commitment to supporting local institutions, though the cumulative cost of such initiatives warrants monitoring.

The meeting concluded at 7.58pm, having addressed all agenda items efficiently. The next Ordinary Council meeting is scheduled for 22 September 2026.