Connect 2 Campbelltown Newsletter - Climate Solutions Strategy, Dog-Free Parks, Coffee Chat and Consultation outcomes

With the summer behind us, we have commenced some new projects for you to consider.

New Consultation opportunities - available until 4pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026

Climate Solutions Strategy

We are seeking feedback on our revised Climate Solutions Strategy document and would like your feedback.

The updated Strategy has been reviewed to ensure it:

• Continues to align with our strategic objectives,
• Considers updated scientific understanding, and
• Continues to provide a framework for our response to current and future challenges presented by climate change.

Changes to the Strategy include:

• Our approach to adaptation, which, through an understanding of climate related risks, now involves proactive action to support the resilience of our assets, operations and Community.
• A commitment to Net Zero, involving reducing emissions as low as possible and avoiding new emissions by embedding sustainability into our decision-making and procurement.
• Principles to guide our Climate Solutions decision making and approach

Dog-Free Parks Consultation

We are seeking feedback on whether the following community parks should be designated as dog-free. Before any decisions are made, we’re inviting you to have your say.

Join us at one of our Pop-Up Park Chats to learn more, complete a quick survey and enjoy a coffee on us:

• Nightingale Reserve – Tuesday 17 March, 3 pm to 4 pm

• Jenkins Avenue – Wednesday 18 March, 10 am to 11 am

• Paradise Recreation Plaza – Saturday 28 March, 11 am to 12 pm

All participants in this consultation are eligible to win one of three $50 Why Leave Campbelltown vouchers.

Coffee Chat - Wednesday 18 March 2026

Our next Coffee Chat is at Fine Food Cucina, 5 Meredith St Newton.

Mayor Jill Whittaker OAM and Staff would love for you to join us for coffee and a chat - you may need information, assistance or have an idea for our Council that you wish to share. No need to register - just turn up if you would like to participate!

Can't make it - our remaining Coffee Chat dates are listed below.

Of course if you need assistance more urgently than this, please call our friendly Customer Service Staff on 8366 9222 during business hours.

Recent Decisions

The Gums Reserve: Biodiversity Options

Council received the results of this consultation at its 3 March 2026 meeting (Item 11.2 of the Agenda).

After considering all the feedback received, including petition data and information supplied by the newly formed Gums Residents Group, Council decided to endorse Option 5 as Council’s preferred option, and request that Staff consider the themes raised during the consultation with respect to access improvements, fire management practices and seasonal maintenance standards in relation to operational arrangements for The Gums Reserve South.

For information, Option 5 consists of the following:

• Creation of a fire perimeter adjacent to housing
• Improve access paths from Tennyson Avenue
• Increase irrigation
• Remove logs in the park and replace pine posts on Tennyson Avenue
• Improve visual amenity so that this area is consistent with irrigated parts of the park and landscaping in the northern side of the park.

Thank you to everyone who took an interest in this project and people who took time to respond to the consultation.

Hambledon Hub

Council also received the results of this consultation at its 3 March 2026 meeting (Item 11.1 of the Agenda); 110 people participated in this consultation.

After considering the feedback supplied through surveys, emails, verge chats and door-knocking, Council decided to:

1. Note the feedback received from the Community in relation to the Hambledon Hub Development Proposal

2. Change the name from Hambledon Hub to Hambledon Community Centre

3. Consult with Council’s Reconciliation Advisory Committee to determine a suitable Co-naming for the building

4. Request Staff to:

• progress the project to the Detailed Design phase, taking into consideration the concerns raised by the Community during the consultation, particularly with regard to site security and car parking improvements
• continue seeking relevant grant funding or other revenue options to support the building of the facility

Disability Access & Inclusion Plan 2025 - 2029

A small group of participants provided their feedback on this important plan during November / December 2025 and results were reported back to Council in the 3 February 2026 Council agenda (refer Item 11.1).

As a result of the Community engagement's support for the Plan, Council resolved to finalise the plan and forward it to the Government for registration.

The final plan and an easy-read plan version are available on Council's website.

Upcoming decision making - Hectorville Road Refuge consultation

Council recently undertook a closed consultation with 142 local residents and the St Joseph's School at Hectorville regarding a potential new pedestrian refuge adjacent to the Hectorville Road shops.

The report on the outcomes of this consultation opportunity will go to next week's Council meeting - the agenda will be available from Friday on Council's website if you would like to read the report. You are also welcome to attend the meeting to observe proceedings on Tuesday evening at 7pm if you wish.

Census Job Opportunities

Every 5 years, Australia holds a national census.

Our next census is on 11 August 2026 and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced hiring more than 30,000 across Australia to support the delivery of the Census.

There is a range of roles that you may be interested in - check it out here to find out more.

We hope you have found something of interest in this newsletter!